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Upper Kensington

Upper Kensington

2.3
$96,181 Average Value
$94 Average Price per Sq Ft
71 Homes For Sale

Upper Kensington has walkability and affordability

Named after the area of England that houses the royal family, Upper Kensington is a buzzing urban neighborhood in the northern part of Philadelphia. Highly walkable, close to public transportation and boasting a lower price point than many surrounding areas, Upper Kensington offers residents a great deal of accessibility. “Folks like how easy it is to get in and out of the city from this area,” says Marco Troche, realtor with RE/MAX Affiliates. “The train is close by, and so is 95, where there are a lot of shopping centers. It’s a convenient area.”

Tree-lined paths at McPherson Square in Upper Kensington are perfect for walks.
Tree-lined paths at McPherson Square in Upper Kensington are perfect for walks.
Locals gather at McPherson Square Library in Upper Kensington for community events.
Locals gather at McPherson Square Library in Upper Kensington for community events.
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The neighborhood has rowhomes with Victorian and colonial touches

Upper Kensington’s grid-style streets are lined with sidewalks and parked cars, as street parking is the norm in this neighborhood. Narrow, attached rowhomes, built in the 1920s and featuring a blend of Victorian and colonial influences, are packed tightly along the streets, and sit in varying condition. In this part of town, a three-bedroom rowhome ranges in cost from around $80,000 to $100,000. “Inventory is low around the city at the moment,” says Troche. “Based on the sales price and condition of the home, properties can sell anywhere from around 15 to 60 days.”

Upper Kensington homes showcase a mix of architectural styles.
Upper Kensington homes showcase a mix of architectural styles.
Upper Kensington residents enjoy relaxing on their inviting porches.
Upper Kensington residents enjoy relaxing on their inviting porches.
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School of District of Philadelphia covers the area

Upper Kensington is served by the School District of Philadelphia, which receives an overall grade of C-plus from Niche. Students in this area attend schools that include Lewis Elkin Elementary School, Conwell Middle School and Thomas Alva Edison High School and John C. Fareira Skills Center. Lewis Elkin Elementary, which receives an overall grade of C-minus from Niche, is located in the heart of the neighborhood, within walking distance from many residences. This elementary school boasts an optional, comprehensive dual language program — English and Spanish — that is available for students in kindergarten through 4th grade.

Lewis Elkin Elementary in Upper Kensington educates students in grades K-4.
Lewis Elkin Elementary in Upper Kensington educates students in grades K-4.
Conwell Middle School near Upper Kensington serves local middle school students.
Conwell Middle School near Upper Kensington serves local middle school students.
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McPherson Square has a playground and other amenities

Children can enjoy the modern slides and climbing structures at McKinley Playground, located in McPherson Square on Indiana Avenue. McPherson Square features a concentric design of paved walking paths, benches, mature trees and native plants that lead to the historic McPherson Square Library at its center. Built in 1890, this large public library has a traditional architectural style that includes ornate stonework, decorative moldings and tall columns. It belongs to the Free Library of Philadelphia system, which is one of the largest public library systems in the world.

McPherson Square in Upper Kensington features a playground for kids.
McPherson Square in Upper Kensington features a playground for kids.
McPherson Square in Upper Kensington offers paved paths and shaded benches.
McPherson Square in Upper Kensington offers paved paths and shaded benches.
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Olympia and Caribeña Bakery are community staples

When hungry, head to Olympia on Allegheny Avenue for casual diner-style fare. Hunker down in a booth or grab a swiveling stool at the counter and fill up on large platters of omelets and pancakes. For something sweet, head to Caribeña Bakery on 2nd Street for a range of freshly baked pastries and a steaming cup of coffee. There are plenty of small shops and convenience stores scattered throughout Upper Kensington, so grabbing snacks and essentials is quick and easy. For groceries, there is a Save A Lot on Allegheny Avenue. When you want to shop at big box stores, head 2 miles east to Butler Street, where you’ll find familiar retailers like Walmart, Target and Home Depot.

Upper Kensington is home to local corner stores like Guzman Grocery.
Upper Kensington is home to local corner stores like Guzman Grocery.
Olympia Restaurant near Upper Kensington serves hearty breakfast and lunch plates.
Olympia Restaurant near Upper Kensington serves hearty breakfast and lunch plates.
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Commuters have access to SEPTA services

Philadelphia’s extensive public transportation system, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority — or SEPTA — has two subway stations in the neighborhood, Somerset Station and Allegheny Station. There are also over a dozen bus stops along Kensington Avenue for more options and convenience. The area’s proximity to Interstate 95, which is 2 miles south of Upper Kensington, makes it easy to get downtown and beyond in no time.

Allegheny Station in Upper Kensington connects riders to the Market-Frankford Line.
Allegheny Station in Upper Kensington connects riders to the Market-Frankford Line.
SEPTA bus routes provide convenient transit options in Upper Kensington.
SEPTA bus routes provide convenient transit options in Upper Kensington.
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Sarah Grace Vedomske
Written By
Sarah Grace Vedomske
Mitchell Birnbaum
Photography Contributed By
Mitchell Birnbaum
Britt Lyle
Video By
Britt Lyle

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

26 min drive

Subway

Allegheny (Mfl)

Subway

Somerset

Bus

Front St & Clearfield St

Bus

Allegheny Av & C St

Bus

Front St & Allegheny Av

Bus

Kensington Av & Lehigh Av

Bus

Allegheny Av & Front St

Bus

F St & Westmoreland St

Bus

Tioga St & E St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
2.3 10 Reviews
1.0 Niche User
7/21/2014 Niche Review
You cannot workout outside because people are drugged or drunk.
2.0 Niche User
7/21/2014 Niche Review
It's not a great place if you are planning to find a job.
2.0 Niche User
7/21/2014 Niche Review
Exactly where I live its really bad but if you go out to the city you will be glad of what you will expirience.
Are you familiar with the Upper Kensington neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Upper Kensington US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Upper Kensington Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$90,000
Median Sale Price
$80,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$135,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$88,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
154
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$94

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
7,266
Number of Homes for Sale
71
Median Year Built
1930
Months of Supply
5.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,218
Above the national average
1,928
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,064
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

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 More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
21,781
Median Age
34
Population Density
42 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.8%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.1%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$23,544
Significantly below the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$36,025

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
59.3%
Significantly below the national average
89%
College Graduates
5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.5%
% Population in Labor Force
41.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
15''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

72 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

87 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

67 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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
Upper Kensington
Ms. Madalyn J Eleby
Opulent Realty Group LLC
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