Northeast Philadelphia is a large, mostly residential section of the city a few miles outside Downtown. While it doesn't get the press coverage of Fishtown or Rittenhouse Square, it consistently offers more square footage, more parking, better access to green space, and lower rents than any comparable part of the city.
Why Northeast Philadelphia?
Northeast Philadelphia is a large, mostly residential section of the city a few miles outside Downtown. While it doesn't get the press coverage of Fishtown or Rittenhouse Square, it consistently offers more square footage, more parking, better access to green space, and lower rents than any comparable part of the city. One-bedroom apartments here generally run $1,200 to $1,600 per month, well below what comparable space rents for closer to Center City.
The Neighborhoods
Rhawnhurst sits in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia, known for its tree-lined streets, Roosevelt Mall access, and direct connection to I-95. It's one of the most established neighborhoods in the Northeast, with a strong community feel and excellent transit via the Boulevard Direct.
Far Northeast Philadelphia — often called the "Great Northeast," and including the Academy Gardens area along Welsh Road — is the quietest and most suburban-feeling section while still being fully within city limits. Wide streets, ample parking, and garden-style apartment communities define it, along with some of the largest floor plans in the Northeast, including three-bedroom layouts.
Pennypack takes its name from the 1,600-acre Pennypack Park that runs through the area. Living here means immediate access to about nine miles of trail, paved through the Philadelphia stretch, plus creekside paths and genuine green space steps from your front door.
How to Get Around
Boulevard Direct runs the length of Roosevelt Boulevard to Frankford Transit Center, where you connect to the L for a roughly 25-minute ride into Center City. SEPTA Routes 1, 14, 18, 19, 20, 66, 67, and 70 also serve the area, connecting residents to Roosevelt Mall, Frankford Transit Center, and other key destinations.
For drivers, I-95 is accessible within 5–10 minutes from most Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, providing direct highway access to Center City, South Jersey, and points north. Route 1 (Roosevelt Boulevard) runs the length of the Northeast and connects to the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Willow Grove.
Regional Rail service is available at Torresdale Station on the Trenton Line, offering another option for Center City commuters who live near the station.
Four Communities Worth Touring
Joshua House offers the only three-bedroom layouts among our Northeast Philadelphia communities, making it the best fit for renters who need the most space. The 312-unit community sits on a park-like campus off Welsh Road, minutes from Pennypack Park, with a fitness center and free parking included.
7400 Roosevelt puts you directly on Roosevelt Boulevard with newly renovated kitchens, in-unit laundry, and private balconies in select units. The elevator building is walkable to Roosevelt Mall and offers some of the best-value renovated apartments in the Northeast.
Longwood Manor is a small, well-maintained community on a quiet residential block in Rhawnhurst, a 7-minute walk from Nazareth Hospital. High ceilings, large kitchens, and plenty of lot parking make it ideal for renters who want affordability without sacrificing quality.
Fountain Gardens is the only one of our Northeast Philadelphia communities with studio apartments, making it the most accessible entry point for renters new to the area. The community sits directly adjacent to a public park with tennis and basketball courts, and Pennypack Park is steps away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car to live in Northeast Philadelphia?
While SEPTA bus routes serve the area, Northeast Philadelphia is primarily car-dependent. Most renters find that owning a car makes daily life significantly easier, especially for grocery shopping and commuting to work.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Northeast Philadelphia?
As of 2026, one-bedroom apartments in Northeast Philadelphia generally range from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on the property, amenities, and whether utilities are included — meaningfully below Center City pricing for comparable space.
Is parking included with apartments in Northeast Philadelphia?
Most apartment communities in Northeast Philadelphia include parking as part of the lease. Unlike Center City, where parking can cost an additional $200–300/month, NE Philly properties typically offer free assigned or open lot parking.
How long is the commute to Center City from Northeast Philadelphia?
The commute varies by starting point and method. Boulevard Direct runs Roosevelt Boulevard to Frankford Transit Center, where you connect to the L for a roughly 25-minute ride into Center City — door to door, plan on 50 to 60 minutes. Driving via I-95 takes approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.