Bridesburg

Bridesburg is located along the lower border of Northeast Philadelphia, just north of Port Richmond and southeast of Frankford. Historically, the area has had a large German and Irish population, but as Port Richmond expanded in the late 1900s, the Polish population grew. Residents of Bridesburg have strong roots, living there for years after their parents and grandparents made a home for them.

The majority of properties are row homes with small front and/or backyards. It is located along the Delaware River, which allows for beautiful waterfront views. Frankford Creek also runs throughout the neighborhood. Community bonds are strong, and neighbors come together frequently at the many churches; for being such a small community, there is an impressive number of churches, the majority of which are catholic. Small restaurants and delis are also common, which act as yet another cozy meeting place for neighbors and friends.

Large, Philly-based companies enjoy having their headquarters in Bridesburg due to the quiet nature of the area, yet close proximity to Center City; some of these companies include Dow Chemical Company and the Dietz and Watson Plant.

For commuters, I-95 and the Betsy Ross Bridge are both accessible, and SEPTA services the area via the Trenton Regional Rail Line; however, other forms of public transportation are limited. It is best to have a car, but street parking is hard to come by.

Bridesburg is an affordable place to live, with spacious row homes at low costs. It is ideal for empty nesters, retirees and people looking to establish roots in a friendly community; it is not great for a younger crowd, and a long hike from Center City.

Long ago Bridesburg was called Kirkbridesburg after Joseph Kirkbride; a man who, not only operated a ferry to New Jersey, but also built a toll bridge in 1811. After a while, however, dwellers of the area decided the name was too long and it was shortened to Bridesburg.

Some notable landmarks in the area are: The Dow Chemical Company, Besty Ross Bridge, and Bridesburg Recreation Center. Frankford Creek runs out into the Delaware River through Bridesburg.

The Bridesburg Recreation Center is a 9-acre facility that offers many activities for the whole family. They have After School Programming for children, as well as gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and summer camp. The facility also offers bowling, scrapbooking, aerobics, ceramics, and much more for adults. The building has meeting rooms and areas for drama club. It's a perfect place for the family to stay busy.

Homes in Bridesburg range up to around $231,000 with $134,00 being the median. Most of the structures are row townhouses and single-family. There are a couple multi-family homes and apartment in the area as well.

The School District of Philadelphia operates one elementary school in the area. Students in middle and high schools are zoned to schools outside the neighborhood. The area does have two charter schools. As of 2012, there are no longer Catholic schools in the area. The closest Catholic school is in Mayfair.

Major roadways include Richmond Street. Interstate 95 and the Betsy Ross Bridge make it is to, not only get to other portions of Philadelphia, but gives a way into our neighbor state of New Jersey. Parking can be problematic sometimes, but not always on all blocks. There is a SEPTA station in the vicinity but Bridesburg is not substantially stocked with public transportation, so it is better to have access to a vehicle.

There aren't many shopping and restaurant options within Bridesburg. However, Aramingo Avenue is right outside of the neighborhood and the strip holds the majority of shops and restaurants that most people look for.

Bridesburg neighbors tend to know each other by relation or by merely growing up in one of the smaller neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The area is as quiet as you could expect from an inner city neighborhood. There isn't much of a nightlife, but the area has so many activities through the recreation center that it isn't needed.

Before you get to the Northeast portion of Philadelphia you will find at the last river-front neighborhood. This predominantly white area is known as Bridesburg and was once the go-to place for Polish immigrants.

Bridesburg is a small, clean almost crime-free neighborhood. There is a strong “American pride” vibe present in the number of American flags and “support the troops” memorabilia that decorates the houses and cars in this area. There is a definite small-town, close-knit feel to this area of Philadelphia.

There are several bars in the area as well as places that are kind of the essentials of a community, places to buy food, restaurants, and hardware stores. You don’t need to go too far for something in Bridesburg. The houses are large row homes with front or back yards. More houses are being built as the neighborhood expands and the property value increases.

Most of the residents in Bridesburg are older, having grown up in the area but people from neighboring areas are also moving to the neighborhood because it is affordable and safe. Thus it is a nice place to raise children.
Bridesburg has a large number of churches for a small neighborhood, many of which are Catholic.

Bridesburg lies in North Philadelphia and is the last river-front neighborhood you’ll go through before you hit the Northeast section of the city. It is situated between Frankford Creek to the north and west, the Delaware River to the southeast and Port Richmond to the southwest. According to the 2000 Census, Bridesburg’s has a population of 8,069, many of whom are Polish Americans. The Polish community is centered around various establishments in the area including Saint John Cantius Church.
There are many beautiful churches located in Bridesburg including Bridesburg Baptist Church, Bridesburg United Methodist Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. It also features one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in the city called Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
There are many delicious restaurants located in Bridesburg such as Renzi’s Pizza & Pasta House and Lori’s Delicatessen. If you are in the mood for some authentic Irish fare in a casual and laid back atmosphere, stop in to Scruffy’s Irish Pub on Bridge Street. You’ll love the comfy décor at old timey feel of the place.
Bridesburg is an affordable place to live and offers many spacious apartments and houses. It is mostly occupied by families and older people who have spent their entire lives in this neighborhood.