Roxborough

Roxborough

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northwest Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19128
Established	1690s (original settlement)
Boundaries	North: Montgomery County, South: Manayunk/Wissahickon Creek, East: Wissahickon Valley Park, West: Schuylkill River
Adjacent	Manayunk, Wissahickon, Andorra, Upper Roxborough
Major streets	Ridge Avenue, Henry Avenue, Pechin Street
Transit	SEPTA Bus Routes 9, 27, 35
Landmarks	Andorra Natural Area, Dalessandro's Steaks, Umbria Street

Roxborough is a neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia with a small-town atmosphere, located between the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Valley Park. Unlike many Philadelphia neighborhoods, Roxborough developed with single-family homes and maintains a residential character more typical of suburbs. The neighborhood is known for its strong community identity, local businesses, and famous cheesesteak shops.

History

Early Settlement

Roxborough was settled in the late 17th century by German, Dutch, and Swedish farmers. The area remained rural while Philadelphia developed to the southeast.

Consolidation

Roxborough was consolidated into Philadelphia in 1854 but retained its distinct identity due to geographic isolation—the Wissahickon Valley separated it from the main city.

20th Century

Roxborough developed as a working-class and middle-class neighborhood, attracting families seeking affordable single-family homes while remaining within city limits. The neighborhood has maintained stability while areas closer to Center City experienced more dramatic changes.

Character

Roxborough has a distinctly un-Philadelphia character:

Small-Town Feel

• Tree-lined streets
• Single-family homes dominant
• Local commercial strips
• Strong community identity
• Multi-generational families

Architecture

• Single-family houses (not rowhouses)
• Various styles (Victorian, Cape Cod, Colonial)
• Larger lots than typical Philadelphia
• Some apartment buildings along Ridge Avenue

Cheesesteak Rivalry

Roxborough has its own famous cheesesteak rivalry:

Dalessandro's Steaks

Dalessandro's Steaks at Wendover Street and Henry Avenue is widely considered one of Philadelphia's best cheesesteak shops:

• Family-owned since 1960
• Small neighborhood location
• Cash only
• Long lines at peak times

Chubby's Steaks

Chubby's Steaks sits nearby, creating a Roxborough version of the Pat's vs. Geno's rivalry. Locals debate which serves the better sandwich.

Commercial Areas

Ridge Avenue

The main commercial corridor featuring:

• Local restaurants and bars
• Shops and services
• Grocery stores
• Banks and pharmacies

Henry Avenue

Secondary commercial strip.

Umbria Street

Growing restaurant and nightlife district.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Roxborough borders Wissahickon Valley Park along its eastern edge:

• Trail access points throughout the neighborhood
• Hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• Historic sites (Valley Green Inn, covered bridges)
• Urban wilderness within the city

Getting There

Public Transit

• SEPTA Bus Routes: 9, 27, 35
• No subway or rail service (requires bus to Manayunk station)

Driving

• Ridge Avenue from Manayunk
• Henry Avenue from East Falls
• I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) via Green Lane exit

Living in Roxborough

Housing

• Single-family homes (most common)
• Some apartments and condos
• Lower prices than nearby Chestnut Hill
• More affordable than Center City

Demographics

• Working-class and middle-class families
• Many long-term residents
• Some newcomers attracted by affordability
• Predominantly white (historically), diversifying

Schools

• Roxborough High School
• Several elementary schools
• Parochial school options

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable by Philadelphia standards
• Family-friendly
• Strong community
• Nature access
• Safe streets

Cons:

• Limited public transit
• Car-dependent
• Less dining variety than Center City
• Far from downtown

See Also

• Manayunk
• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Northwest Philadelphia
• Andorra
• Upper Roxborough