Ludlow

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19133
Boundaries	Roughly Lehigh Avenue to Indiana Avenue, 5th Street to Front Street
Adjacent	Fairhill, Kensington, West Kensington
Major streets	5th Street, Lehigh Avenue, Indiana Avenue
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (nearby), SEPTA bus routes
Landmarks	Part of "The Badlands" area

Ludlow is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia, part of a larger area sometimes referred to as "The Badlands" due to high crime rates and the impact of the drug trade. The neighborhood faces severe challenges but is home to community organizations working to improve conditions.

History

Ludlow developed as part of North Philadelphia's industrial expansion. The neighborhood has been significantly impacted by deindustrialization, poverty, and the drug trade that has affected the broader Kensington and North Philadelphia area.

Character

Challenges

High poverty rates
Drug activity
Property abandonment
Crime
Limited services

Housing

Rowhouses
Significant vacancies
Very affordable
Varied conditions

Community

Latino community
African-American community
Community organizations
Harm reduction services

"The Badlands"

Ludlow is part of an area sometimes called "The Badlands":

Media designation for high-crime area
Open-air drug markets historically
Subject of intervention efforts
Community disputes the negative label

Living in Ludlow

Very affordable housing
Significant challenges
Near transit connections
Community organizations active

Getting There

Market-Frankford Line: Nearby stations
SEPTA buses: 3, 54
5th Street: Main corridor