Philadelphia's next hot neighborhood? (Girard, Jefferson: crime, safe area, university)

[kyle19125]

It would be interesting to discuss what area of the city will be the next hot neighborhood. We already have Northern Liberties, Fishtown, East Passyunk and Graduate Hospital (or South of South or whatever it's being called these days).

What's next?

[Commuting North]

Although already established, I think the Pennsport neighborhood is going to grow substantially in the next few years as both a destination area for good eateries/pubs/entertainment, as well as for higher-end residential.

As for true gentrification spots, I think two blocks North of Girard (Jefferson St) and 4th to Front St. (neighborhood realtors have dubbed JUNGA -- Just North of Girard Ave), will begin to clean up once the market stablizes. It is bordered by NL to the South, the safe area of Fishtown to the East, and Temple University to the North (which is aggressively expanding South). The only real problem direction that isn't improving is due West.

[pman]

there's no such thing as JUNGA and if you use it, you'll be laughed out the door. the area is West Kensington. It's gentrified more slowly because it's not white like Fishtown but it's not terribly unsafe and has location going for it. I too see this area making it a comeback (it already is). Francisville as well, which is the next step in line before girard and the aforementioned North Central area. Black Oak Park (around 52nd st) is improving too.

[john_starks]

i would love it to be N. Philly by Temple. close to all the amenities of center city and has a big college campus which should spark some growth of hip/trendy stores, bars and restaurants

a man can dream can't he?

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Commuting North

the safe area of Fishtown to the East

Care to expound on that? What area of Fishtown are you referring to as unsafe?

[Commuting North]

Thanks pman, but I'm well aware that JUNGA is a realtor-created term (thus why I said as much in my post). In fact, if you want to get specific, just about every named section of neighborhood is a realtor-created, or city-created term to boost the appeal of the neighborhood.

I'm not sure I agree with Francisville improving in the near future. I see a lot happening there, and very real long-term potential, but it's a HUGE area with a tremendous amount of poverty and crime. I was just jogging through that area the other day and it's got a very long way to go. I'm a single male, very low-maintenence, and city born and bred, and there's no way I'd live in Francisville (except on a handful of streets). I just can't see families, single females or couples going anywhere near it for the forseeable future.

[Commuting North]

Sorry about that Kyle. I should re-phrase that to say the "nicer" sections of Fishtown regarding housing and general quality of life. You're correct in saying that almost all of Fishtown is relatively safe from a crime standpoint.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Commuting North

Sorry about that Kyle. I should re-phrase that to say the "nicer" sections of Fishtown regarding housing and general quality of life. You're correct in saying that almost all of Fishtown is relatively safe from a crime standpoint.

Actually that would still be inaccurate. "Nicer" sections of Fishtown aren't limited to one side. Like many gentrifying areas it's often block-by-block, and actually much of the newer development (residential and commercial) is occurring on the side you deem as less desirable. Sorry if I come across as sensitive, but as a resident of the "other side", I take offense at perpetuated inaccuracies about the neighborhood.

[Commuting North]

Ok, fair enough. As a resident you certainly know your neighborhood better than I. Either way, the point I was trying to make is that the Eastern border of Southwest Kensington is established and safe.

[kyle19125]

OK, now back on topic.

How about Gray's Ferry/Point Breeze? I know it's reputation is less than stellar, but I have heard of a somewhat significant gay presence moving into the neighborhood. Anyone who has paid any attention to the gentrification process knows this as one of the early indicators.