Olde Kensington, Philadelphia

{{more citations needed|auto=yes|date=November 2018}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox settlement | background_color=    |image_skyline= |imagesize= |image_caption= |image_flag= |name=Olde Kensington |settlement_type = [[List of Philadelphia neighborhoods|Neighborhood of Philadelphia]]  | mapsize = 300px | map_caption = | pushpin_map = Philadelphia | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_caption = | pushpin_mapsize = | coordinates = {{Coord|39.969|-75.143|format=dms|display=title}}  |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = {{USA}} |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = [[Pennsylvania]] |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] |subdivision_type3 = City |subdivision_name3 = [[Philadelphia]]   |postal_code_type= |postal_code= |area_codes=[[Area codes 215, 267, and 445|215, 267 and 445]] }} '''Olde Kensington''', also known as South Kensington,<ref name = "South Kensington">{{cite web |title=Plan Philly: Blurring the Lines of South Kensington |url=https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2013/02/11/plan-philly-blurring-the-lines-of-south-kensington/ |date=11 February 2013}}</ref> is a [[neighbourhood|neighborhood]] located in [[North Philadelphia]] section of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], United States. South Kensington is north of [[Northern Liberties]], south of Norris Square, east of [[Ludlow, Philadelphia|Ludlow]], and west of [[Fishtown, Philadelphia|Fishtown]]. The boundaries of the neighborhood are Berks St. (north), Girard Ave (south), Front St (east) and 6th St. (west).<ref name = "South Kensington" />

After [[World War II]], many neighborhoods in Philadelphia experienced a long period of decline, [[deindustrialization]], and residential abandonment. In recent years, however, South Kensington has been increasingly [[gentrification|gentrified]], following a similar pattern observed in adjacent [[Northern Liberties]] and [[Fishtown, Philadelphia|Fishtown]]. Although some industrial activity has continued along the American Street corridor, a historic location for [[heavy industry]], a growing number of formerly vacant factories are being turned into lofts, condos, and artist workspaces.

The zip code for the area is 19122. There are two associations that serve the neighborhood: [http://www.southkensingtoncommunity.org/ South Kensington Community Partners] (SKCP) and Olde Kensington Neighbors Association (OKNA).

==Population== As of 2021, Olde Kensington was 57% non Hispanic white, 25% Hispanic, 8% non Hispanic black, 7% Asian, and 3% other. Median household income is $117,904.<ref>U.S. Census Bureau (2021). American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Retrieved from Census Reporter Profile page for Census Tract 144, Philadelphia, PA <http://censusreporter.org/profiles/14000US42101014400-census-tract-144-philadelphia-pa/></ref>

==Public Transportation==

[[SEPTA]] provides various options of public transportation for the neighborhood, and Center City is about 2 miles or 10 minutes away. The neighborhood is served by: <blockquote> Buses 57, 5 Elevated Train (the EL) at Girard Station Trolley 15 through Girard Ave </blockquote> Also, buses 3 and 47 pass nearby the neighborhood, and the EL Berks Station and SEPTA rail at Temple University Station are within reasonable walking distance.

Additionally, many residents ride their bicycles as their preferred mode of transportation{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}. Indego Philly has a bike share station at 3rd & Girard and multiple peripheral stations: 2nd & Germantown Ave, 1176 Leopard Ave. (Girard Station, MFL), 1424 Frankford Ave. (City Fitness), 1902 N. Front St. (Berks Station, MFL), and 527 W. Berks St.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rideindego.com/stations/|title=Station Map|date=2015-01-27|work=Indego|access-date=2018-05-17|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[PhillyCarShare]] (now known as Enterprise CarShare) vehicles are available at 6th & Girard Ave, 100 W. Oxford St. and Frankford & Thompson St.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enterprisecarshare.com/us/en/programs/retail/philadelphia.html?s_kwcid=AL!4824!3!173029917735!e!!g!!enterprise%20car%20share&ef_id=WmOgHQAAAIrIBEdx:20180517210712:s#map?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0PTXBRCGARIsAKNYfG0tD4SVMCfqZzHOQGBoInHVo-e4NMB6sok14dT-vPh8X6Y5y4OV3gMaAiKMEALw_wcB&cm_mmc=Google-_-Brand-_-CSH_G_US_SE_CarShare_B_EXM_DMA_EN_US_T1-Philly-_-philadelphia_locations-SL|title=Philadelphia Metro Car Sharing and Hourly Car Rental- Enterprise CarShare|website=www.enterprisecarshare.com|access-date=2018-05-17}}</ref> Zipcars are located at Front & Master, Frankford & Master, Frankford & Palmer, and 6th & Girard.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zipcar.com/philadelphia|title=Car Sharing & Hourly Car Rental in Philadelphia {{!}} Zipcar|website=www.zipcar.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-17}}</ref>

== Locally owned businesses ==

Olde Kensington has experienced an increase in locally owned businesses in the 2020s, reflecting the neighborhood’s broader redevelopment. In 2024, Sacred Vice Brewing opened a taproom in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kensington taproom is a family affair, and lived dream |url=https://billypenn.com/2024/10/07/philadelphia-sacred-vice-brewing-kensington-taproom/ |website=Billy Penn |date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> The following year saw the openings of Kensington Powerlifting, a strength training and powerlifting gym,<ref>{{cite web |title=Looking to Powerlift? The All-New Kensington Powerlifting Gym is Opening This Spring |url=https://wooderice.com/looking-to-powerlift-the-all-new-kensington-powerlifting-gym-is-opening-this-spring/ |website=Wooder Ice |date=March 24, 2025 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> and BUBS, a café and community space centered on board games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kensington’s new cafe, board game and community space, BUBS, is a ‘living room for the neighborhood’ |url=https://billypenn.com/2025/08/01/bubs-cafe-philly-board-games-coffee-kensington-third-space/ |website=Billy Penn |date=August 1, 2025 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> That same year, Sarang Head Spa was recognized by *Philadelphia Magazine* for its scalp facial treatment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scalp Facial at Sarang Head Spa |url=https://www.phillymag.com/best-of-philly-archive/scalp-facial-at-sarang-head-spa/ |website=Philadelphia Magazine |date=2025 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref> These additions join other local establishments such as breweries, art studios, and cafés noted in earlier neighborhood guides.<ref>{{cite web |title=Olde Kensington Neighborhood Guide |url=https://www.prevu.com/blog/olde-kensington-neighborhood-guide-philadelphia |website=Prevu |date=April 5, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref>

==References==

[[Category:Neighborhoods in Philadelphia]] [[Category:Irish-American neighborhoods]] [[Category:Upper North Philadelphia]] [[Category:Kensington, Philadelphia]]