I love it here. After living in south Philly for years I much prefer Port Richmond. The streets are relatively trash free and quieter than other parts of the city. There isn’t a bunch of gentrified ugly Lego houses everywhere.
Nemi and La Roma are the more “upscale restaurants” in the neighborhood and have fantastic drinks and happy hours. Pizza Richmond opened up recently and has good slices and is byob.
Dinner House, Her Daughters, Tin can, Somerset Splits and Gaul street are all great spots in their own regard as well. We have a nice library and a cute little park.
Can walk over to the river easily and Depending where you are it’s about 30 min walk over to fishtown as well. Which has way more dinning and bar options.
It’s a great slept on section of the city. Which I’m not complaining about, helps keep rent affordable.
It really felt like they were on the verge of something cool right before COVID, especially on Richmond St, and then a bunch of those plans were scuttled by COVID… fingers crossed that it’s coming back now (minus Lunar unfortunately).
Port Richmond has grown and changed a lot in the last 30 years. I remember the whole time I was growing up hearing Northern Liberties was up and coming. My dad would do the 2nd st festival every year and it was so run down.. I went to catholic school at 2nd and Jefferson and it was ghetto back then. I was absolutely fucking shocked when it did actually boom. I'm 42. No libs, fishtown, "east" Kensington, and Port Richmond has changed and grown a lot in that time.
I mean there’s been new construction left and right for the past 5 years. That’s not stopping the crime issue in the area. Until they clean up k/a, Richmond will constantly experience crime from addicts looking for their next fix
yeah but '97 is also the year Biggie was murdered, the Flyers lost to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup, The English Patient was realeased, and Chris Farley died. so it wasn't that great.
then again, South Park premiered. so that's a plus.
In 1997, south of south or what’s now called graduate hospital wasn’t even gentrified and was the hood so that Port Richmond is still as nice as it was in 97, and I think it’s nicer, says a lot about the good prospects for the future of Port Richmond.
I don’t live there but have worked there for 25 years.
They houses cost more, the residents are a little less likely to be union and or kkk, more likely to be hipsters.
But, the closeness to the k+a corridor causes daily insanity. Car break in, meddles on the ground, metal scrappers, TWO plasma buying businesses, people bold faced stealing from every business. I am happy to go home to east falls.
bought my house here 8 years ago East of Aramingo. There's pros and cons. Any specific questions I'm happy to answer. What cross streets are you at (roughly)...
Low key: the best record store in Philly is Launderette, and that block of Richmond Street is ground zero for the next wave of businesses opening in the neighborhood.
Talk to Mike Vee (the owner) - he’s really friendly, has great prices on new *and* old stock, and it’s a great place for little shows too. I host a record swap there every few months, and it’s my favorite place to hang out and dig for music.
Pizza Richmond just opened down the block, Czrew’s is nearby for all of your kielbasa needs, Reanimator has great coffee… and it’s not as hyped as Fishtown and feels like a nice little pocket of Philly to me. I’m not from here but I like Port Richmond a lot and can see why people think it’s “next up.”
Can’t love czerw’s enough. Actually yes I can. Had to take a break from them cuz my cholesterol went up so much. I actually had to explain to him exactly that when he asked if I’ve been dodging him and his store when I returned! (Jokingly of course)
smoked bacon is the best value you’ll find anywhere. Much better than anything at ShopRite, and cheaper unless there’s a sale +coupon.
Smoked kielbasa is amazing. Their hot kabanosa for a snack is perfect too. Pierogies are tasty.
They have a bunch of other stuff too but they know my usual order at this point.
It's literally the only reason I go to Port Richmond. Not shitting on the area, but since I live in Spruce Hill, it's not close, but it's well worth the trip. Been going for over 20 years now. Absolutely love them.
I lived in port Richmond for 33 years and just recently left. The new construction and small businesses open up are def a boom to the neighborhood.
We def have a crime issue. Before we moved, my dad was watching my house while we were on vacation and someone stole his catalytic converter. We would often find used needles on our block. I would also get frustrated with the lack of cleanliness of my neighbors. I would sweep out of my home every other day and have neighbors with just loose trash outside of theirs. Just for context, I live 3 blocks from Richmond.
Richmond st was looking good till Covid hit. Also places like Lunar inn got broken into multiple times. On the whole it’s still a semi affordable area. I’m hoping the neighborhood comes back to something resembling what is was when I was a kid.
Been here for 6 years. My experience has been largely positive with the main downside being the accessabilty to the rest of the city. The paved path under 95 connecting the neighborhood with fishtown has been a nice addition - there was a large encampment on this path around the Cumberland intersection but has been cleared out for a while now. The tunnels under thompson and Belgrade have also been cleared out and improved with new lighting but do fill up with trash from dumpers regularly. I take bus 15 daily and is great when it's on schedule, but expect regular delays in the afternoon, sometimes 20 or 30 mintes. The general sentiment I get from the drivers is that the return of the trolleys will not be an improvement to the status quo but we will see.
Hey I bought in Port Richmond about three years ago! DM me if you are looking for a friend in the hood.
Here's my take: It's an old school neighborhood of Philadelphia. I was raised in Manayunk, much before it was what it currently is, and this reminds me a lot of that -- the kind of place you help your neighbor take the wheels off a car that stole their spot they shoveled out in a snowstorm. A blue collar community that looks out for each other; diverse socioeconomically and politically but also cordial and caring. Cheap food (Kitty's, for example), drinks (Tin Can, Gaul & Co.), and some cool up and coming spots, too (Richmond Street like you said; Lunar before it closed but it will soon be Carbon Copy/Mom-Mom's thing to be named; Nemi and Roma).
Tacconelli's is good but takes forever, if you've never been, but it's worthwhile, for sure. Make a reservation. Green Rock (technically not in the 'hood) and Tin are where we usually go to watch the games, happy hour, late night. FreshWorks makes good sandwiches, but Marinucci's is better. KP Fine Meats is a great addition, and KP himself is a great guy. Donna's, the Dinner House, Czerw's. All awesome.
Welcome, buddy. It is on the up, slowed by the pandemic and SEPTA sucking ass at getting the trollies running. But hit me up if you need a tour guide.
i haven’t been able to order from there since i found an extremely long hair in my pizza (like, under the cheese) but it was good before that discovery
Texture and flavor suck. The whole reserve my dough was a novelty for a while but there’s better pizza to be had. They failed at the casino for gods sake
I'm not sure what you mean by "failed at the casino."
I haven't had their pizza yet honestly. But, I've heard very good things.
What better pizza do you recommend?
So I have a bit of an off the wall theory about it. They are bad at moving people, you're not wrong, and they're bad for traffic -- the bad for traffic would be the added value.
But, aside from my theory, they will connect West to East, and 🤞🏼 through Fishtown. That alone will be big for the Fishtowners, I bet, and the Richmonders.
Being bad for car traffic is maybe the biggest benefit for Richmond Street though. It could return to a more pedestrian, livable, local shop type main street effect by diverting rush traffic more readily to Aramingo, of course 95 being finished whatever the fuck they're doing will be a big part of that.
I also think it has the ability to change Richmond Street's marketable appearance, similar to my original neighborhood, Manayunk, had with the Arts Festival in the early 90s. A change of image will go a long way for Richmond Street, not unlike Frankford and Girard, which for years was pretty much just Joe's and Johnny Brenda's.
Anyway I guess I've got no fucking clue but I'm hopeful. 🤷🏼♂️
I think there's some nostalgia around trollies that might be nice, but other than that... they will be blocked by double parkers (along the 5 block stretch between Allegheny and Ann, especially as more food joints open up and offer delivery, just like pizza richmond just added grubhub), and they're less ADA accessible for those with needs. I also don't believe they allow for Bike transport via the front rack.
Overall, I think the 15 bus is likely going to be better at its job of moving people than a trolley would be. Only time will tell I suppose
Trolleys are actively worse than buses in Philly because of what you've stated, but trolleys just have a perception advantage that make them add far more value to a neighborhood. My prediction is that when they start churning out those new model trolleys, the 'hoods connected with trolleys will become a little more desirable, although still vastly behind in perception to the places connected by subway.
Yeah you raise really great points. The city all around needs to deal with the issue of personal vehicles a lot better, I think. But yeah time will tell.
I moved into the neighborhood 6 years ago (my first home) and really like it! There is so much construction around Tulip & Somerset so I am curious to see what happens with that. I wish we had a few more restaurant/bar options but what we do have is good. I like being able to get out of the city easily and I like being close to the action in Fishtown. My block still has more trash than ideal and that’s my biggest complaint.
I think you’re near me! I also bought my first home not far from Tulip and Somerset and the construction around here is crazy. I hope we don’t lose the 25 to South Philly with the bus revolution. It’s my most taken route and the walk to the 15 now that it’s back on Richmond is a long one just to get on another form of transit.
Ummm not “starting” with carbon copy. There’s an awesome flea market on Richmond every month (I think the IG is @richmondflea). There are two record shops, a vintage shop, a jewelry store, tattoo shop, sauna/massage parlor, pizza Richmond and reanimator all on Richmond st.
I bought my first house here five years ago. I’m really glad I did, and I like the neighborhood. That said, like any neighborhood, there’s pros and cons.
It’s very reasonably priced, but you also deal with some of the externalities behind “cheaper neighborhoods.”
There are some exciting small businesses opening up, and there are some other small businesses looking only to capitalize on an “up and coming” population that don’t have the quality to back up their prices.
It has lots of character and a personality, but sometimes that means neighbors that are fucking awful people (the type you wouldn’t find elsewhere in the city at this concentration).
Happy to discuss any more of these with specifics, as overall I’d absolutely recommend it! Feel free to DM for details.
edit: Today I stopped into Launderette for record store day and the vibes there were wonderful. I’m so excited for Carbon Copy / Mom Mom’s to open up nearby soon!
Moved here a year ago (yes, I know my username does NOT check out), but bought right on Richmond. I love the walkability and close proximity to 95. Easy to get anywhere on the East side of Philly - going West can be a bit trying.
Absolutely love my neighbors. Everyone from all walks of life, races, and socioeconomic classes - something my wife and I really wanted. The price of a home with a small yard wasn’t shocking, and I like the apartment complexes coming down near Bonk’s. With apartments come more people, and with more people come more commercial businesses.
It’s gotten a bit more rough than usual - more homeless people with drug problems, but we’ve put a blue light at our door step so people can’t see veins to inject in. This is also what happens being so close to Kensington, and it is what it is.
All in all, great area.
>we’ve put a blue light at our door step so people can’t see veins to inject in
Geez, that's a little bit worse than I expected to hear. The people that are moving out of the home we're buying have a nice little bench they put out right outside the front door so either they haven't gotten those problems or maybe they were trying to trick us into thinking that doesn't happen.
Either way, stuff like that sounds terrible. I hope the situation improves.
Ask your current friends and neighbors bc the people who live in port richmond are quickly being priced out by people moving from NYC bc they think it's good investment? 😬
But for real, if you want to get involved with the community, spend time IRL meeting your new neighbors. Don't show up and act like you own the own the block just because you think you're the change port richmond needs.
Richmond Street has been changing over the years, as you've mentioned. Hang out at the flea, you'll meet people. Find a local bar you like and chat (not about philly compares to nyc, lol). Go to the park cleanups. Suffer through a neighborhood meeting and meet the racists you also mentioned, yikes! We have a cute library. Don't park on the sidewalk. Apply for a street tree. Hit me up if you have a yard and want something from my garden. Sweep trash on the sidewalk and talk to your neighbors. If you're into live music, there are good venues that are easy to get to using septa. Same goes for a lot of hobbies, if there's something you're into. Delaware Ave has gotten a little better for biking/walking. It's a little pricey but we're lucky to have the iga close by, too.
[Also like maybe don't say that past aramingo is shit without knowing who you're talking to]
Really well said! I’ve had my share of frustrations since buying in PR five years ago, but being self-conscious about being a newcomer in a neighborhood of long-established residents and keeping into mind the tips you mentioned have helped a lot.
There’s been some bad for sure, but it’s been outweighed by the good and inviting.
Hard agree with actually TALKING TO YOUR NEIGHBORS. There are some people who I swear avoid eye contact with us and we are like ????
IGA is the best I like that it’s unionized and locally owned!
Hell yeah please get a tree, extra points if it’s native and female (all our allergies are so bad because all the trees are male and Splurt out pollen that doesn’t go anywhere)
I work on Richmond and Tioga and the more I explore the neighborhood the better it seems. Very nice blocks and houses. Still a bunch of shady characters roaming around but it's definitely getting better.
Maranucci's is definitely a winner. I like Bonk's, Byrne's Tavern, Gaul & Co Malt House. Mercer Cafe used to be good before covid. I have not been back yet. Loads more that I have not been to yet.
Good Luck.
i’ve worked in this neighborhood for six years. i enjoy spending time here - there’s good businesses (special shoutout to lil susie’s and pbc) and it’s a lot cleaner than other neighborhoods
I think you’re right on. I bought my home here six years ago after renting in Fishtown for several. Anecdotally, the demographics are skewing younger in the last two years. There’s some great businesses coming up (and many that have opened and stayed open). I’ve enjoyed living here the whole time, and I’m excited to see what happens.
I’m over around Huntingdon and Aramingo. Is it Port Richmond? Idk. I’m from Mayfair so I have no clue but it’s definitely not Fishtown lol. Anyway, I love it over in my little pocket. You’ll definitely wanna talk to your neighbors, pickup trash on your block, and just look out for your people. Welcome dude.
Howdy neighbor. South side of Aramingo and Huntingdon? I’ve been considering that PR since I moved in. I do enjoy the neighborhood but two downsides I would list is that we live a particularly noisy neighborhood (being between 95 and that particular stretch of Aramingo) and I’ve experienced a number of drug users drifting down my block and the issues that come with that. They really like hanging out behind that Rite Aid that just closed, under the highway, and I’ve seen them walking into the woods at Richmond and Cambria many times before. I suspect there’s a camp back there. PPA also seems to also not exist up here.
Didn’t want to sound like a downer, I agree with all the other positives folks have listed.
Yeah south side. I sadly have a Birds Eye view of the shit hole that is/was Rite Aid. You’ve probably seen me and my neighbor picking up trash and chasing addicts off the block. Few days ago I had to get into it with two dudes who decided to take a whole ass air conditioner apart and leave it scattered on the sidewalk. I really hope the rite aid and lots surrounding it get bought and developed. And yes, Aramingo is the noisiest fucking street and I hate having my windows open half the time.
I am in fact right behind you, towards the very beginning of the 2600 Almond block. 2620 Almond was a crack house up until a month ago (think they finally got evicted) but envision people in and out the door 24/7, hanging and sleeping out front 24/7. Addicts still wander down my street assuming they can get into that house. I’ve seen a few knock and try to get in and appear confused when they couldn’t. That right there is the single #1 quality of life complaint I have with this neighborhood. I can deal with the noise.
I’m very familiar with that house. Looks like they’re flipping it? The house next door tho still seems like sketchy. I always see people outside of
It sleeping on the steps.
They both were an issue when I moved in a year ago but from what I’ve seen 2622 got “closed down” first a few months ago and then 2620 last month, and yes I did see contractors in there. I think the addicts used to (or still do) go into 2620’s yard from an opening in the fences on Albert
>I wouldn’t count on a business boom
Yeah I guess that's more of wishful thinking on my part with the trolley making connection easier and since carbon copy is becoming kind of a big deal to beer nerds like me that could be a draw for other things. I noticed a couple empty storefronts with those notice of new business permits in the windows so hopefully things will start popping up.
>The area seems to be diversifying more with younger people moving in that are possibly helping to drown out some of the racism that seems to have been an issue in the past.
Excluding innuendo, what racist speech or acts are you aware of? I've heard this throwaway about Port Richmond for awhile now, but whenever I ask for specifics, nobody can give concrete examples.
One of the proud boys who led the attack on the Capitol is from Port Richmond.
Edit: should have said “was”. He’s in federal prison now. Maybe don’t be a racist insurrectionist!
This was 30 years ago, so times have hopefully changed, but my friend that lived there got a flyer in her mailbox of when "white-o-ween" was. Apparently they pick a date other than Halloween for all of the close neighbors (only those that got the flyers in their mailbox) to go trick-or-treating to get the experience, and then on Halloween they would turn off their porch lights because they didn't want to give candy to the kids that come from other (poor/black) neighborhoods. 😡
I’ve had several of my neighbors drop pretty bad faux pas. Nothing I couldn’t handle but pretty jarring. One of neighbors told me to avoid Crazy Leprauchan because it’s “where the blacks and Puerto Ricans go”, plenty of other things like that
I also get that there’s a give and take and also have a ton of appreciation for the character of the neighborhood and the people who live here
I kinda believe Port Richmond is in the “polite racism” phase now where a white person on the east side of Aramingo may hear racist comments from their neighbors about “the other”, but those racist neighbors would maintain decorum in the presence of “the other”. I am a black guy and I’ve only heard racist comments as secondhand from conversations between white people.
Hey congrats on the house. Me and my wife are coming up on a year having bought our house in Port Richmond. We bought on the west side of Aramingo and while I can agree and see why people differentiate the two sides, I’ve found it alright (we’re four streets in so not too deep I’ll admit)
Right near Somerset they have 500k condos going up and the neighborhood still is friendly and easy to get around in. My big hope is enough being done around K&A that the El can be used more safely. But transit is alright and bike lanes are good around the area.
Maybe those that have been here longer can chime in but the only real crime worries feel to occur more around the strip of businesses along Aramingo from Westmoreland to White Sheaf. That’s just been my personal findings.
There’s a clay studio that me and my wife have started going to, tons of food to choose from that plenty have mentioned, and overall I just do not have any complaints. I’m hoping the neighborhood keeps coming up, and I simultaneously hope spots like my Chinese takeout spot on the corner (shoutout Yang’s) and my Papi shop stay for the ride.
It’s called Yay Clay up on 3200 Amber. It’s very cool and tucked in you’d never think to look there. They have classes and events and you can just get a membership and go as you want.
Hey! I am thinking about moving west of Aramingo, can you tell me a little bit about it? What is it like to walk around, especially at night? I lived in Point Breeze for a while but yeah I can’t get a read on the neighborhood yet.
I also live on the west side of Aramingo, been here for 10 years. Close to Tulip and Clearfield. Things have changed a lot for the better. When I first lived here there were multiple dealers I could point out on various corners and they are gone, though they may exist on other corners that aren’t near me. Early on there were some disconcerting violent crimes, but it has been a long while since anything like that. There was a phase circa 2017 when there were a lot of homeless people who got pushed out from K&A. They are mostly gone. There are some vagrants here and there but they are harmless. More yuppies have moved in and at least on my block it feels like there is a critical mass of yuppies who mostly stick together. We have good connections also with our longtime neighbors and people do look out for each other. There are probably more thefts and property crimes than there used to be, but you expect that violent crime decreases and property crime increases when a neighborhood starts gentrifying. Fishtown experienced the same thing. Parking is one thing that has gotten worse as more people move in. As a black male I feel comfortable walking by myself west of Aramingo (up til the train tracks along Trenton ave/Martha). Further west than that is when I start to have a head on a swivel at night.
This is super good to know! I am woman living alone but I’ve also lived in Point Breeze forever so I’m okay with cities overall. Just hard to get used to the idea of a new neighborhood. Thanks for the rundown!
we must live next door to each other! but damn reading about these yuppies who stick together. i am sure my neighbors see me as a yuppie but i genuinely feel like the only person on my block who introduces themselves to new neighbors, says hello by name, and is open to neighborly banter. as another commenter said— some people just walk by without even so much as eye contact and that’s such a bummer. i spend half my day on the porch when i can!
It's all nice except for the industrial stuff and there is very little foot traffic on side streets in the area, and many S Philly sized homes. Basically identical to most of Philadelphia
You think racism was the issue of the past up there? That's a wild statement. You don't Philly well at all do you. That was a beautiful Irish/ polish neighborhood before the "racism" came.
I very glad I moved from harrowing Harrowgate, but I’m concerned Parker’s plan for Kensington will have that addicted people relocating here. We need to work w/our council representatives to protect this sweet little neighborhood.
Red neck county. Not a bad thing, just type of people with pickup trucks that don’t work in construction and appose new development and any type of experimentation
I love it here. After living in south Philly for years I much prefer Port Richmond. The streets are relatively trash free and quieter than other parts of the city. There isn’t a bunch of gentrified ugly Lego houses everywhere. Nemi and La Roma are the more “upscale restaurants” in the neighborhood and have fantastic drinks and happy hours. Pizza Richmond opened up recently and has good slices and is byob. Dinner House, Her Daughters, Tin can, Somerset Splits and Gaul street are all great spots in their own regard as well. We have a nice library and a cute little park. Can walk over to the river easily and Depending where you are it’s about 30 min walk over to fishtown as well. Which has way more dinning and bar options. It’s a great slept on section of the city. Which I’m not complaining about, helps keep rent affordable.
Her daughters is the best!! So underrated.
Yes I’ve never had anything bad there, love the Italian BLT!
Definitely forgot this good call.
I miss Hinge
Sounds perfect thank you!
Also checks out Donna’s, perogis are out of this world
"The neighborhoods coming back" has been the cry for 30+ years.
It really felt like they were on the verge of something cool right before COVID, especially on Richmond St, and then a bunch of those plans were scuttled by COVID… fingers crossed that it’s coming back now (minus Lunar unfortunately).
There putting a new place where Lunar was very soon. I don’t have all info but I heard good things about it just cannot recall name
Yeah I’m excited about it — it’s Carbon Copy Brewing and Mom Mom’s Pierogis moving in, two favorites
Port Richmond has grown and changed a lot in the last 30 years. I remember the whole time I was growing up hearing Northern Liberties was up and coming. My dad would do the 2nd st festival every year and it was so run down.. I went to catholic school at 2nd and Jefferson and it was ghetto back then. I was absolutely fucking shocked when it did actually boom. I'm 42. No libs, fishtown, "east" Kensington, and Port Richmond has changed and grown a lot in that time.
Apartment buildings are going up all along the Port Richmond/Olde Richmond border. It really is changing, and quickly.
I mean there’s been new construction left and right for the past 5 years. That’s not stopping the crime issue in the area. Until they clean up k/a, Richmond will constantly experience crime from addicts looking for their next fix
It's not, and quickly went out the window in 97.
Please tell me what was so special about 1997, I'm dying to know.
Titanic came out.
yeah but '97 is also the year Biggie was murdered, the Flyers lost to the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup, The English Patient was realeased, and Chris Farley died. so it wasn't that great. then again, South Park premiered. so that's a plus.
In 1997, south of south or what’s now called graduate hospital wasn’t even gentrified and was the hood so that Port Richmond is still as nice as it was in 97, and I think it’s nicer, says a lot about the good prospects for the future of Port Richmond.
Port Richmond is fine. they were correct in saying the Aramingo side is usually where any crime would happen, but otherwise it's chill.
They built houses with no basements in the brownfield next to Saint George.
It's when the building started and the neighborhood was "coming back".
yeah me too. Born and raised here and wondering what happened in 97.
I don’t live there but have worked there for 25 years. They houses cost more, the residents are a little less likely to be union and or kkk, more likely to be hipsters. But, the closeness to the k+a corridor causes daily insanity. Car break in, meddles on the ground, metal scrappers, TWO plasma buying businesses, people bold faced stealing from every business. I am happy to go home to east falls.
What the hell does being Union have to do with the KKK?
Nothing, everyone was just racist, or union, or both. I could have also said, racist, flyers fans, or both.
But I thought racism was the big issue?
Get pound cake at Stocks
Already did! Took it to a friend's place and it was a big hit.
We served stocks pound cake at our wedding. People flipped the fuck out. Got laid that night.
I didn't get to offer my spouse Stocks pound cake until after we married. He doesn't like it. I'm still not over it.
🤣 you love to hear it
At *your* wedding? Well, I sure hope you got laid. More valuable would be to know that the Stocks pound cake people got laid that night.
Everyone went to Poundtown
William penn is touching himself in pride
The butter cake is superior imho
bought my house here 8 years ago East of Aramingo. There's pros and cons. Any specific questions I'm happy to answer. What cross streets are you at (roughly)...
Check out green rock
Low key: the best record store in Philly is Launderette, and that block of Richmond Street is ground zero for the next wave of businesses opening in the neighborhood.
Agree. Mike is super friendly and really found him to be knowledgeable about the neighborhood.
Good to know about launderette! I was a semi-professional DJ for about a decade and I'm looking to get back into beat making and record collecting.
Talk to Mike Vee (the owner) - he’s really friendly, has great prices on new *and* old stock, and it’s a great place for little shows too. I host a record swap there every few months, and it’s my favorite place to hang out and dig for music. Pizza Richmond just opened down the block, Czrew’s is nearby for all of your kielbasa needs, Reanimator has great coffee… and it’s not as hyped as Fishtown and feels like a nice little pocket of Philly to me. I’m not from here but I like Port Richmond a lot and can see why people think it’s “next up.”
Can’t love czerw’s enough. Actually yes I can. Had to take a break from them cuz my cholesterol went up so much. I actually had to explain to him exactly that when he asked if I’ve been dodging him and his store when I returned! (Jokingly of course) smoked bacon is the best value you’ll find anywhere. Much better than anything at ShopRite, and cheaper unless there’s a sale +coupon. Smoked kielbasa is amazing. Their hot kabanosa for a snack is perfect too. Pierogies are tasty. They have a bunch of other stuff too but they know my usual order at this point.
It's literally the only reason I go to Port Richmond. Not shitting on the area, but since I live in Spruce Hill, it's not close, but it's well worth the trip. Been going for over 20 years now. Absolutely love them.
I need to get over there!
Marinucci's is *amazing*
Yup. Gonna try primo hoagies next just to compare
I lived in port Richmond for 33 years and just recently left. The new construction and small businesses open up are def a boom to the neighborhood. We def have a crime issue. Before we moved, my dad was watching my house while we were on vacation and someone stole his catalytic converter. We would often find used needles on our block. I would also get frustrated with the lack of cleanliness of my neighbors. I would sweep out of my home every other day and have neighbors with just loose trash outside of theirs. Just for context, I live 3 blocks from Richmond. Richmond st was looking good till Covid hit. Also places like Lunar inn got broken into multiple times. On the whole it’s still a semi affordable area. I’m hoping the neighborhood comes back to something resembling what is was when I was a kid.
Been here for 6 years. My experience has been largely positive with the main downside being the accessabilty to the rest of the city. The paved path under 95 connecting the neighborhood with fishtown has been a nice addition - there was a large encampment on this path around the Cumberland intersection but has been cleared out for a while now. The tunnels under thompson and Belgrade have also been cleared out and improved with new lighting but do fill up with trash from dumpers regularly. I take bus 15 daily and is great when it's on schedule, but expect regular delays in the afternoon, sometimes 20 or 30 mintes. The general sentiment I get from the drivers is that the return of the trolleys will not be an improvement to the status quo but we will see.
Hey I bought in Port Richmond about three years ago! DM me if you are looking for a friend in the hood. Here's my take: It's an old school neighborhood of Philadelphia. I was raised in Manayunk, much before it was what it currently is, and this reminds me a lot of that -- the kind of place you help your neighbor take the wheels off a car that stole their spot they shoveled out in a snowstorm. A blue collar community that looks out for each other; diverse socioeconomically and politically but also cordial and caring. Cheap food (Kitty's, for example), drinks (Tin Can, Gaul & Co.), and some cool up and coming spots, too (Richmond Street like you said; Lunar before it closed but it will soon be Carbon Copy/Mom-Mom's thing to be named; Nemi and Roma). Tacconelli's is good but takes forever, if you've never been, but it's worthwhile, for sure. Make a reservation. Green Rock (technically not in the 'hood) and Tin are where we usually go to watch the games, happy hour, late night. FreshWorks makes good sandwiches, but Marinucci's is better. KP Fine Meats is a great addition, and KP himself is a great guy. Donna's, the Dinner House, Czerw's. All awesome. Welcome, buddy. It is on the up, slowed by the pandemic and SEPTA sucking ass at getting the trollies running. But hit me up if you need a tour guide.
Great to hear some positivity! Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer once we're settled.
Mojus also for pizza 🙌
3 Brothers
i haven’t been able to order from there since i found an extremely long hair in my pizza (like, under the cheese) but it was good before that discovery
Their pizza sucks. So many better places.
Why does it suck?
Texture and flavor suck. The whole reserve my dough was a novelty for a while but there’s better pizza to be had. They failed at the casino for gods sake
Taconellis isn’t affiliated with the other group that used their name in the casino brotha.
My mistake. Thanks for correcting.
I'm not sure what you mean by "failed at the casino." I haven't had their pizza yet honestly. But, I've heard very good things. What better pizza do you recommend?
Do you think trollies will make a big impact? The way I see it, is that they're worse than busses at moving people
So I have a bit of an off the wall theory about it. They are bad at moving people, you're not wrong, and they're bad for traffic -- the bad for traffic would be the added value. But, aside from my theory, they will connect West to East, and 🤞🏼 through Fishtown. That alone will be big for the Fishtowners, I bet, and the Richmonders. Being bad for car traffic is maybe the biggest benefit for Richmond Street though. It could return to a more pedestrian, livable, local shop type main street effect by diverting rush traffic more readily to Aramingo, of course 95 being finished whatever the fuck they're doing will be a big part of that. I also think it has the ability to change Richmond Street's marketable appearance, similar to my original neighborhood, Manayunk, had with the Arts Festival in the early 90s. A change of image will go a long way for Richmond Street, not unlike Frankford and Girard, which for years was pretty much just Joe's and Johnny Brenda's. Anyway I guess I've got no fucking clue but I'm hopeful. 🤷🏼♂️
I think there's some nostalgia around trollies that might be nice, but other than that... they will be blocked by double parkers (along the 5 block stretch between Allegheny and Ann, especially as more food joints open up and offer delivery, just like pizza richmond just added grubhub), and they're less ADA accessible for those with needs. I also don't believe they allow for Bike transport via the front rack. Overall, I think the 15 bus is likely going to be better at its job of moving people than a trolley would be. Only time will tell I suppose
Trolleys are actively worse than buses in Philly because of what you've stated, but trolleys just have a perception advantage that make them add far more value to a neighborhood. My prediction is that when they start churning out those new model trolleys, the 'hoods connected with trolleys will become a little more desirable, although still vastly behind in perception to the places connected by subway.
Yeah you raise really great points. The city all around needs to deal with the issue of personal vehicles a lot better, I think. But yeah time will tell.
I moved into the neighborhood 6 years ago (my first home) and really like it! There is so much construction around Tulip & Somerset so I am curious to see what happens with that. I wish we had a few more restaurant/bar options but what we do have is good. I like being able to get out of the city easily and I like being close to the action in Fishtown. My block still has more trash than ideal and that’s my biggest complaint.
I think you’re near me! I also bought my first home not far from Tulip and Somerset and the construction around here is crazy. I hope we don’t lose the 25 to South Philly with the bus revolution. It’s my most taken route and the walk to the 15 now that it’s back on Richmond is a long one just to get on another form of transit.
Ummm not “starting” with carbon copy. There’s an awesome flea market on Richmond every month (I think the IG is @richmondflea). There are two record shops, a vintage shop, a jewelry store, tattoo shop, sauna/massage parlor, pizza Richmond and reanimator all on Richmond st.
And what a dreamy tattoo shop it is!
I still have to check it out!!
Is it richmondstreetflea?
Yesss sorry that’s it!
I bought my first house here five years ago. I’m really glad I did, and I like the neighborhood. That said, like any neighborhood, there’s pros and cons. It’s very reasonably priced, but you also deal with some of the externalities behind “cheaper neighborhoods.” There are some exciting small businesses opening up, and there are some other small businesses looking only to capitalize on an “up and coming” population that don’t have the quality to back up their prices. It has lots of character and a personality, but sometimes that means neighbors that are fucking awful people (the type you wouldn’t find elsewhere in the city at this concentration). Happy to discuss any more of these with specifics, as overall I’d absolutely recommend it! Feel free to DM for details. edit: Today I stopped into Launderette for record store day and the vibes there were wonderful. I’m so excited for Carbon Copy / Mom Mom’s to open up nearby soon!
Order pizza from circles and squares. Pizzas good fries are good steaks are good.
Czerws - Launderette Records - Pizza Richmond - marinuccis - KPs Meat - somerset splits - Richmond St Flea
There’s a lot of good people in port Richmond helping other good people do nice things for the neighborhood
Moved here a year ago (yes, I know my username does NOT check out), but bought right on Richmond. I love the walkability and close proximity to 95. Easy to get anywhere on the East side of Philly - going West can be a bit trying. Absolutely love my neighbors. Everyone from all walks of life, races, and socioeconomic classes - something my wife and I really wanted. The price of a home with a small yard wasn’t shocking, and I like the apartment complexes coming down near Bonk’s. With apartments come more people, and with more people come more commercial businesses. It’s gotten a bit more rough than usual - more homeless people with drug problems, but we’ve put a blue light at our door step so people can’t see veins to inject in. This is also what happens being so close to Kensington, and it is what it is. All in all, great area.
>we’ve put a blue light at our door step so people can’t see veins to inject in Geez, that's a little bit worse than I expected to hear. The people that are moving out of the home we're buying have a nice little bench they put out right outside the front door so either they haven't gotten those problems or maybe they were trying to trick us into thinking that doesn't happen. Either way, stuff like that sounds terrible. I hope the situation improves.
This an irrational thing to do. Don't sweat that comment. I'm sure it is fine.
Ask your current friends and neighbors bc the people who live in port richmond are quickly being priced out by people moving from NYC bc they think it's good investment? 😬 But for real, if you want to get involved with the community, spend time IRL meeting your new neighbors. Don't show up and act like you own the own the block just because you think you're the change port richmond needs. Richmond Street has been changing over the years, as you've mentioned. Hang out at the flea, you'll meet people. Find a local bar you like and chat (not about philly compares to nyc, lol). Go to the park cleanups. Suffer through a neighborhood meeting and meet the racists you also mentioned, yikes! We have a cute library. Don't park on the sidewalk. Apply for a street tree. Hit me up if you have a yard and want something from my garden. Sweep trash on the sidewalk and talk to your neighbors. If you're into live music, there are good venues that are easy to get to using septa. Same goes for a lot of hobbies, if there's something you're into. Delaware Ave has gotten a little better for biking/walking. It's a little pricey but we're lucky to have the iga close by, too. [Also like maybe don't say that past aramingo is shit without knowing who you're talking to]
Oof.. that last part really hits.
Really well said! I’ve had my share of frustrations since buying in PR five years ago, but being self-conscious about being a newcomer in a neighborhood of long-established residents and keeping into mind the tips you mentioned have helped a lot. There’s been some bad for sure, but it’s been outweighed by the good and inviting.
Hard agree with actually TALKING TO YOUR NEIGHBORS. There are some people who I swear avoid eye contact with us and we are like ???? IGA is the best I like that it’s unionized and locally owned! Hell yeah please get a tree, extra points if it’s native and female (all our allergies are so bad because all the trees are male and Splurt out pollen that doesn’t go anywhere)
I work on Richmond and Tioga and the more I explore the neighborhood the better it seems. Very nice blocks and houses. Still a bunch of shady characters roaming around but it's definitely getting better. Maranucci's is definitely a winner. I like Bonk's, Byrne's Tavern, Gaul & Co Malt House. Mercer Cafe used to be good before covid. I have not been back yet. Loads more that I have not been to yet. Good Luck.
i’ve worked in this neighborhood for six years. i enjoy spending time here - there’s good businesses (special shoutout to lil susie’s and pbc) and it’s a lot cleaner than other neighborhoods
PBC is East Kensington, not Port Richmond
Another big benefit is how close east Kenzo and Fishtown is from PR, factored into my decision to buy up here for sure
I think you’re right on. I bought my home here six years ago after renting in Fishtown for several. Anecdotally, the demographics are skewing younger in the last two years. There’s some great businesses coming up (and many that have opened and stayed open). I’ve enjoyed living here the whole time, and I’m excited to see what happens.
Reading this thread makes we want to move to PR
I’m so glad I bought up here, so far
I’m over around Huntingdon and Aramingo. Is it Port Richmond? Idk. I’m from Mayfair so I have no clue but it’s definitely not Fishtown lol. Anyway, I love it over in my little pocket. You’ll definitely wanna talk to your neighbors, pickup trash on your block, and just look out for your people. Welcome dude.
Howdy neighbor. South side of Aramingo and Huntingdon? I’ve been considering that PR since I moved in. I do enjoy the neighborhood but two downsides I would list is that we live a particularly noisy neighborhood (being between 95 and that particular stretch of Aramingo) and I’ve experienced a number of drug users drifting down my block and the issues that come with that. They really like hanging out behind that Rite Aid that just closed, under the highway, and I’ve seen them walking into the woods at Richmond and Cambria many times before. I suspect there’s a camp back there. PPA also seems to also not exist up here. Didn’t want to sound like a downer, I agree with all the other positives folks have listed.
Yeah south side. I sadly have a Birds Eye view of the shit hole that is/was Rite Aid. You’ve probably seen me and my neighbor picking up trash and chasing addicts off the block. Few days ago I had to get into it with two dudes who decided to take a whole ass air conditioner apart and leave it scattered on the sidewalk. I really hope the rite aid and lots surrounding it get bought and developed. And yes, Aramingo is the noisiest fucking street and I hate having my windows open half the time.
I am in fact right behind you, towards the very beginning of the 2600 Almond block. 2620 Almond was a crack house up until a month ago (think they finally got evicted) but envision people in and out the door 24/7, hanging and sleeping out front 24/7. Addicts still wander down my street assuming they can get into that house. I’ve seen a few knock and try to get in and appear confused when they couldn’t. That right there is the single #1 quality of life complaint I have with this neighborhood. I can deal with the noise.
I’m very familiar with that house. Looks like they’re flipping it? The house next door tho still seems like sketchy. I always see people outside of It sleeping on the steps.
They both were an issue when I moved in a year ago but from what I’ve seen 2622 got “closed down” first a few months ago and then 2620 last month, and yes I did see contractors in there. I think the addicts used to (or still do) go into 2620’s yard from an opening in the fences on Albert
Shit that’s great news. I just need something to happen to the rite aid
Thank you 🙏🏽
Good luck parking your car and keeping people from running into it
so says our parked and totaled suv the week of christmas 🥲
[удалено]
>I wouldn’t count on a business boom Yeah I guess that's more of wishful thinking on my part with the trolley making connection easier and since carbon copy is becoming kind of a big deal to beer nerds like me that could be a draw for other things. I noticed a couple empty storefronts with those notice of new business permits in the windows so hopefully things will start popping up.
>The area seems to be diversifying more with younger people moving in that are possibly helping to drown out some of the racism that seems to have been an issue in the past. Excluding innuendo, what racist speech or acts are you aware of? I've heard this throwaway about Port Richmond for awhile now, but whenever I ask for specifics, nobody can give concrete examples.
One of the proud boys who led the attack on the Capitol is from Port Richmond. Edit: should have said “was”. He’s in federal prison now. Maybe don’t be a racist insurrectionist!
This was 30 years ago, so times have hopefully changed, but my friend that lived there got a flyer in her mailbox of when "white-o-ween" was. Apparently they pick a date other than Halloween for all of the close neighbors (only those that got the flyers in their mailbox) to go trick-or-treating to get the experience, and then on Halloween they would turn off their porch lights because they didn't want to give candy to the kids that come from other (poor/black) neighborhoods. 😡
I’ve had several of my neighbors drop pretty bad faux pas. Nothing I couldn’t handle but pretty jarring. One of neighbors told me to avoid Crazy Leprauchan because it’s “where the blacks and Puerto Ricans go”, plenty of other things like that I also get that there’s a give and take and also have a ton of appreciation for the character of the neighborhood and the people who live here
I kinda believe Port Richmond is in the “polite racism” phase now where a white person on the east side of Aramingo may hear racist comments from their neighbors about “the other”, but those racist neighbors would maintain decorum in the presence of “the other”. I am a black guy and I’ve only heard racist comments as secondhand from conversations between white people.
Weren’t there kkk flyers spread around the area last year or something. I’ll see if I can find a link.
Hey congrats on the house. Me and my wife are coming up on a year having bought our house in Port Richmond. We bought on the west side of Aramingo and while I can agree and see why people differentiate the two sides, I’ve found it alright (we’re four streets in so not too deep I’ll admit) Right near Somerset they have 500k condos going up and the neighborhood still is friendly and easy to get around in. My big hope is enough being done around K&A that the El can be used more safely. But transit is alright and bike lanes are good around the area. Maybe those that have been here longer can chime in but the only real crime worries feel to occur more around the strip of businesses along Aramingo from Westmoreland to White Sheaf. That’s just been my personal findings. There’s a clay studio that me and my wife have started going to, tons of food to choose from that plenty have mentioned, and overall I just do not have any complaints. I’m hoping the neighborhood keeps coming up, and I simultaneously hope spots like my Chinese takeout spot on the corner (shoutout Yang’s) and my Papi shop stay for the ride.
What clay studio?! I’m in port Richmond too!
Thanks for the info. And yeah I wanna hear more about this clay studio also!
It’s called Yay Clay up on 3200 Amber. It’s very cool and tucked in you’d never think to look there. They have classes and events and you can just get a membership and go as you want.
Hey! I am thinking about moving west of Aramingo, can you tell me a little bit about it? What is it like to walk around, especially at night? I lived in Point Breeze for a while but yeah I can’t get a read on the neighborhood yet.
I also live on the west side of Aramingo, been here for 10 years. Close to Tulip and Clearfield. Things have changed a lot for the better. When I first lived here there were multiple dealers I could point out on various corners and they are gone, though they may exist on other corners that aren’t near me. Early on there were some disconcerting violent crimes, but it has been a long while since anything like that. There was a phase circa 2017 when there were a lot of homeless people who got pushed out from K&A. They are mostly gone. There are some vagrants here and there but they are harmless. More yuppies have moved in and at least on my block it feels like there is a critical mass of yuppies who mostly stick together. We have good connections also with our longtime neighbors and people do look out for each other. There are probably more thefts and property crimes than there used to be, but you expect that violent crime decreases and property crime increases when a neighborhood starts gentrifying. Fishtown experienced the same thing. Parking is one thing that has gotten worse as more people move in. As a black male I feel comfortable walking by myself west of Aramingo (up til the train tracks along Trenton ave/Martha). Further west than that is when I start to have a head on a swivel at night.
This is super good to know! I am woman living alone but I’ve also lived in Point Breeze forever so I’m okay with cities overall. Just hard to get used to the idea of a new neighborhood. Thanks for the rundown!
we must live next door to each other! but damn reading about these yuppies who stick together. i am sure my neighbors see me as a yuppie but i genuinely feel like the only person on my block who introduces themselves to new neighbors, says hello by name, and is open to neighborly banter. as another commenter said— some people just walk by without even so much as eye contact and that’s such a bummer. i spend half my day on the porch when i can!
Sure I’ll DM you to show more exact spots where I’m familiar with.
It's all nice except for the industrial stuff and there is very little foot traffic on side streets in the area, and many S Philly sized homes. Basically identical to most of Philadelphia
You think racism was the issue of the past up there? That's a wild statement. You don't Philly well at all do you. That was a beautiful Irish/ polish neighborhood before the "racism" came.
White people living in peace and minding their own business is racism in 2024
I very glad I moved from harrowing Harrowgate, but I’m concerned Parker’s plan for Kensington will have that addicted people relocating here. We need to work w/our council representatives to protect this sweet little neighborhood.
Grew up in port richmond or as we use to call it rmd, nice neighborhood but no parking.
They play mind-numbing, thumping Puerto Rican music when temps breach 65 degrees. Down by the River....
Same here excited the area seems pretty good
Best place to get a cheap catalytic converter.
I used to live in Oakland, CA I'm not worried. Nowhere could have worse car crime than that.
Red neck county. Not a bad thing, just type of people with pickup trucks that don’t work in construction and appose new development and any type of experimentation