Norris Square

In the eastern section of North Central Philadelphia, Norris Square is a community immersed in history, resilience and a strong sense of togetherness. This neighborhood has faced its fair share of challenges but is now experiencing a revitalization driven by the dedication of its residents.

The roots of Norris Square trace back to 1683 when William Penn granted prominent Quaker merchant Issac Norris parcels of land. Over the years, the community went through tough times, especially during the 1970s when job opportunities and housing were scarce. However, the tight-knit community kept Norris Square united.

At the heart of Norris Square's revitalization are its urban green spaces. Norris Square Park, affectionately known as "El Parque de Las Ardillas" (Park of Squirrels), is 5.8 acres shaded by whispering sycamore and oak trees. The park has been lovingly restored by its residents, creating a space for neighbors to gather, play and connect with free Wi-Fi, playgrounds and basketball courts. Friends of Norris Square Park host regular meetings, clean-up events and farmstands to ensure the park remains a treasured asset. “Norris Square Park had a million-dollar renovation where they started to clean things up and there's a lot of great things happening,” says John Lee, a Realtor with eXp Realty.

As you walk through the streets, you'll notice the bright-colored abstract murals that blend into the side of buildings and the juxtaposition of modern condos with sleek designs boasting spacious windows that invite natural light to flood interiors. Traditional Philadelphia-style brick row houses are dotted throughout the linear grid lots alongside these contemporary homes. You'll also find Spanish Revival-style homes with covered front porches adding a Mediterranean touch to the area. Iron streetlamps that line sidewalks, intricate wrought iron stair handles and garden beds add to the neighborhood's charm. The homes of Norris Square offer street parking and are within walking distance of parks, schools, corner stores and restaurants. Lee notes it's more affordable to live in Norris Square than surrounding areas with average prices ranging from $260,000 for a two-bedroom to $400,000 for up to four-bedrooms.

Whether seeking education in the arts or sciences, living in Norris Square offers its youngest residents numerous schools. These include Henry A. Brown Elementary School, Kensington High School, and William McKinley Elementary School, serving pre-school through 8th grade. Students interested in prospective careers in medicine should consider Kensington Health Sciences Academy, a community school known for its STEM-based curriculum. While creative students may apply to Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School, where they will thrive in a stimulating environment. Aside from Norris Square, Nelson Playground’s pirate-themed playscape may be the popular choice with its interactive splash zone for hanging out afterschool.

The neighborhood benefits from the elevated rail at Berks station and easy access to SEPTA, making commuting to Center City a breeze, just a short 3-mile journey. Residents also enjoy being within a 20-minute walk of Temple University, a renowned public research intuition.

Norris Squares' dining scene is an eclectic mix of old and new. Rowhome Coffee, housed in 1900s era pharmacy, offers a cozy ambiance to start the day with a steamy Americano. Luna Café entices with refreshing fruit smoothies, sandwiches and freshly baked pastries. And for those who appreciate a good brew, The Philadelphia Brewing Company has been pouring house-brewed specialty beers for over a century. The newly opened Grocery Outlet on North American Street is where residents can get fresh grocery items and essentials. The Kensington Library is a quiet escape from the sounds of the city, with several weekly events from story times, dungeons and dragons and an anime club.

Since its founding in 1982, the Norris Square Community Alliance has been a guiding light for residents, offering youth initiatives, employment training and early childhood education. Committed to maintaining the neighborhood's heritage, the alliance has also played a significant role in several affordable housing projects.

Its six community gardens beautifully demonstrate Norris Square's residents' commitment to the community. Each garden pays homage to Latin heritage while providing serene spaces for reflecting and learning. The Butterfly Garden invites visitors to bask in fluttering butterflies amidst vibrant mosaics. Las Parcelas is a living archive of collected instruments and crafts, preserving cultural legacies. Villa Africána Colobó is a tribute to West African and Puerto Rican heritage, fostering hands-on learning with their outdoor kitchen and storytelling sessions. The Norris Square Neighborhood Project overlooks these gardens and hosts youth programs and a Community Farm Stand, offering fresh produce to residents and access to healthy food choices.

Consider living in Norris Square, characterized by its several urban greenspaces and dedicated community working hard to preserve its beauty.

Written By

Pao Cordero

Photography Contributed By

Jesse Roehrer

Video By

Jacob Cardwell