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Kingsessing

Kingsessing

$176,283 Average Value
$142 Average Price per Sq Ft
78 Homes For Sale

Why Kingsessing appeals to buyers in West Philly

Kingsessing is a Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood that keeps you connected to the rest of the city. It’s an easy transit ride to University City, home to UPenn, Drexel University and major employers like Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Kingsessing itself, though, is more residential, with early-20th-century rowhomes attracting buyers across a wide range of price points. For people who want city access, a more residential feel and real value compared with nearby neighborhoods, it’s a practical place to look.

Kingsessing is just across the Schuylkill River from Center City.
Kingsessing is just across the Schuylkill River from Center City.
Beautiful murals adorn the sides of many Kingsessing rowhomes.
Beautiful murals adorn the sides of many Kingsessing rowhomes.
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Rowhomes and twins, from fixer-uppers to renovated finds

Like many Philadelphia neighborhoods, Kingsessing is known for its classic rowhomes and twin homes, most of which date back to the 1920s. Some are more than a century old, but many have been renovated over the years with updated kitchens and modern appliances. As local Realtor Nicole LaGreca puts it, “People are retaining the existing housing stock and restoring it.” Renovations are more common than new construction, though a handful of newer homes are starting to pop up around the neighborhood. You’ll see the occasional rear-entry garage, but street parking is the norm.

Prices can vary quite a bit, since home sizes and conditions often change from block to block, thanks to a mix of long-term owners and investment rentals. Investment properties often sell for under $100,000, while move-in-ready homes typically range from the low $100,000s to the high $300,000s. The median sale price is in the mid-$100,000s, which is lower than nearby Cedar Park and slightly less than Cobbs Creek. That relative affordability is a big reason Kingsessing appeals to first-time buyers and anyone looking for more value within the city.

Colorful rowhomes stand out on residential streets.
Colorful rowhomes stand out on residential streets.
Most rowhomes in Kingsessing have oriel windows and small front porches.
Most rowhomes in Kingsessing have oriel windows and small front porches.
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SEPTA trolley connects residents to Center City

You probably won’t see Kingsessing topping lists of Philly’s best car-free neighborhoods, but it still works well for walking and biking. Public transit is another easy option, with several SEPTA bus routes and multiple T lines connecting commuters to downtown neighborhoods like Center City West and Logan Square. The Media/Wawa Line also stops at 49th Street Station, offering service to Penn Medicine Station and beyond. For drivers, the Schuylkill Expressway is just a few miles away, making it fairly easy to get in and out of the city.

T lines have tons of stops throughout Kingsessing for easy commuting.
T lines have tons of stops throughout Kingsessing for easy commuting.
SEPTA buses run year-round and can take residents all around the city.
SEPTA buses run year-round and can take residents all around the city.
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Wide sidewalks make it easy to reach Baltimore Avenue's shops and restaurants.
Wide sidewalks make it easy to reach Baltimore Avenue's shops and restaurants.

Neighborhood eats, with Baltimore Avenue close by

Kingsessing doesn’t have a major commercial corridor like University City, but you’ll still find a handful of neighborhood spots for casual dining and everyday shopping. Local favorites include Caribbean dishes at Little Delicious, West African staples at Baobab and frozen treats from Fred’s Water Ice. Small markets like Diaz Deli Grocery Store serve the neighborhood, and a Save A Lot is just outside its borders. For more dining options, nearby Baltimore Avenue is home to places like:

  • Booker’s Restaurant & Bar, known for Southern comfort foods
  • Clarkville, a laid-back pizza place with beer and wine on tap
  • Dahlak, serving traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine
  • Cleo Bagels, a go-to for quick breakfast and coffee runs

A closer look at which schools serve Kingsessing

Kingsessing is part of the School District of Philadelphia, and school assignments depend on your address. One common path is to start at Avery D. Harrington School, then head to William L. Sayre High School. If those neighborhood schools aren’t the right fit, the district’s school selection process allows families to apply to other public schools. You’ll also find a few private schools nearby, including Cornerstone Christian Academy.

Avery D. Harrington School serves students in Southwest Philly.
Avery D. Harrington School serves students in Southwest Philly.
Murals line the exterior walls of William L. Sayre High School.
Murals line the exterior walls of William L. Sayre High School.
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Parks and community hubs close to home

The neighborhood is next to Cobbs Creek Park, one of Southwest Philly’s most popular green spaces. It’s an easy go to for fresh air and outdoor time, with a shaded trail, sports courts and playgrounds. Other green spaces in and around Kingsessing include:

  • Kingsessing Recreation Center, with an updated pool, playground and more
  • Kingsessing Library, which has programs for all ages and a community garden
  • Bartram’s Garden, a public botanical garden with a trail on the Schuylkill River

Work on your game at the basketball courts in Cobbs Creek Park.
Work on your game at the basketball courts in Cobbs Creek Park.
The Kingsessing Recreation Center is a hub for local residents.
The Kingsessing Recreation Center is a hub for local residents.
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Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Conner Baker
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

15 min drive

Subway

Chester Avenue And 58Th Street

Subway

Kingsessing Avenue And Cemetary-Mt Moriah

Subway

Chester Avenue And 57Th Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 59Th Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 51St Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 52Nd Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 53Rd Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 54Th Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 55Th Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 57Th Street

Subway

Baltimore Avenue And 58Th Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 51St Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 52Nd Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 53Rd Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 54Th Street

Subway

Chester Avenue And 55Th Street

Bus

54th St & Whitby Av

Bus

58th St & Springfield Av

Bus

Whitby Av & 52Nd St - Mbns

Bus

Whitby Av & 53Rd St

Bus

52Nd St & Baltimore Av

Bus

54Th St & Chester Av

Bus

54Th St & Florence Av

Reviews

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Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
6,694
Number of Homes for Sale
78
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
4.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,793
Below the national average
1,934
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,400
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
63
Median Rent
$1,500
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,425
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$1,987
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,545
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,600
Median Condo Rent
$1,350
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,525

Demographics

Total Population
20,392
Median Age
37
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$38,264
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$51,035

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
21.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.2%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

100 / 100

Good public transit

Transit®

70 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Kingsessing