Feltonville

A diverse and vibrant neighborhood, Feltonville blends cultural richness and community spirit in the urban reaches of North Philadelphia. Close to a big city park and filled with varied restaurants and businesses, folks can explore nature and celebrate the city's multiculturalism.

Numerous brick rowhouses form large city blocks throughout the community. In the center of the neighborhood, a large swath of industrial buildings and the former headquarters of the regional SEPTA transit system spans about a dozen or so residential blocks. The homes here offer affordable options for prospective buyers and renters. Home values in Feltonville average about $130,000. The citywide average is $250,000. In recent years, distressed homes approximating 1,000 square feet sold for as low as $50,000. An updated home about the same size typically sells for around $100,000, while complete twin homes or exceptionally outfitted homes with new HVAC systems and other top-line upgrades can rise to $200,000.

Feltonville's various stores and restaurants highlight various cuisines and cultures. Latin American eateries are particularly popular. Restaurants like The Ranchito, Casa Del Mofongo and Mr Platano serve rich, traditional Dominican and Puerto Rican dishes that remind the diaspora of home. At Alaqsa Halal Meats and Groceries, loyal shoppers regularly stop in for fresh beef, produce, pastries and international products from North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Tierra Colombiana, located inside a Spanish-style building with a red-tiled roof, excels as both an eatery and a lively nightclub. While you can enjoy dinner as a small four-piece band performs sultry Latin Jazz, weekend DJs playing modern and traditional Latin hits get people up and dancing in the restaurant's second-floor club venue. With a multitude of businesses in the neighborhood concentrated along Wyoming Avenue, Whitaker Avenue and Rising Sun Avenue, the neighborhood's main thoroughfares, folks can easily find pizzerias, convenience stores and take-out restaurants where you can quickly nab a cheesesteak or hoagie.

While the SETPA facility in the middle of Feltonville still functions as a busy bus depot and garage, folks can quickly escape to urban green spaces with open fields and nature trails, making that access one of the neighborhood's standout features. Nearby to the west, meandering paved trails course through Hunting Park's 87 acres, passing open green space, baseball fields, tennis courts and other park facilities. Folks visiting Tacony Creek Park also enjoy walking along its trails. However, the experience there is more nature-oriented, focused on allowing people to hike or relax by the tranquil creek. Within the neighborhood, folks can swim in the summer at the Feltonville Recreation Center or play baseball or football at the Vaird Boys and Girls Club. A rainy day in Feltonville doesn't have to be glum. At the Wyoming Library, folks can check out books or learn something from the local chess club. Constructed in 1930, the historic Wyoming Avenue branch is one of the 25 libraries the city built with support from the famous steel baron Andrew Carnegie.

With a high population density, the Philadelphia School District and a few private institutions operate several schools in the community. Students generally learn to read and write at the K-2 Clara Barton Elementary School before advancing to Feltonville Intermediate School, Feltonville School of Arts and Sciences from 6th to 8th grade and Olney High School. Niche gives both the School of Arts and Sciences and Olney a C-minus.

Written By

Christopher Suarez

Photography Contributed By

Mitchell Birnbaum

Video By

Houston Knight