Get to know the many neighborhoods of Philadelphia in Agent Lady’s blog series “Philly Neighborhood Spotlight.” Whether you are looking to buy a home in this wonderful City of Brotherly Love or just want to get to know the lay of the land, read about the history, location, and highlights of Philly neighborhoods.
Location
Fishtown in located in the eastern most triangle of what is known as the Kensington District. However, there are no clear borders of the neighborhood due to the recent gentrification. The only hard border is the Delaware River. Most people agree that Fishtown goes from the river to Front St and is between Norris St and Laurel St.
History
Fishtown received its name after the fishermen and fishing in the Delaware River. It’s said that Charles Dickens named the neighborhood Fishtown when he visited Philadelphia in 1842.
Before settlers came to America, the Lenape Tribe resided in the area. It’s said that William Penn signed a peace treaty with the Lenape Indians along the Delaware River in what is now Penn Treaty Park.
There was a mixture of working class residents in the neighborhood. German, Polish, and Irish Catholic immigrants found their homes in Fishtown. This brought many churches to the area, which can still be seen today. The Germans worked as fishermen, being the reason for the neighborhood’s name. However, during the deindustrialization era, people were left in poverty. For years Fishtown was undesirable and rundown.
In recent years, there has been moderate gentrification. New construction is popping up throughout Fishtown. Many young professionals are moving into the neighborhood. Confusion as to where Fishtown starts and ends is partly due to the gentrification.
Atmosphere
Many young professionals live in the neighborhood. Most of the homes are either renovated or new construction, so they look very modern. There are still some empty lots or rundown houses scattered throughout the area.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants along Frankford Avenue and Front St. Nightlife is huge in the area as are coffee shops and vegan restaurants. It’s a fast-paced neighborhood with plenty to do.
Highlights and Events
Residents are never bored in Fishtown. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to go to. The Fillmore is a beautiful concert venue that is always putting on shows. The SugarHouse Casino is right on the river and is open 24 hours a day.
During the spring and summer, residents will enjoy lunch or a nice walk at Penn Treaty Park. It’s a beautiful grassy area with a playground for the kids where you can look across the Delaware River. Pop-up beer gardens will show up at the park sometimes.
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Are you looking to buy a home in our beloved city of Philadelphia? If so, make sure to contact Philadelphia’s leading real estate agent, Cherise “Agent Lady” Wynne. Friendly, motivated, and professional, the Agent Lady team is experienced and looking to help home buyers make Philadelphia their home.
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About Brittany: Brittany is the super organized (and awesome) marketing assistant that helps home buying and selling clients have the best experience possible. She also shares her creative side by writing compelling short stories about the home buying process that are loosely based on actual client situations and captures the authentic feel of Philadelphia neighborhoods.
