$241,348Average Value$213Average Price per Sq Ft76Homes For Sale
Norris Square is a historic and close-knit North Philly neighborhood
In the eastern section of North Central Philadelphia, Norris Square is a community immersed in history, resilience and a strong sense of togetherness. This neighborhood has faced its fair share of challenges but is now experiencing a revitalization driven by the dedication of its residents. The roots of Norris Square trace back to 1683 when William Penn granted prominent Quaker merchant Issac Norris parcels of land. Over the years, the community went through tough times, especially during the 1970s when job opportunities and housing were scarce. However, the tight-knit community kept Norris Square united.
The "Park of Squirrels" and community gardens offer outdoor activities
At the heart of Norris Square's revitalization are its urban green spaces. Norris Square Park, affectionately known as "El Parque de Las Ardillas" (Park of Squirrels), is 5.8 acres shaded by whispering sycamore and oak trees. The park has been lovingly restored by its residents, creating a space for neighbors to gather, play and connect with free Wi-Fi, playgrounds and basketball courts. Friends of Norris Square Park host regular meetings, clean-up events and farmstands to ensure the park remains a treasured asset. “Norris Square Park had a million-dollar renovation where they started to clean things up and there's a lot of great things happening,” says John Lee, a Realtor with eXp Realty.
Its six community gardens beautifully demonstrate Norris Square's residents' commitment to the community. Each garden pays homage to Latin heritage while providing serene spaces for reflecting and learning. The Butterfly Garden invites visitors to bask in fluttering butterflies amidst vibrant mosaics. Las Parcelas is a living archive of collected instruments and crafts, preserving cultural legacies. Villa Africána Colobó is a tribute to West African and Puerto Rican heritage, fostering hands-on learning with their outdoor kitchen and storytelling sessions. The Norris Square Neighborhood Project overlooks these gardens and hosts youth programs and a Community Farm Stand, offering fresh produce to residents and access to healthy food choices.
Housing ranges from brick row houses to Spanish Revivals
As you walk through the streets, you'll notice the bright-colored abstract murals that blend into the side of buildings and the juxtaposition of modern condos with sleek designs boasting spacious windows that invite natural light to flood interiors. Traditional Philadelphia-style brick row houses are dotted throughout the linear grid lots alongside these contemporary homes. You'll also find Spanish Revival-style homes with covered front porches adding a Mediterranean touch to the area. Iron streetlamps that line sidewalks, intricate wrought iron stair handles and garden beds add to the neighborhood's charm. The homes of Norris Square offer street parking and are within walking distance of parks, schools, corner stores and restaurants. Lee notes it's more affordable to live in Norris Square than surrounding areas with average prices ranging from $260,000 for a two-bedroom to $400,000 for up to four-bedrooms.
Since its founding in 1982, the Norris Square Community Alliance has been a guiding light for residents, offering youth initiatives, employment training and early childhood education. Committed to maintaining the neighborhood's heritage, the alliance has also played a significant role in several affordable housing projects.
Students can access STEM and art-focused programs
Whether seeking education in the arts or sciences, living in Norris Square offers its youngest residents numerous schools. These include Henry A. Brown Elementary School, Kensington High School, and William McKinley Elementary School, serving pre-school through 8th grade. Students interested in prospective careers in medicine should consider Kensington Health Sciences Academy, a community school known for its STEM-based curriculum. While creative students may apply to Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School, where they will thrive in a stimulating environment. Aside from Norris Square, Nelson Playground’s pirate-themed playscape may be the popular choice with its interactive splash zone for hanging out afterschool.
Staples include Rowhome Coffee and Philadelphia Brewing Company
Norris Squares' dining scene is an eclectic mix of old and new. Rowhome Coffee, housed in 1900s era pharmacy, offers a cozy ambiance to start the day with a steamy Americano. Luna Café entices with refreshing fruit smoothies, sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. And for those who appreciate a good brew, The Philadelphia Brewing Company has been pouring house-brewed specialty beers for over a century. The newly opened Grocery Outlet on North American Street is where residents can get fresh grocery items and essentials. The Kensington Library is a quiet escape from the sounds of the city, with several weekly events from story times, dungeons and dragons and an anime club.
Commuters have access to SEPTA services
The neighborhood benefits from the elevated rail at Berks station and easy access to SEPTA, making commuting to Center City a breeze, just a short 3-mile journey. Residents also enjoy being within a 20-minute walk of Temple University, a renowned public research intuition.
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
Are you familiar with the Norris Square neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Norris Square
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Norris Square Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Norris Square, Philadelphia sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Norris Square, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $285,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 2024 N Palethorp Street, a stunning new construction home in the heart of Norris Square! Step into luxury living in this home boasting 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,242 square feet of living space. Upon entry, be greeted by the open concept layout with pristine hardwood floors and large windows allowing tons of natural light. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite
Location Location Location on this super private block in HOT South Kensington - PLENY of parking ! TAX ABATEMENT and potential for a $6K grant through the NeighborFirst program. And that is just the beginning ! Welcome to the stunning and contemporary new construction home in HOT South Kensington, in close proximity to both Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Enjoy luxury and lifestyle in this
Introducing 2113 North Philip Street, a modern gem in the thriving Norris Square neighborhood that blends elegance with urban convenience. This charming townhouse epitomizes thoughtfully designed space- with an inviting living room, dining room, and sleek new kitchen downstairs, and two cozy bedrooms with a full bathroom upstairs. Featuring an open concept living area, the home is perfect for
Welcome home to 2241 N Hancock Street a stunning three-story end-of-row townhome in the heart of Norris Square. This tastefully renovated property offers four bedrooms and a total of 1 full bathroom and 2 half bathrooms, ensuring convenience and accommodating your home office needs. The spacious living room, complete with a powder room, is not only inviting but also offers a cozy ambiance with an
Welcome to your new home, where warmth and comfort greet you at every turn. Upon entering, you’ll find soaring tray ceilings with both under mount and recessed lighting, dark rich real hardwood floors, a modern electric fireplace. The kitchen is a culinary dream, equipped with stylish cabinetry, quartz countertops, a pot filler, a farmhouse sink, and premium appliances, making cooking enjoyable
** 2 MONTHS FREE ON 14+ MONTH LEASE, PLUS ADDITIONAL OPENING SPECIALS ** Urby Fishtown is a bold and vibrant addition to Philadelphia’s most creative and culturally dynamic neighborhood. Designed with a modern urban lifestyle in mind, Urby redefines apartment living through its thoughtful architecture, boutique hospitality sensibility, and a deep connection to community. Rising along North Front
** 2 MONTHS FREE ON 14+ MONTH LEASE, PLUS ADDITIONAL OPENING SPECIALS ** Urby Fishtown is a bold and vibrant addition to Philadelphia’s most creative and culturally dynamic neighborhood. Designed with a modern urban lifestyle in mind, Urby redefines apartment living through its thoughtful architecture, boutique hospitality sensibility, and a deep connection to community. Rising along North Front
** 2 MONTHS FREE ON 14+ MONTH LEASE, PLUS ADDITIONAL OPENING SPECIALS ** Urby Fishtown is a bold and vibrant addition to Philadelphia’s most creative and culturally dynamic neighborhood. Designed with a modern urban lifestyle in mind, Urby redefines apartment living through its thoughtful architecture, boutique hospitality sensibility, and a deep connection to community. Rising along North Front
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
