Norris Square

Type	Neighborhood
Location	North Philadelphia / Kensington
ZIP code(s)	19122
Named for	Norris Square park
Boundaries	Roughly Susquehanna Avenue to Berks Street, Front Street to 5th Street
Adjacent	West Kensington, Kensington, Temple University Area
Major streets	2nd Street, Susquehanna Avenue, Front Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (Berks Station nearby), SEPTA buses
Landmarks	Norris Square Park, Norris Square Neighborhood Project

Norris Square is a neighborhood in North Philadelphia / Kensington centered on Norris Square Park. The neighborhood has a significant Puerto Rican community and is known for the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, a community organization focused on urban agriculture and neighborhood improvement.

Norris Square Park

Norris Square is the neighborhood's central park:

Historic public square
Community gathering space
Community gardens nearby
Playground
Event space

Norris Square Neighborhood Project

The Norris Square Neighborhood Project is a notable community organization:

Community gardens and urban farming
Youth programs
Environmental education
Neighborhood beautification
Cultural programming

History

Norris Square was laid out as a public square in the 19th century. The surrounding neighborhood developed as part of industrial Kensington. Puerto Rican migration transformed the area's demographics in the mid-20th century.

Character

Housing

Rowhouses
Mix of conditions
Some renovation occurring
Affordable prices

Community

Puerto Rican community
Active neighborhood organizations
Community gardens
Youth programs

Challenges

Poverty
Proximity to opioid crisis areas
Property vacancies

Living in Norris Square

Affordable housing
Strong community organizations
Latino community and culture
Near Temple University

Getting There

Market-Frankford Line: Berks Station
SEPTA buses: 3, 47
Near Temple University campus