Somerton

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Far Northeast Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19116
Boundaries	Roughly Byberry Road to Bucks County line, Roosevelt Boulevard to Pennypack Park
Adjacent	Bustleton, Fox Chase, Bucks County
Major streets	Roosevelt Boulevard, Byberry Road, Philmont Avenue
Transit	SEPTA bus routes
Landmarks	Byberry State Hospital site (redeveloped), near city boundary

Somerton is a neighborhood in the far Northeast Philadelphia, located at the northern edge of the city near the Bucks County border. The area has the most suburban character of any Philadelphia neighborhood, with newer housing developments, shopping centers, and a car-dependent layout.

History

Somerton remained rural farmland until the late 20th century, making it one of the last areas of Philadelphia to be developed. The neighborhood attracted families seeking new construction homes with suburban amenities while remaining within city limits.

Byberry State Hospital

The former Byberry State Hospital occupied a large portion of the area:

Psychiatric hospital operated 1907-1990
Notorious for poor conditions
Demolished after closure
Site redeveloped for residential use

Character

Housing

Newer single-family homes
Townhouse communities
Apartment complexes
Suburban subdivisions
Cul-de-sacs and planned developments

Community

Young families
Commuters to Center City and suburbs
More transient than older neighborhoods
Less dense development

Commercial Areas

Shopping centers along Roosevelt Boulevard
Philmont Plaza area
Typical suburban retail
Auto-oriented development

Living in Somerton

Newer homes
Suburban feel
Near Bucks County
Family-oriented
Car necessary

Getting There

SEPTA buses: 1, 14, 58
Roosevelt Boulevard: Primary arterial
Near: PA Turnpike, Bucks County
Long commute: To Center City