East Falls

East Falls

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northwest Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19129
Named for	Falls of Schuylkill (historic name)
Boundaries	North: Wissahickon Creek, South: Fairmount Park, East: Schuylkill River, West: Roxborough
Adjacent	Manayunk, Roxborough, Wissahickon, Germantown
Major streets	Ridge Avenue, Midvale Avenue, Henry Avenue
Transit	SEPTA Regional Rail (East Falls Station), Bus Routes
Landmarks	Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus, Kelly family home

East Falls is a neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River, known for its small-town character, historic architecture, and connection to the Kelly family—including Grace Kelly, who became Princess of Monaco. The neighborhood is home to Thomas Jefferson University's East Falls campus (formerly Philadelphia University) and maintains a quieter atmosphere than nearby Manayunk.

History

Falls of Schuylkill

East Falls was originally called "Falls of Schuylkill" for the rapids in the Schuylkill River at this location. The falls provided power for early mills and industry.

The Kelly Family

East Falls is famous as home to the Kelly family:

• John B. Kelly Sr. - Olympic rowing champion, businessman
• Grace Kelly (1929-1982) - Oscar-winning actress who became Princess Grace of Monaco
• John B. Kelly Jr.*** - Olympic rower

The Kelly family home on Henry Avenue remains a neighborhood landmark.

Institutional Development

Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus) established its campus in the neighborhood, adding an institutional presence and student population.

Character

Architecture

• Victorian and early 20th-century homes
• Stone houses along the river
• Some newer construction
• Tree-lined streets

Atmosphere

• Small-town feel
• Family-friendly
• Quieter than Manayunk
• Student presence from university

Landmarks

Kelly Family Home

The Kelly family's historic home at 3901 Henry Avenue is a neighborhood landmark, associated with Grace Kelly's childhood.

Thomas Jefferson University (East Falls)

The campus adds:

• Student population
• Academic resources
• Campus events
• Architectural landmarks

Falls Bridge

The Falls Bridge connects East Falls to the Schuylkill River Trail and Fairmount Park.

Getting There

SEPTA Regional Rail

East Falls Station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line provides service to Center City.

Bus Routes

• Route 32 along Ridge Avenue
• Route 27

Driving

• Henry Avenue from Manayunk or Germantown
• Ridge Avenue
• Lincoln Drive (scenic route to Center City)

Trails

• Schuylkill River Trail access
• Kelly Drive connection
• Fairmount Park trails

Living in East Falls

Housing

• Single-family homes (more common than rowhouses)
• Apartments near university
• Mix of historic and newer housing
• Moderate prices for Northwest Philadelphia

Demographics

• Families
• University students
• Young professionals
• Long-term residents

Schools

• Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus
• Public and private K-12 options

Dining

East Falls offers neighborhood dining:

• In Riva - Italian
• Volo Coffeehouse*** - Cafe
• Local pubs and restaurants
• Fewer options than nearby Manayunk

See Also

• Manayunk
• Roxborough
• Fairmount Park
• Northwest Philadelphia