North Philadelphia, Urban neighborhood in Philadelphia, United States
North Philadelphia is a residential neighborhood in Philadelphia that stretches north from the downtown area and covers several districts such as Olney-Oak Lane and Upper North Philadelphia. Streets alternate between blocks of rowhouses, larger school buildings, and small shops at main intersections.
During the 19th century, the area changed from fields and farms into a working neighborhood as factories grew up along rail lines. Immigrants from Europe settled along the industrial streets and built the rowhouses that still shape the streetscape today.
Temple University brings young people from around the world into the streets and cafes of the neighborhood, where they gather at many corners and small plazas. Murals stretch across building walls, telling stories about the families who live and work here.
The Broad Street subway line connects the neighborhood to downtown in under 30 minutes, stopping at several stations along the main avenue. Visitors can walk to restaurants, shops, and churches on side streets around the larger intersections.
Light sculptures called North Poles stand along Broad Street and change colors at night, marking the route through the streets. Artists from the neighborhood have created some of the largest murals in the city, spanning multiple stories.
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