Philly’s known for being a city of neighborhoods, but sometimes you can find a neighborhood within a neighborhood. North of the city in its Frankford section is Northwood, a quaint neighborhood bordered by Oxford Circle and Juniata Park.
Its boundaries are roughly between Castor Avenue to the west, Oxford Avenue and Sanger Street to the north, Leiper Street to the east, and Orthodox Street to the south. Nearby landmarks include Friends Hospital and Oakland Cemetery.
Northwood was originally known as Large’s Wood. It was designed to be a suburb to the bustling Frankford neighborhood, attracting residents with its treelined streets and cottage-style homes. Although development in the community began in 1905, construction really took off after World War I. Its proximity to the Tacony and Frankford Creeks gave it a pastoral feel despite being home to industries like textiles.
Due to what’s known as the Burk Deed Restriction, the neighborhood forbids construction of properties that aren’t single-family homes. Here’s what else you can find in Northwood:
🛝 Where To Play
Northwood Park is the perfect place to picnic in the summer or go sledding on a snowy day. The large park is a central meeting point for community events and is now home to a nature playspace. That addition to the park was funded by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for neighborhood resident Susannah Johnston and inspired by stick forts that neighborhood children made in the park during the pandemic.
The nature playspace repurposed dead and fallen trees to create a seating space, little free library, obstacle course, and gaga pit.
The park is maintained by the Northwood Park Friends Group, which hosts a plant sale, a game night, and water activities.
North Philly native and Phoenix Mercury basketball star Kahleah Copper was honored with a mural outside Simpson Recreation Center. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)
Across from Northwood Park is Simpson Recreation Center. A popular destination in the summer for its swimming pool, the space is also equipped with a playground and basketball courts. The center also runs a STEAM program, an e-sports gaming club, and a seasonal soccer league.
In 2022, WNBA player and Philly native Kahleah Copper was honored with a mural outside of the recreation center depicting not just herself, but the love between her and her grandmother.
🍧 Where to Eat
If you’re looking for a sweet treat during the warmer months, Rita’s isn’t your only option.
Frozen Vibez, located right off Castor Avenue, sells water ice and ice cream seasonally – check out the coconut, lime, and mango water ice, and the cookie chaos and arctic bean ice cream. If you’re a regular, you can get a loyalty card and score a free menu item after the tenth purchase.
Replacing longtime Pat’s Cafe at the corner of Castor Avenue and Arrott Street is Emerald Tavern. The bar hosts karaoke every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and sells wings for 50 cents. A DJ warms patrons up through the winter every Friday at 10 p.m.
Just at the edge of the neighborhood’s borders is Mi Rancho Mexican Grill. The spot serves a range of traditional Mexican food including enchiladas de mole, carne asada, and fajitas.
🫂 Where to Meet the Neighbors
Northwood’s annual Cena en Blanc invites neighbors to dress their best for a night of food and community. (Courtesy of Mari Carrasquillo)
The Northwood Civic Association, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month, organizes events for the neighborhood.
Its biggest event is Cena en Blanc, which is open to anyone including non-Northwood residents. Inspired by the annual Diner en Blanc in Center City, Northwood’s Cena en Blanc invites attendees to dress in all white attire for a community dinner and dancing.
The Saint James Lutheran Church, where the civic association holds its meetings, also has hosted tea parties, Christmas Bazaars, and Trunk-or-Treats.
🚍 How to Get There
The neighborhood is accessible via SEPTA bus routes J, K, 24, 75, 82, 89. It’s within proximity of Roosevelt Boulevard. While the neighborhood itself is easy to get around by foot, you may need to travel by car or public transportation to reach larger shopping centers or other recreational spaces.
