Living in Philadelphia’s 19115: Bustleton, Somerton & Pennypack
Overview
Philadelphia’s 19115 zip code covers several residential neighborhoods, including Bustleton, Somerton, and parts of Pennypack. These communities lie in the Far Northeast section of Philadelphia and are known for their suburban feel, relatively spacious housing, and abundant green spaces. Below is an overview of the area’s history, demographics, housing, transportation, and community amenities based on publicly available sources.
History and Character
Bustleton was originally a village at the intersection of Bustleton Avenue and Devereaux Avenue. Today the area is largely residential and features commercial corridors along Roosevelt Boulevard, Bustleton Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Red Lion Road . Somerton began as a farming community and now contains a mix of single-family homes, duplexes and garden apartments. Pennypack is named after Pennypack Park, a 1,600-acre park that runs along Pennypack Creek, providing trails, sports fields and natural habitats.
Demographics
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the Bustleton/Somerton area had a population of 31,853 people with a median age of 46.8 years, indicating a higher proportion of older residents. The population was 87.1% White, 7% Asian, 3.5% Black, 2.6% Hispanic, and 0.4% Native American, reflecting both a historically White community and an influx of Asian and Eastern European immigrants. Recent decades have brought greater diversity, particularly immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics .
Housing
Housing in 19115 is predominantly owner-occupied. The 2000 census recorded 13,719 occupied housing units, 62% of which were owner-occupied, and a median home value of about $120,000 (en.wikipedia.org). Most of the housing stock consists of single-family detached homes, duplexes and garden apartments; there are few row homes compared with other parts of Philadelphia . Existing single-family homes typically range from $200,000 to $350,000, while twin homes range from $175,000 to $250,000. Newer single-family homes, especially in Somerton, sold for $350,000 to $500,000 in the mid-2000s.
Transportation
Several SEPTA bus routes (19, 58, 67, 88) serve Bustleton and Somerton, providing connections to the Market–Frankford Line and regional rail The West Trenton (Fox Chase) regional rail line also terminates nearby, offering commuter service to Center City and beyond. Major roads include Welsh Road, Verree Road, Red Lion Road, Bustleton Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Roosevelt Boulevard. The area borders Northeast Philadelphia Airport and contains two major intersections (Roosevelt Blvd & Grant Ave, Roosevelt Blvd & Red Lion Rd) that were among the first in Philadelphia to receive red-light cameras because of high accident rates.
Parks and Amenities
A major draw is Pennypack Park, a large urban park with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and historical landmarks like the 1700-s era King’s Highway Bridge. The area also features smaller parks such as Verree Road Playground and Haym Solomon Memorial Park. Shopping and services are concentrated along Roosevelt Boulevard and Bustleton Avenue, with supermarkets, restaurants and small businesses reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse population.
Summary
19115’s neighborhoods offer a suburban lifestyle within Philadelphia city limits. Residents enjoy tree-lined streets, ample green space, and solid housing stock. The area has become more diverse over time, with a growing population of Eastern European immigrants and other ethnicities contributing to its multicultural character (en.wikipedia.org). With convenient access to highways, public transit and regional rail, Bustleton and Somerton provide a balance between quiet residential living and easy access to the rest of the city.