In this ongoing series, we'll be taking a look at some of what are widely considered to be the major neighborhoods or regions of the City of Philadelphia. In future parts of the series we'll focus in on each neighborhood and give you a bit of the history of the area. We'll look at the folks that make up the demographic base of the neighborhood. We'll look at the major places of interest and some of the best places to eat and have fun in each area.
To begin the series, let's tale a capsule look at the major areas of Philadelphia that we'll be examining.
According to the most recent Census data, Philadelphia is roughly 40% Black in ancestry, about 50% White, and roughly 6% Hispanic. The remainder of the city is Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American in background.
The city itself is highly segregated, with Black neighborhoods dominating many of the older neighborhoods, with the exception of eastern North Philadelphia and parts of South Philadelphia. A narrow band of Hispanic neighborhoods stretches along a corridor on the eastern side of North Philadelphia, separating the areas of Kensington, Port Richmond and Bridesburg from the heart of North Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Fairmount Park
The area on both sides of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from City Hall to the Philadelphia Art Museum is home to many of the cities museums, such as the Franklin Institute, Museum of Natural History and the Rodin Museum. It is also where you can find the main branch of the Philadelphia Library.
Along with Fairmount Park which stretches along both sides of the Schuylkill River, this area is not often considered a separate neighborhood of Philadelphia, but because of the unique cultural and recreational activities available, we will look at this area separately.
Bridesburg-Kensington-Richmond
Encompassing many of the river wards just north of Center City, this area consists of the areas of the city known as Bridesburg, Fishtown, Juniata Park, New Kensington, North West Kensington, Port Richmond and Richmond.
The area is overwhelming white in terms of race. Homes are predominantly owner-occupied attached units. The area was once predominantly industrial. However, most heavy industry has now left.
Center City
The Center City area of Philadelphia is the area where most suburban residents work, and where most tourists visit. It is home to most of the large businesses in the city.
Center City also contains many of the most historic areas of the city, including Independence National Park, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It is also the home to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and most major hotels, as well as the seat of Philadelphia's government, City Hall.
This area consists of such areas as Center City East and West, Chinatown, the Delaware Riverfront, Franklin-Callowhill, Olde City, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill and Washington Square.
This area of the city is not highly populated. Those who live here are predominantly white and most live in high rise apartment buildings or in expensive townhouses in the Society Hill area.
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