Fishtown

Fishtown is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Bound by Frankford Avenue, the Delaware River, and York Street, the area is very mixed socioeconomically, with gentrification only beginning to take hold in the neighborhood. Personally, I think neighborhoods in this stage are some the best overall, as people of all walks of life can work, live, and shop in the neighborhood. If rent control is not already practiced in the neighborhood, it should be instituted immediately to help keep the neighborhood socioeconomically diverse, so everyone is able to enjoy Fishtown! Historically, Fishtown was the center of Philadelphia's shad fishing industry, hence the name "Fishtown". The neighborhood consists primarily of working class Irish, as well as newer residents, many of which are hipsters and artists. Many murals and community gardens are spread throughout the neighborhood, as well as complex works of wrought iron. Businesses range from beer gardens and artisanal coffee shops to auto body shops, and a few factories still remain in Fishtown as well. Housing stock consists primarily of the common Philadelphia rowhouse and some walk up apartments, as well as some apartments above commercial spaces on main roads. The neighborhood is OK for biking and is quite walkable. Transit-wise, the neighborhood is served by SEPTA Rail, and SEPTA City Division. SEPTA Rail runs the Market-Frankford Line, offering fast, frequent service 24/7 via the Girard and Berks Stations. SEPTA City Division operates bus routes 5, 25, 43, and 89, as well as trolley route 15. The 5 from Front & Market to Frankford Transportation Center operates seven days a week, with good weekday and OK weekend headways. The 25 goes from Columbus Commons to Frankford Transportation Center, and operates seven days a week, with good weekday and OK weekend headways. Route 43 from 50th & Parkside to Richmond & Cumberland operates seven days a week, with OK weekday and bad weekend frequencies. The 89 goes from Arrott Transportation Center to Front & Dauphin, and has the worst headways of the routes serving Fishtown. Finally, the 15 from 63rd & Girard to Richmond & Westmoreland operates with 24/7 service, and good headways seven days a week.