Discovering the Charm of Lawncrest, Philadelphia
Lawncrest, a quaint neighborhood nestled in the lower Northeast region of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a delightful amalgamation of two primary communities— Lawndale and Crescentville. Though the Philadelphia Inquirer does not consider Lawncrest as a neighborhood, its residents proudly identify with it.
The Setting and Historical Roots
The geographical layout of Lawncrest is intriguing. The northern part of the neighborhood, with the ZIP Code 19111, is under the Fox Chase Post Office, while the area south of Comly Street, with the ZIP Code 19120, comes under the Olney Post Office. The southern section of the community was built on what was once the Wentz Farm, and the eastern side of Crescentville was developed over a swamp, contrasting with the west side’s stable bedrock.
The neighborhood’s main artery is Rising Sun Avenue, but originally, Ashmead Road/Levick Street was the primary road. The area boasts a rich history, with Swedes and Germans settling there as early as 1638. The community traces its roots back to the 19th century when it was a small German community known as Marburg.
Neighborhood Layout and Surrounding Regions
Lawncrest extends from Tacony Creek Park to Tyson Avenue. It shares boundaries with Fox Chase/Burholme to the north, Oxford Circle/Castor Gardens and Frankford to the east and southeast, and Olney and Feltonville to the south and southwest. To the west lies Cheltenham Township in Montgomery County.
Convenient Transportation
The Newtown Branch/New York Short Line of the Reading Railroad separates Lawncrest from Montgomery County, with the Tookany/Tacony Creek running through a portion of the community. The neighborhood is served by two SEPTA Fox Chase Line Regional Rail stations—Lawndale Station and Cheltenham Station.
The community also benefits from several SEPTA bus lines. The Route 18 bus runs from Cedarbrook Mall–Olney Terminal to Fox Chase, while Routes 19, 24, 26, and 67 serve the eastern parts of the neighborhood, connecting to Olney, Frankford, and Fern Rock Transportation Centers.
Religious Institutions
Lawncrest is a home to roughly a dozen Protestant Churches, with the oldest being Trinity Oxford Church, dating back to 1698. St. William’s Parish, founded in 1920, covers most of the Crescentville end of the community and part of the lower end of Lawndale, while Presentation B.V.M. Parish, founded in 1890, serves the upper end of Lawndale.
Residential Features
The average value of homes in Lawncrest is around $206,883, with an average price per square foot of approximately $161. The residential landscape is predominantly rowhomes, a mix of cottage-style homes with stone siding and traditional Philadelphia brick rowhomes. Many homes come with attached garages, providing convenient parking. The northern section of the neighborhood offers larger, two-story single-family homes with more yard space.
Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities
Lawncrest Recreation Center is a hub for sports enthusiasts, equipped with basketball and tennis courts, a gymnasium, a weight room, and a roller hockey rink. The outdoor pool is a favorite spot during summers. The center also hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration, a major community event featuring a parade, games, activities, and fireworks.
For nature lovers, Tacony Creek Park offers scenic trails for hiking and biking along the creek that runs through the neighborhood’s west side.
Shopping and Dining
Lawncrest offers several shopping centers, housing popular retailers and grocery stores like Walmart and ALDI. Rising Sun Plaza houses Forman Mills and Roses Discount Store, along with several other retailers and a Planet Fitness center. The plaza is also home to the Hong Kong Supermarket, renowned for its wide seafood selection and rare Asian ingredients.
The neighborhood offers a diverse dining scene, with Vietnamese restaurants like Pho Ha Saigon being a local favorite. Rising Sun Avenue is a foodie’s paradise, hosting Larry’s, a community staple serving cheesesteaks and hoagies since 1956.
Education and Schools
The School District of Philadelphia, the largest in the state, serves Lawncrest. Elementary students attend Benjamin Franklin School or Universal Creighton Charter School, while high schoolers attend Samuel Fels High School.
Notable Residents
Lawncrest has been home to several notable personalities, including Ryan Bird, Frank Bender, Bil Keane, Andrea McArdle, Matt Ox, and De’Andre Hunter.
Lawncrest is a neighborhood that takes pride in its rich history, tight-knit community, and diverse amenities. Whether you are a nature lover, food enthusiast, or history buff, Lawncrest has something to offer everyone.