Is it a suburb within a city? That’s Far Northeast Philadelphia. It is the farthest north you can get in Philadelphia without actually leaving the city.
Far Northeast Philadelphia offers a unique blend. It mixes residential charm with convenient access to urban amenities. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission divides Northeast Philadelphia into two regions. These are the Lower Northeast and the Far Northeast. The names reflect their distance from Center City. The term “Far Northeast” is widely used. The demarcation line between the two sections is typically Pennypack Creek.
Let’s dive into what makes the Far Northeast Philadelphia special. The area maintains a somewhat suburban feel. It also features light industrial parks. This creates a diverse environment within the city limits.
The Far Northeast has a fascinating history. The first European settlement was by Swedish farmers. They came when the area was part of the New Sweden colony. English Quakers followed. One notable figure was Thomas Holme. He helped start William Penn’s Pennsylvania colony in the late 1680s. The Far Northeast grew as a collection of small towns and farms. These were part of Philadelphia County, not the City of Philadelphia itself.
Before joining the city, the Far Northeast included townships like Byberry and Moreland. These were largely rural areas. By 1854, Philadelphia County was incorporated into the city. The Northeast retained its distinct development patterns for a time.
After World War II, the Far Northeast experienced significant growth. New residents, benefiting from the GI Bill, drove a baby boom. The population was heavily Jewish or ethnic Catholic. This completed the region’s development. Undeveloped areas of Rhawnhurst and Bell’s Corner were filled in. The previously rural Far Northeast transformed.
Today, Far Northeast Philadelphia maintains a unique identity. It offers a blend of residential and commercial areas. The Philadelphia Mills Mall is a major attraction. This large outlet mall is located on Knights Road. It is easily accessible via I-95.
The Far Northeast provides a variety of options for recreation and leisure. Pennypack Park offers natural beauty along Pennypack Creek. This large city park features creeks and biking trails.
The Far Northeast is also home to several highly-rated public schools. These include Greenberg Joseph School and Mast Community Charter School.
In 2022, the population was about 142,000 people. The median age was 41.5. The median household income was $74,203.
Far Northeast Philadelphia offers a distinct community. It combines suburban living with urban access.