While Northeast Philly is a mystery to some, to others it’s a beloved home base where pride runs deep. With many neighborhoods and communities, 36 per Wikipedia, there is much to explore when finding which one to call your own.
Often divided into "The Near" and "The Far" Northeast, this part of the city offers a surprising range of architecture and landscapes. Some streets lean suburban, with big green lawns, driveways, and the occasional backyard inground pool. Others are lined with classic brick rowhomes featuring Tudor-style doorways so charming you'd half expect a fairy or gnome to answer the door. Not to mention the front steps dressed up with carefully tended gardens.
No matter where they live, Northeast residents will proudly tell you that they are part of the City of Philadelphia. Many who grew up here leave, then find their way back, putting down grown-up roots not far from the address where they learned to walk. Nostalgia runs strong. Many a Northeaster will wax poetic about the days when "the Avenue" was bustling with small businesses and everyone knew their neighbors. Times have changed, but the spirit hasn't. Passionate, hardworking business and restaurant owners still anchor the community, civic associations stay active, and there's genuine investment in neighborhood life. Green spaces are tucked throughout, with Pennypack Park serving as a natural dividing line between Near and Far.
Below is our list of Northeast favorites, gathered from clients and agents who know these streets well. Have a spot that deserves a shoutout? Reach out! We'd love to spread the Northeast love.
Green Spaces
Lardner’s Point Park, Tacony | A sweet surprise at the end of a driveway where you may ask “where are these crazy Realtors leading us”? Park in the small lot, unload the bike, stretch your gams for an easy jog or simply take in the view of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge on the pier. The K&T trail is 1.1 miles, paved and flat for an easy workout. At the end of it all sit at one of the few picnic tables or on the pier and enjoy the hoagie you packed for lunch.
Pleasant Hill Park, Torresdale | A lush green park with a stellar playground for all ages, shady trees, and lawns for games. A special feature is the Fish Hatchery- while there is no longer an actual active hatchery in the park, there is a lovely promenade with lots of opportunities to fish and participate in activities for the kids. The park also has a popular movie night series in the summer!
Disston Park, Tacony | Enjoy a walk with the pups (on leash only please!) under the shade of the trees. You’ll find a brand new basketball court, a community garden to get your hands dirty, and easy access to the Tacony Train Station.
Pennypack on the Delaware, Holmesburg | Head down the long driveway, pass the correctional facility and you’ll find yourself in a sprawling park with big shady trees, a charming gondola, and a little pier where you can bring your fishing pole. We met a bunch of pups (that were off leash if interested), people soaking in the good weather on benches, and on the weekend the soccer fields will have kiddos and adults kicking around the ball.
Pennypack Park, Northeast (several trail points) | A massive park that stretches across the Northeast creating a natural divide. There is a 14 mile paved trail where you can walk, bike, jog and even ride horses! Find your favorite section of trail to get your nature on. Pack a picnic to enjoy along the way, or take part in a sporty game of soccer, frisbee or tag football.
Lorimer Park and Fox Chase Farm , 8500 Pine Rd | - Just between Pennypack Park and Lorimer park lies the magical oasis, Fox Chase Farm. Imagine the cutest baby goats, fresh honey and agricultural education for students and the community! Attend one of their many events and then hit the trails of Lorimer Park which clocks in at 230 acres (technically not IN the Northeast as it’s the start of the burbs).
Coffee, Treats and Hoagies
Bread Crumbs Bakery, 6946 Torresdale Ave | Where savory, sweet and neighbors come to meet! Grab a little lunch, sit at the outdoor tables and enjoy the neighborhood. Inspired by Puerto Rican flavors you’re sure to find something you love.
Great Awakenings Cafe, 1466 E Cheltenham Ave | We love their slogan- “come for the coffee, stay for the company”. If that doesn’t capture the neighborly vibe of the Northeast we don’t know what does! Not only do they have coffee, tea and light fare, they also have fun events like game night, crocheting, and chili cookoffs.
Twistee Treat, 3401 Longshore Ave | Who doesn’t want to get a sundae from a building shaped like a giant pink topped ice cream cone? They can whip you up a slushie, malt, hot fudge masterpiece or a classic cone with sprinkles.
Holmesburg Bakery, 7935 Frankford Ave | Family owned bakery since 1900. They have the classics, like the neighborhood favorite butter cake, but they also do fun specials like eagle themed cakes, St Joseph’s Day cakes, Easter egg cakes and the celebrated Fasnacht Day!
Finks Hoagies, 4633 Princeton Ave | Jack’s Place, 7167 Hegerman St | You can’t be a true Philadelphian without a local hoagie rivalry. We’re not picking sides because both offer fresh honest to goodness options. Let us know you’re fav!
Dinner and Drinks
Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe , 9242 N Delaware Ave | Where the Northeast gathers when the weather is warm (and really all season long). It’s not REALLY on the waterfront, more adjacent to. But it has a patio and will make you feel like you are down the shore enjoying a festive casual meal all the same. Live bands, trivia and all sorts of entertainment are in monthly rotation.
Sweet Lucy’s, 7500 State Rd | An authentic slow cooked BBQ joint with tons of dining space for the whole family. BBQ classics with sides to match served in a super friendly welcoming space. They partner with schools, sports teams and non profits for fundraiser opportunities so keep your eye out to support local organizations.
City Distilling, 7600 State Rd | One of our agents had her 40th here and it was so much fun! The tasting room offers cocktails and distillery tours. Think comfy couches, not too loud so you can hear your friends spill the tea, but still feels like a night out. Local hint: you can bring your own food too!
Mayfair Diner, 7373 Frankford Ave | Can you go wrong with a classic diner? How about one where the waitress comes out to wave during the photo shoot? Get us there now! Inside it’s all classic diner vibes with vinyl booths and friendly service. They even serve irresistible classic milkshakes.
China Gourmet, 2842 St Vincent St | Put your Sunday duds on and go have a true Chinese experience at the beloved China Gourmet. Boasting the title of “largest Chinese restaurant”, it has a large parking lot for ease, white table cloths and the ever enjoyable rolling dim sum carts. Lots of options for your veggie friends too!
Cafe Carmela - 2859 Holme Ave | Named after the owner's grandma, this cafe serves pizza, pasta and classic Italian dishes. They also make a mean cheesesteak that many deem the best in Philly. Open for lunch and dinner.
Dagwood’s Pub, 4625 Linden Ave | Specializing in seafood this is a classic in the Northeast Philly hang. They often have DJs and other entertainment shows so keep an eye on their Instagram.
3 Monkeys, 9645 James St | With three vibes to choose from- comfort food bar sitting, cozy elevated dining service or festive outdoor patio hangs. Hot tip: This is a perfect place to meet with friends from the burbs, sort of a halfway point- and the East Torresdale train stop is JUST across the street so easy access and no designated driver needed!
Things to see and do
Oldest Roadway Bridge in America, Frankford Avenue at Pennypack Creek | You most likely have driven over this bridge. But did you know it’s the oldest operating roadway bridge in America? Erected in 1697, it is 73 feet long and was a dedicated landmark in 1970. It was built so William Penn could connect his mansion with the new city of Philly and served as an important link to cities to the north like New York, Boston and Trenton. You’ll most likely want to skip a visit to the unappealing park that lies underneath the bridge (with the best view) and instead drive over and recite the bridge facts you just learned to your history buff passengers.
Tacony LAB, 6918 Torresdale Ave | When we walked by on our tour (they weren’t open at the moment) we saw all the looms set up and our hearts were set aflutter. In partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia the LAB offers all sorts of art classes from printmaking, weaving, photography, and the list goes on. There is no charge to use the equipment but there may be some cost for supplies for specific events. They are always very thankful for donations that help keep the low cost programs running.
Rolling Thunder, 7010 Roosevelt Blvd and Skate Plex, 11586 Roosevelt Blvd | You have TWO choices when it comes to rollerskating in the Northeast. Both have those retro vibes, the music, and are the perfect place to throw a birthday party (kids or adults!).
Ryerss Museum and Library , 7370 Central Ave | We love an off the beaten path museum and Ryerss doesn’t disappoint. With art and objects showcased throughout the home that feature items from Japan, China, India and Tibet. There are pet portraits, a woven basket collection and the families . They also host a number of events such as watercolor workshops, book sales, a monthly fibercraft group meet up and storytime in the library. Speaking of the library, they have a vast collection that is on loan for both kids and adults.
Otherworld Philly, 2500 Grant Ave #1 | A large scale interactive art exhibit. Tons of color, lots of grandeur, and many unexpected moments. There is a narrative that you can follow along, or you can choose to just enjoy the art, the lights and the graphics. Although children under 3 are admitted for free it’s best for kids over 5 all the way to adults.
Pine Valley Pickleball, 225 Geiger Rd | A brand new facility that boasts 8 indoor pickleball courts, 1 Padel court and a lounge to hang after you’re all sweaty. If you get in early (May 2026) you can lock in founding member pricing.
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave | Philly has so many old mansions tucked away and this one sits right on the Delaware. Take a tour of the 1850 beauty then stroll the grounds with a riverside pavilion, rose garden, and you can even take a boat out on the river. They host a number of activities including art classes, yoga, 3rd Thursdays which feature music on the lawn, and don’t miss the annual masquerade ball.
Top Golf, 2140 Byberry Rd | Don’t knock it till you try it. Fun for the whole family! For those of us that don’t golf, you can play games where you whack your own coded ball into the colored nets. It automatically keeps score for you so you can concentrate on what you’re going to order off the extensive menu while you beat your friends. The bays have fans and are heated for all year round play.
Live Like a local
Commuter Rail | There are two SEPTA Regional Rails that service the Northeast. The Fox Chase line hits up Fox Chase, Ryers, and Lawndale while the Trenton line services Tacony, Holmesburg Junction, and Toresdale. You’re looking at 35 mins from Fox Chase to 30th St Station, and Tacony to the same destination is 22 mins.
Local Libraries | If you want to feel part of a neighborhood one of the first things to do is head to the local library! Look to Lawcrest, Bushrod, Tacony, Toresdale and the big and welcoming Northeast Regional Library. Check out our library blog to help you get started!
Stein Your Florist, 7059 Frankford Ave | Our visit here was such a pleasure. The owner shared the history of Stein’s with us which started in 1887! In the 1980’s the current owner started working there and when the Stein’s were ready to pass the touch he and his family were honored to continue the business. They service so many happy clients for weddings, celebrations and even in times of sorrow. A true neighborhood florist.
Now that you know all (or at least some) of the secrets of the Northeast- let’s get out there and find your new digs! We’ll tour some beauties and leave time to check out some of our favorite local spots together!
Glitter is a litter cleaning service for your block. They have created a pay-what-you-can model that funds a weekly service by your very own Glitter cleaner and here’s how it works!