Section Image

Upper Roxborough

Upper Roxborough

$440,425 Average Value
$248 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale

Upper Roxborough offers a more suburban side of Philadelphia

Upper Roxborough is a Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood that gives you a quieter, more suburban feel without feeling far from the city. It’s the kind of place with residential streets and shady sidewalks where kids ride bikes and neighbors walk their dogs. For many residents, easy access to Wissahickon Valley Park is a major perk, whether that means hitting the trails or spending time along the creek. And Ridge Avenue’s small businesses give Upper Roxborough a strong local backbone, all just 12 miles from Center City.

Leafy streets with a mix of home styles

Many people move to Upper Roxborough for its urban-suburban feel. “It’s like a small-town feel in a big city,” says Jacqueline Cusack, executive director of the Roxborough Development Corporation. “If you want to live in Philly but be surrounded by nature and know your neighbors, it’s one of the best places to live.” A big part of that suburban atmosphere is Upper Roxborough’s leafy, residential streets, where you’ll find both older builds and newer construction, including single-family homes, twins, townhouses and condos. It’s also common to see driveways, garages or small backyards in this pocket of the city.

Red-brick twin homes are a common housing option.
Red-brick twin homes are a common housing option.
New construction is popping up throughout Upper Roxborough.
New construction is popping up throughout Upper Roxborough.
1/2

Who buys in Upper Roxborough, and what homes cost

Because Upper Roxborough has so many different housing options, it’s a popular choice for first-time buyers and families who want room to grow while staying in the city. New construction is usually the most expensive option, and typical price ranges in Upper Roxborough include:

  • Low $300,000s to mid-$600,000s for traditional single-family homes
  • Mid-$500,000s to low $800,000s for modern single-family homes
  • Upper $200,000s to upper $700,000s for twin homes
  • Low $200,000s to high $600,000s for townhouses
  • Upper $100,000s to upper $200,000s for condos
Upper Roxborough’s median sale price is in the low $400,000s. That’s higher than Philadelphia’s citywide median and slightly above Manayunk and Wissahickon, but it’s still a more affordable alternative to Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods like West Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill.

Close to Center City, with multiple ways to get around

Upper Roxborough might feel suburban, but it’s just 12 miles from Center City. Commuters can easily take the Schuylkill Expressway to Center City Market East and Center City West offices. Public transportation is nearby, too, including SEPTA bus stops and Ivy Ridge Station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line. “The buses are great and connect you to downtown very quickly. There is the train station, but because of the hills, it’s not as easy to get to,” Cusack says. She adds that the neighborhood is walkable overall, though it’s more of a “huffing and puffing kind of walk.”

SEPTA buses make it easy to reach Center City and beyond.
SEPTA buses make it easy to reach Center City and beyond.
The Schuylkill Expressway is a major highway running parallel to the Schuylkill River.
The Schuylkill Expressway is a major highway running parallel to the Schuylkill River.
1/2

Public, charter and private schools in Upper Roxborough

The School District of Philadelphia assigns students to neighborhood schools based on home address, but families can apply for other options through the district’s annual school selection process. Shawmont School and Roxborough High School are the designated neighborhood schools for Upper Roxborough. Families can also apply to the highly rated STEM-focused Green Woods Charter School or explore private options like Roxborough Christian School.

Shawmont School serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Shawmont School serves students from prekindergarten through eighth grade.
High schoolers in Northwest Philly can attend Roxborough High School.
High schoolers in Northwest Philly can attend Roxborough High School.
1/2

Why Upper Roxborough is a great choice for park lovers

One of the best parts of living in Upper Roxborough is how close you are to Wissahickon Valley Park. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders love the park’s shaded trails, which are also popular with dog walkers. Some trails lead to Wissahickon Creek, a favorite spot for trout fishing, and to the Valley Green Inn, a historic roadhouse that’s now known for Sunday brunch. Beyond Wissahickon Valley Park, Upper Roxborough also has several neighborhood parks and outdoor spaces, including:

  • Gorgas Park, with a playground, picnic lawn and community events
  • Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, with trails and more
  • Houston Playground, with athletic facilities, a splash pad and a rec center
  • Roxborough YMCA, with a member-only pool, gym and fitness classes
  • Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve, perfect for dog walkers and birdwatchers

Teenagers beat the Upper Roxborough heat with a dip in Wissahickon Creek.
Teenagers beat the Upper Roxborough heat with a dip in Wissahickon Creek.
Wissahickon Valley Park is a very popular spot for hiking and biking.
Wissahickon Valley Park is a very popular spot for hiking and biking.
1/2

Ridge Avenue’s local businesses and everyday conveniences

Upper Roxborough is more residential than central Roxborough, but it’s still close to Ridge Avenue’s shops and restaurants. “Around here, we still have all the old-time type stores,” says Bob Enslin III, a real estate agent with Kershaw Real Estate who’s lived in Roxborough his whole life. “There are some very good family-owned businesses.”

You can grab pastries at Cafe Roma Bakery, stop into longtime spots like Stanley’s Hardware or sit down for breakfast at Bob’s Diner, which has been a neighborhood staple for decades. For something different, White Yak is a go-to for Tibetan food, while Dalessandro’s Steaks and Chubby’s Steaks are nearby favorites for classic Philly cheesesteaks. There’s also New Ridge Brewing Co. for craft beer, plus easy access to big-name stores like Target, ShopRite and ACME just off the main drag. Ridge Avenue comes alive a couple of times a year with neighborhood festivals like Roxtoberfest and Roxborough Spring Fest.

Ridge Avenue is a walkable hub filled with small businesses.
Ridge Avenue is a walkable hub filled with small businesses.
Upper Roxborough residents love Cafe Roma Bakery, a family owned spot that's been around for decades.
Upper Roxborough residents love Cafe Roma Bakery, a family owned spot that's been around for decades.
1/2
Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Joe Pulcinella
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Ruo Zheng
Video By
Ruo Zheng

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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

36 min drive

Train

Ivy Ridge

Bus

Ridge Av & Ivins Rd

Bus

Ridge Av & Aurania St

Bus

Ridge Av & Wigard Av

Bus

Domino Ln & Fowler St - Mbns

Bus

Henry Av & Summit Av

Bus

Domino Ln & Fowler St

Bus

Cathedral Rd & Tiona St

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Upper Roxborough neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Upper Roxborough US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
4,009
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Median Year Built
1961
Months of Supply
1.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,897
On par with the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,610
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,027
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
916
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Friday, Mar 20
    5 - 7pm

    581 Acorn St, Philadelphia, PA 19128

    $365,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,816 Sq Ft
    • 581 Acorn St
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome home to Wissahickon Hills. This charming residence is full of warmth, starting with a spacious living and dining area that flows right into a stunning, custom-screened porch. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee in any season, while the attached sundeck invites you to soak up the afternoon sun. With three cozy bedrooms and an updated family bath upstairs, there’s room for everyone to

    Tiffany Jacobs Keller Williams Realty Group

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    2:30 - 4pm

    311 Delmar St, Philadelphia, PA 19128

    $875,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 2,570 Sq Ft
    • 311 Delmar St
    • New 27 days ago

    A stunning showcase of architectural details and craftsmanship rarely found in modern homes! Built in 2022, 311 Delmar St is bright, airy, and anything but cookie-cutter, offering 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, an oversized garage + driveway parking, an expansive roof deck, and a prime Manayunk location. The home also benefits from a 10-year tax abatement that began in 2023. First impressions are

    Michael McCann KW Empower

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 21
    12 - 2pm

    568 Domino Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128

    $389,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,111 Sq Ft
    • 568 Domino Ln
    • New 2 days ago

    A PRISTINE Roxborough twin! Welcome to 568 Domino Lane, a 3 BD/2 BA home that offers a true balance of city and suburban living. From refinished hardwood flooring and a bright, airy kitchen to a finished basement and grassy backyard, this home is everything a Philly homeowner yearns for. The main floor boasts an open living/dining area and a timeless kitchen, featuring honey shaker cabinets, a

    Brittany Nettles Keller Williams Real Estate

    Section Image

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 Owners

Demographics

Total Population
19,802
Median Age
40
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$86,270
Above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$104,631

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
50.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
20.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
16''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Transit Score®

30 / 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
Upper Roxborough