Neighborhood Spotlight: PennsPort
August 24th, 2015
Today we shine a spotlight on the Pennsport neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Pennsport is bound by Passyunk Square to the West, the Delaware River to the east, Queen Village to the north, and the Whitman neighborhood to the south.
Most of you may know the area as home to many Mummers' clubs, but this corner of the city has more to offer than feathers and sequins. Pennsport, like most areas of the city, has deeply historical routes. Furness High School, at 3rd and Mifflin, and the Abigail Vare School, at Moyamensing and Morris, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic rowhouse synagogue, Congregation Shivtei Yeshuron Ezras Isreal, 2015 S. 4th St., was featured in the Hidden City Philadelphia 2013 Festival.
South Philly has become known as the "go-to" area where foodies come to satisfy their desire for a wide range of cuisines. If you're a brunch lover like me, you'll love 4th and Cross, an adorable new, diner-style spot, at you guessed it, 4th and Cross Sts., which features delicious ReAnimator Coffee. You can also find a good cup of joe at Grindcore House, 1515 S. 4th, and fresh baked treats at Federal Donuts, but get there early-they tend to sell out fast! Later in the day, stop by 2nd Street Brew House, at Morris, for some cold drafts and bar food, or head over to Moonshine and Industry along Moyamensing Avenue. Bother offer an array of craft beers, cocktails, and innovative gastro-pub fare into the late night hours.
As if yummy food steps from your door wasn't reason enough to check out the 'hood. Pennsport is home to a lovely park and playground area, known as Dickinson Square, that hosts Farmers' Markets on certain days. The area is also very conveniently located next to several shopping areas. Target, Marshall's, Ikea, Lowe's, The Home Depot, Old Navy-and the list goes on-are just blocks away. In addition, Columbus Blvd, and access to I-95 and the Sports Complex are "right 'round the corner".
Currently, there is a fairly large inventory of homes for sale in Pennsport, with an average sale price right around $250,000. With the recent buzz about neighboring hot spot Dickinson Narrows, sale prices are increasing rapidly. Pennsport should not only be on every potential buyer's radar, but on a short list of affordable, accessible, and community-oriented possibilities.
-Laura Cipparone
