Mayfair

A part of the Lower Northeast, Mayfair offers more space for your money than centrally located Philadelphia neighborhoods. This predominantly white, Irish American neighborhood is bordered by a number of other Northeast locations, including Holmesburg, Tacony, Wissinoming, Pennypack Park and Oxford Circle.

The majority of the homes in Mayfair are townhomes, which frequently feature front yards. Many of these residents are natives of the area, with very few renters. Mayfair, and most Northeast locations, is not easily accessible by public transportation, so many homeowners also own cars and driveways to park them in.

Roosevelt Boulevard is a short drive away, which features large plazas with numerous department stores and services. There are also four schools operated by the School District of Philadelphia within the area’s bounds.

Mayfair has many community organizations, like the Mayfair Civic Association and Mayfair Community Development Corporation. These organizations are dedicated to improving the neighborhood and safety in the area; however, even with these measures in place, crime rates are still on the rise. As a result it is not a great place to raise children. Yet, the crime rates have kept rent prices on the low end, making Mayfair an affordable option.

Mayfair used to be a better neighborhood, but it's slowly going downhill. It's not just the fact that everything is getting more rundown. I wouldn't say this place is safe for families raising kids because of two things 1) crime and 2) bad people moving in. If you have a family, this is not the place for you. Your kids will most likely fall in with the wrong crowd since the schools around there are not the greatest. Not only are the schools not too good, but the streets are just getting dirty between the trash and the noise pollution, it's not a place that you would want to wheel around a stroller in. I was practicing my guitar with a friend in his backyard in Mayfair and someone passed by and dumped the trashy contents of their bag into his backyard since it was on the corner, but with a high fence. Thinking it was a one time thing, we went on. Ten minutes later someone else tossed the rest of their fast food over the fence. People here don't understand respect and this was during the day time too.

Once spacious farmland, Mayfair has become a fixture in Lower Northeast Philadelphia. It is a stick-and-stay neighborhood of Irish Americans who were joined by Polish, Italians, German, and English. Two organizations that have been critical in the area’s stabilization are the Mayfair Civic Association and the Mayfair Community Development Corporation (CDC).

The Von Steuben Day parade along Frankford Avenue gathers many of the descendants of German immigrants for a day of festivities. The CDC also promotes shopping corridor revitalization and greening activities.

A community center has been built for young people and is home to the Northeast Peanut League and the Northeast Rockers.

The Clean Sweep program maintains trash cans throughout the area and six street sweepers routinely gather the litter.
The area was once the bastion of long-time state representative John Prezel, however losing battle against criminal charges of misusing his office for political gain has brought about jail time.

Roosevelt Boulevard is the main route from Center City and points west. Public transportation flows by way of buses routed from the Market Frankford terminal.

Diversification is now prevalent with families of other cultures such as Arab, Asian, and African American now occupying the row homes of Mayfair.

Usually when you meet someone in Philadelphia they’re not from Philadelphia or even from Pennsylvania. A lot of people have moved to the city from neighboring states like New Jersey. However, the neighborhood of Mayfair which is located in the lower Northeast section of Philadelphia claims that 90% of its residents are from Pennsylvania. That’s kind of impressive.

The predominantly white neighborhood consists of row houses that have front yards and garages; they’re much more spacious than those you would see in other areas of the city. They’re also mostly owned by the people who live in them, there are few renters in Mayfair.

Shopping is pretty easy in this area as there are several plazas along Roosevelt Boulevard and Frankford Avenue. The Mayfair Diner tends to be a popular place to eat among residents, especially the younger crowd.

Driving is the common mode of transportation in Mayfair and parking is available. But for those that do not have access to a vehicle you can still get around with public transportation. There are buses that run through the neighborhood.
Mayfair's crime rate is on the rise but it’s relatively inexpensive to live in which is another appealing factor. Plus, it's near Pennypack Park, everyone loves a park.

Mayfair is a neighborhood located in the Lower Northeast section of Philadelphia. It is bound by Holmesburg to the east, Tacony to the south, Pennypack Park to the north, and Oxford Circle to the west.
Mayfair is a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood and is home to many Irish Americans. Since 2000, the neighborhood has begun to see a more diverse residency and now includes Asians, African Americans and Hispanics.
Mayfair offers many fun things to see and do including a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants. The Mayfair Diner is a local hangout in the area and serves some of the best breakfast foods that you will find anywhere in the city. It is also home to Concord Roller Rink.
The typical Mayfair home consists of either row homes or single-family units. There is also a few apartment complexes sprinkled throughout the area. Mayfair’s housing prices are moderately priced and are perfect for families who still want to live in the city but long for a suburban feel to raise their children in.
Mayfair is a fairly safe neighborhood and does not have a lot of crime rate. This is due to the tight-knit community and neighbors looking out for one another.