For some time now Fishtown and East Kensington have been on the savvy home buyers’ radar. There is one more River Wards contender that is often overlooked—Port Richmond. It sits to the north and is a vibrant neighborhood made up mostly of classic Philly row homes, many with big porches that give it a true neighborhood feel. Our Marketing Manager, Bonnie Wisnowski calls this neighborhood home. She shared with us what she loves about Port Richmond and why you should become her new neighbor (or at least come to visit).
Let’s start with your home. Tell us about it.
Jeanne Whipple was actually our Realtor! We purchased our home in 2017, and it is just perfect. We wanted a home that had not been renovated because we wanted to make it our own with finishes and crazy details that were us. It is a typical row home, built in the 1920’s, 3 bedroom, 1 bath (for now) and a great big backyard that we live in 3 months of the year. We are still slowly chipping away at the renovation list, but we say on a weekly basis how much we love it here.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
The neighbors! We have wonderful neighbors on both sides of us, and everyone on our block waves and says hello to each other. That was really important to us, to move somewhere where people connected and didn’t just walk to their door with their heads down. We don’t umm… always agree with our neighbor’s political views, but as people, everyone is friendly and looks out for one another.
I also love all the window decorating that happens in this neck of the woods. Some people go all out. It is cool to see different generations partaking in the fun for each holiday. I am ready for Valentine’s day this year—all stocked up and ready to go!
What is there to do in Port Richmond for fun?
We moved from Fishtown to PR. We were a little nervous that our social lives might end up on a lonely island. Get ready, because Port Richmond may seem sleepy to the passerby, you just need to know where to look. Ellie and Bird and ReAnimator Coffee are great coffee shops if you work from home, or have guests who want good coffee in the morning. Carbon Copy is a happening bar and co runs the space with Mom Mom’s which serves up traditional Polish food (the pierogis are so good). They also have a great quizzo on Wednesdays which is worth swinging by for! Nemi Restaurant is at the end of our block and it’s AMAZING! They have a big vegetarian selection and it’s really unique and delish. We walk to Sovo Cafe for casual eats, Kittie’s or Miles Table for brunch. Another brunch (and dinner!) joint is Gaul and Co. It’s huge, kid friendly and has great karaoke on Saturday nights! We were so sad to see Tin Can close but are anxiously awaiting a new bar to open in its place.
Two buisnesses opened this year just down the block the first is Universal Bread Bakers which is OUT OF THIS WORLD. My husband is French and finding a good baguette has been a heartbreaking activity, but now we have the best just a few steps away! Right next door Craft Nation opened it’s doors. You can sign up for craft classes and drop in open studio hours.
We also have a killer flea market that runs along Richmond Street the last weekend of the month (Sundays in the Spring and Saturdays in the Fall). Vendors come out, bands play, there’s art, food, vintage clothing. It’s a lot of fun and feels really special to have in our neighborhood! The shops on Richmond St keep growing. Big Top Vintage was a pioneer, but Sanavita Wellness soon followed along with Tshatske Jewelry Studio, Launderette Records, Strung Up Music Store and Pizza Richmond.
There are also the Port Richmond classics that are still around for a reason. Donna’s Bar is one of the best for karaoke. There always seems to be someone passing out cake for a birthday party. I suggest having a pierogi taste-off between Donna’s and The Dinner House. Taconelli’s is a time warp in the best way. Think family business, sweet vibes and world-famous pizza! My husband loves to pop into the Polish deli Czerw’s to get kielbasa and fresh meat. He does not advise going just as church lets out as the entire Polish community will also be there purchasing their dinner groceries at the exact time. Long lines! When you want a cheap drink and a game of shuffleboard pop into The Corner Bar. Someone is always celebrating a birthday and the 80s tunes are rocking.
Powers Park is just behind the back of the Richmond Library. There’s a fab 80s cover band that plays every year (they played out client appreciation party too). The whole neighborhood is out in lawn chairs or up dancing. They have events all year like movie nights and tree lighting. We also live with anticipation for the Italian Festival at Mother of Divine Grace School and Parish. The festival was happening when we first moved in, around Memorial Day Weekend. Everyone in the neighborhood stopped to welcome us and then in the next breath said “Have you gone to the festival yet? You have to get a fried dough”. We ordered one to split. Let’s just say we have learned our lesson and now order 3! I won’t talk about the gambling that happens in the basement… One more to add to the list, the public pool at Cohocksink is awesome. It feels like a secret.
I could go on, but those are our favorites.
Where do you think Port Richmond will be in 5 years?
My hope is that it still stays community-oriented with small businesses finding a successful home. My dream is to have Richmond Street be the “Makers of Philadelphia Avenue”, with collective shops, and people who want to keep the friendly vibe and affordability of our neighborhood. The trolley was brought back into the neighborhood after quite of few years of construction, and I hope it brings less storefront vacancies. I also love that many of the corner homes that were built with storefronts on the first floor are being looked at as options for restaurants or little shops.
The Loom Building has a bunch of artist studios, so there are already some pretty awesome pioneers. Yay Clay is in there and continues to be on my list to check out. There is the Philadelphia Skateboard Academy in the building, I might skip that since I am a total klutz. So 5 years is quickly around the corner!
Anything else to add?
Like any neighborhood, you find what fits your style. There is still so much happening in Port Richmond that I don’t even know about. There is a huge Polish community, with shops, a community hall, and restaurants that only speak Polish. My grandfather would be proud! There is a Lithuanian Hall that has festivals and celebrates their heritage. The Polish American String Band is right on Allegheny. There is the VBA Boxing Club on Clearfield. As you can see, one can really find the special things that make it feel like home all in one neighborhood. That exactly sums up why I love Port Richmond!
If you are interested in exploring homes in Port Richmond, we would be thrilled to show you around. Give us a ring or tap your info into the form below. Let’s incorporate a pierogi stop along the way!
Photo Credit: Lithuanian Music Hall @port.richmond | Polish American String Band @polishamericanstringband | Richmond Street @port.richmond
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