Cedar Park, Philadelphia

Cedar Park, Philadelphia
Name	Cedar Park
Settlement type	Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Pennsylvania
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Philadelphia County
Subdivision type3	City
Subdivision name3	Philadelphia
Leader title	City Council
Leader name	Jamie Gauthier (3rd District)
Population total	~7,500
Population as of	2020 estimate
Timezone	EST
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Postal code type	ZIP Codes
Postal code	19143
Area code	215, 267, 445
Blank name	PHMC Historic Marker
Blank info	Designated 2004

Cedar Park, Philadelphia. Cedar Park is a residential neighborhood located in the West Philadelphia section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is bounded roughly by Baltimore Avenue to the north, Woodland Avenue to the south, 49th Street to the east, and 52nd Street to the west. The area is known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, vibrant commercial corridors, and strong community engagement, anchored by the eponymous public park.

History

The land that comprises the neighborhood was originally part of the Blockley Township and was predominantly agricultural, with estates like those of the Lea and Febiger families. Significant development began in the late 19th century following the extension of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and streetcar lines along Baltimore Avenue, spurring a building boom of Queen Anne and Stick-Eastlake style homes. The neighborhood was officially named in 1905 after the establishment of its central park by the Fairmount Park Commission. Like much of West Philadelphia, it experienced demographic shifts throughout the 20th century, with an influx of African Americans during the Great Migration and later becoming a hub for West Indian and Caribbean immigrants. Community activism in the 1970s, including efforts by the Cedar Park Neighbors association, successfully fought proposed highway expansions and fostered historic preservation, leading to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Geography

The neighborhood covers approximately 0.3 square miles, characterized by a rectilinear street grid. Its central feature is the 2.5-acre Cedar Park, designed by the firm of Herman J. Schwarzmann. The topography is relatively flat, typical of the Atlantic coastal plain. It is part of the larger University City district and sits adjacent to neighborhoods like Spruce Hill and Kingsessing. The primary commercial corridors are Baltimore Avenue and 50th Street, which feature a mix of local businesses and restaurants.

Demographics

As of the most recent Census estimates, the population is approximately 7,500 residents. The neighborhood is racially diverse, with a significant African American population alongside substantial White, Asian, and multiracial communities. A notable portion of residents claim Caribbean ancestry, particularly from Jamaica and Haiti. The median household income is above the city average, and educational attainment is high, with over 60% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Housing is primarily owner-occupied single-family rowhouses, many of which are historic.

Education

Public school students are served by the School District of Philadelphia. The neighborhood is zoned for the Henry C. Lea School for elementary and middle grades, while high school students may attend West Philadelphia High School or apply to citywide magnet schools like Central High School. Several notable private and parochial institutions operate nearby, including St. Francis de Sales School. Its proximity to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University provides access to university resources and influences the local culture. The Free Library of Philadelphia system operates the Walnut Street West Library branch just north of the neighborhood.

Culture and recreation

The neighborhood hosts the annual Cedar Park Fest, a community street fair. Baltimore Avenue is a cultural hub, featuring establishments like the Dahlak Paradise restaurant and the Mariposa Food Co-op. The park itself contains a playground, basketball courts, and a popular community garden managed by the Cedar Park Community Garden group. Musical and artistic events are often held at local venues, including the former Studio 34. The area's architectural history is celebrated through tours organized by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

Transportation

Public transportation is provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), with the Route 34 trolley running along Baltimore Avenue and the Route 13 trolley on Chester Avenue. Multiple bus routes, including the G bus, serve the area. The neighborhood is easily accessible via the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) and is a short distance from the University City Station on the SEPTA Regional Rail Media/Wawa Line. It is also a hub for cycling, with dedicated bike lanes and participation in the Indego bike-share program.

Category:Neighborhoods in Philadelphia Category:West Philadelphia Category:Populated places on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania