If you all want to get a first-hand glimpse into just how quickly Philadelphia is changing, then I'd recommend visiting the corner of Kensington and Ontario.
My work day is unusually light, so I decided to hop on the El, take it to Tioga, and try out Caphe Roasters. I've heard a lot about this place, but it's hard to get to Kensington/Harrowgate from the Northwest by transit. Caphe is in a former furniture store that was transformed by Shift Capital a few years ago. The cafe looks beautiful, was nicely lit, had comfortable seating, and the food was amazing. The owners are also really nice! As I sat in my comfy chair and looked up at the El, I noticed a street sweeper coming down J Street. There were also a ton of people who look just like me--young professionals--typing away on their laptops just as they would do in the more upscale neighborhoods. Once I finished my delicious J Street Sammo and coffee, I decided to get back on the El at Allegheny. The walk between Ontario Street and Allegheny Avenue seemed to be much cleaner than usual. Some other things I noticed while in Kensington:
- A wood-framed structure rising on or behind Allegheny Avenue. I couldn't tell if it was a new construction building or an addition to an existing building
- Several ongoing renovations to rowhomes along Kensington Avenue, along with a few completed ones
- Shift Capital signage abound. They are really making a strong investment in the neighborhood
- A ground-up new construction building on D Street, just north of Kensington and Somerset
Kensington still has a VERY long way to go, and I would still hesitate to bring someone who isn't comfortable with what they may see there (I saw all of the usual shenanigans while walking back to the El), but the fact that a full-service coffee shop as nice as Caphe Roasters is sitting on the corner of Kensington and Ontario says a lot about where the neighborhood may head in the coming years. IMO, there would be a ton of interest in Kensington if the city cleaned up McPherson Square and Kensington Avenue between the Conrail tracks and Allegeheny (Allegheny to Frankford isn't nearly as bad). For now, I think that Kensington is starting to attract members of the creative class.