Olde Kensington

Sought-after for its walkability and high-energy nightlife, Olde Kensington is a perfect mix of history and modern creativity and innovation. The historically industrial area has been converted into a thriving hipster scene filled with clubs and trendy restaurants. “It’s an up-and-coming area that’s come a long way with a lot of recent development. And it really draws a mixed crowd, with some people seeking out renovated older homes and some looking for newer construction,” says local Realtor Rada Rann with Keller Williams who grew up in north Philadelphia and is very familiar with the area. “You’ve got little coffee shops and corner stores and you’re not far from nearby towns with even more restaurants and shopping.”

Unique condos in Olde Kensington are easy to find, with many abandoned factories turned into modern apartments for artists and young professionals. Condos typically sell for anywhere from $285,000 to $600,000. Town houses can be a little pricier and range from $275,000 to $1,680,000. Cozier apartments can be as small as 900 square feet or soar into roomier 4,500 square foot studio apartments. Some of the homes date back as far as the early 1900s, with new construction as recent as 2023. “It’s a popular spot but unfortunately everything in the Philadelphia area right now tends to sit on the market for a few days,” Rann says. “Houses are selling like hotcakes in the suburbs but not so much here.”

Students in Olde Kensington can attend John Moffet School which received a C-minus rating from Niche and offers a variety of extracurricular activities like Junior Fire Patrol, Cub Scouts and Girls on the Run. James R. Ludlow School is another option that serves K-8 students and received a C rating from Niche. The school building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has unique gothic-revival-style architecture. Kensington High School received a C-minus rating from Niche and gives its students access to specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes. The building was added to the register of historic places at the same time as the middle school.

Stretch your legs at Cruz Recreation Center and Playground, which stretches for over 4 acres and includes a playground and swimming pool along with multiple sports courts and fields. If you’re still seeking some exercise and fun, Hancock Playground is a smaller option on just under 2 acres with its own pool and playground. Start a pickup game on the basketball court or stop by the park center for regularly scheduled neighborhood programs and events. The site has been home to a park since 1896, making it a well-loved part of Olde Kensington’s history.

Grab a bite from Es Cafe Lounge, which is known for its rich coffee selection and welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to visit during one of their community barbecue events. Reggae Reggae Vibes focuses on freshness with Caribbean and American dishes flavored with spices straight from Jamaica. Sample some jerk chicken or oxtail and wash it down with a freshly-pressed juice. If you’re craving Mexican food, Que Chula Es Puebla is a place of tradition with everything from fajitas to fish tacos. Locals can pick up their groceries from places like ACME Markets.

Olde Kensington residents enjoy conveniences like the Girard Station subway to maneuver around the neighborhood’s many amenities and activities. And there’s certainly plenty to do. The Holodec, for example, is a virtual reality experience with all the latest tech for hardcore gamers to challenge their friends. For a more relaxed night out, visit the Pig Iron Theatre Company, which has created over 30 original works since it opened in 1995. Its theater troupe has performed at festivals and theaters all over the world.

Written By

Jordan Hamner

Photography Contributed By

Chris Pirone

Video By

Reuben Davis