East Kensington
East Kensington
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | River Wards |
| ZIP code(s) | 19125 |
| Boundaries | Roughly Lehigh Avenue to Norris Street, Front Street to Frankford Avenue |
| Adjacent | Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond |
| Major streets | Frankford Avenue, Lehigh Avenue, Front Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (Berks Station) |
| Landmarks | Frankford Avenue corridor, maker spaces |
East Kensington is a transitional neighborhood in the River Wards, located between Fishtown and Kensington. The neighborhood has experienced significant development spillover from Fishtown's gentrification, with new construction, artist spaces, and businesses opening alongside longtime residents and industrial uses.
History
East Kensington was historically part of the broader Kensington industrial district. As Fishtown gentrified rapidly, development pressure moved north into East Kensington.
Character
In Transition
- New construction mixed with older housing
- Art studios and maker spaces
- Ongoing development
- Mix of demographics
Industrial Legacy
- Former industrial buildings
- Some converted to studios/lofts
- Remaining light industrial uses
Development
East Kensington is actively developing:
- New apartment buildings
- Restaurant and bar openings
- Art collectives
- Rising property values
Concerns
- Displacement of longtime residents
- Gentrification pressures
- Proximity to Kensington's opioid crisis
- Rapid neighborhood change
Living in East Kensington
- New construction apartments
- Converted industrial lofts
- Some rowhouses
- Mix of renters and buyers
Getting There
- Market-Frankford Line: Berks Station
- SEPTA bus routes: 3, 5, 39