Roxborough

Roxborough

Type	Neighborhood
Location	Northwest Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19128
Established	1690s (original settlement)
Boundaries	North: Montgomery County, South: Manayunk/Wissahickon Creek, East: Wissahickon Valley Park, West: Schuylkill River
Adjacent	Manayunk, Wissahickon, Andorra, Upper Roxborough
Major streets	Ridge Avenue, Henry Avenue, Pechin Street
Transit	SEPTA Bus Routes 9, 27, 35
Landmarks	Andorra Natural Area, Dalessandro's Steaks, Umbria Street

Roxborough sits wedged between the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Valley Park in Northwest Philadelphia, and it doesn't feel like the rest of the city. Single-family homes dominate the neighborhood instead of the rowhouses you'd see in most of Philly, giving it a small-town vibe that's hard to find within city limits. What really sets it apart is how well it's maintained that residential character while staying true to its community roots, with strong local identity and cheesesteak shops that draw passionate debates.

History

Early Settlement

German, Dutch, and Swedish farmers moved into Roxborough in the late 17th century. Philadelphia was growing southeast, but this area stayed rural for decades.

Consolidation

The city brought Roxborough into Philadelphia in 1854, but something odd happened: the neighborhood kept its separate identity. Geography worked in its favor. The Wissahickon Valley cut it off from the main city, so it evolved on its own terms.

20th Century

Working-class and middle-class families started filling the neighborhood once single-family homes became available at prices they could afford. They got to stay within city limits without paying center-city prices. While neighborhoods closer to downtown changed dramatically over the decades, Roxborough held steady.

Character

Here's what makes Roxborough different from most of Philadelphia:

Small-Town Feel

• Tree-lined streets
• Single-family homes dominant
• Local commercial strips
• Strong community identity
• Multi-generational families

Architecture

• Single-family houses (not rowhouses)
• Various styles (Victorian, Cape Cod, Colonial)
• Larger lots than typical Philadelphia
• Some apartment buildings along Ridge Avenue

Cheesesteak Rivalry

The neighborhood's got its own legendary cheesesteak war playing out.

Dalessandro's Steaks

Dalessandro's Steaks sits at the corner of Wendover Street and Henry Avenue, and most people around here will tell you it's one of the best cheesesteak spots in all of Philadelphia. The family's been running it since 1960. It's cash only. That matters because of the lines you'll see during lunch and dinner. Don't expect frills.

• Family-owned since 1960
• Small neighborhood location
• Cash only
• Long lines at peak times

Chubby's Steaks

Then there's Chubby's Steaks right nearby, and now you've got the Roxborough equivalent of the Pat's vs. Geno's thing. Locals have strong opinions about which one actually makes the better sandwich. That debate isn't settling anytime soon.

Commercial Areas

Ridge Avenue

The main commercial corridor, where you'll find:

• Local restaurants and bars
• Shops and services
• Grocery stores
• Banks and pharmacies

Henry Avenue

Secondary commercial strip running parallel.

Umbria Street

This strip's becoming a destination for restaurants and nightlife.

Wissahickon Valley Park

The neighborhood borders Wissahickon Valley Park along its eastern edge, which matters a lot if you like the outdoors.

Trail access points are scattered throughout Roxborough, so you don't have to travel far. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding happen regularly in what's essentially 2,000 acres of urban wilderness. Some historic sites are worth checking out too: Valley Green Inn and the covered bridges pull people in year-round.

Getting There

Public Transit

• SEPTA Bus Routes: 9, 27, 35
• No subway or rail service (requires bus to Manayunk station)

Driving

• Ridge Avenue from Manayunk
• Henry Avenue from East Falls
• I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) via Green Lane exit

Living in Roxborough

Housing

Single-family homes are what you'll see most. Some apartments and condos exist, but they're the exception. Prices run lower than Chestnut Hill and way lower than anything in Center City. That's what draws people here.

• Single-family homes (most common)
• Some apartments and condos
• Lower prices than nearby Chestnut Hill
• More affordable than Center City

Demographics

• Working-class and middle-class families
• Many long-term residents
• Some newcomers attracted by affordability
• Predominantly white (historically), diversifying

Schools

• Roxborough High School
• Several elementary schools
• Parochial school options

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable by Philadelphia standards
• Family-friendly
• Strong community
• Nature access
• Safe streets

Cons:

• Limited public transit
• Car-dependent
• Less dining variety than Center City
• Far from downtown

See Also

• Manayunk
• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Northwest Philadelphia
• Andorra
• Upper Roxborough