Spring Garden
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | North Philadelphia / Center City border |
| ZIP code(s) | 19123, 19130 |
| Named for | Spring Garden Street |
| Boundaries | North: Girard Avenue, South: Vine Street, East: 6th Street, West: Broad Street |
| Adjacent | Northern Liberties, Fairmount, Callowhill, Logan Square |
| Major streets | Spring Garden Street, 13th Street, Broad Street |
| Transit | Broad Street Line (Spring Garden Station), Market-Frankford Line (Spring Garden Station) |
| Landmarks | Eastern State Penitentiary, Spring Garden Street Bridge |
Spring Garden is a neighborhood on the northern edge of Center City, Philadelphia, featuring a mix of Victorian architecture and modern development. The neighborhood is named for Spring Garden Street, one of Philadelphia's major crosstown thoroughfares. Eastern State Penitentiary, the historic prison-turned-museum, anchors the neighborhood's western end.[1]
History
Development
Spring Garden developed in the mid-19th century as Philadelphia expanded northward. The area was incorporated as a separate district before consolidation with Philadelphia in 1854. Victorian rowhouses lined the streets, home to middle-class and working-class families.
Modern Era
Spring Garden has experienced significant change:
- Redevelopment along Spring Garden Street
- New apartment construction
- Conversion of industrial buildings
- Rising property values
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is Spring Garden's most famous landmark:
- Operated as prison 1829-1971
- Now a museum and historic site
- Famous inmates included Al Capone
- Terror Behind the Walls Halloween attraction
- National Historic Landmark
Character
Architecture
- Victorian rowhouses
- Some brownstones
- New apartment buildings
- Industrial conversions
- Mix of historic and modern
Atmosphere
- Urban residential
- Close to Center City
- Near cultural institutions
- Transit accessible
Living in Spring Garden
Housing
- Rowhouses (historic)
- Modern apartment buildings
- Converted lofts
- Range of price points
Demographics
- Young professionals
- Students
- Downtown workers
- Mix of incomes
Getting There
Public Transit
- Broad Street Line (The B): Spring Garden Station
- Market-Frankford Line (The L): Spring Garden Station
- SEPTA Bus Routes: 2, 4, 7, 32, 43, 48
The neighborhood's transit access is excellent with both subway lines.
Location
- Walking distance to Center City
- Adjacent to Northern Liberties
- Near Fairmount Park
See Also
References
- ↑ "Eastern State Penitentiary". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025