History Within Spruce Hill, PA

The car accident lawyers in Spruce Hill, PA, sponsor this article to present a detailed excerpt about the community.

Spruce Hill is a neighborhood in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The neighborhood is considered to belong to University City consisting of several Philadelphia Universities. The community is neighbored by Walnut Hill, Cedar Park, Squirrel Hill, and West Powelton.

History

Spruce Hill was largely developed from 1850-1910 as a streetcar suburb. The streets of Spruce Hill were filled with row homes mostly constructed by developer Clarence Howard Sr.

Howard played a significant role in the development of Spruce Hill. Not only did he develop many of the homes, but he also donated land for the public library serving Spruce Hill, built a large mansion later used as the Penn Alexander Public School, and founded Clark Park.

The neighborhood has continued to develop for several years while preserving its history in the Spruce Hill Historic District.

The historic district was a prominent residential neighborhood during the late 1800s and early 1900s for its proximity to the city. The area housed many middle-class workers who needed convenient access to and from downtown  Philadelphia.

The district has played a significant role in Philadelphia's history because Spruce Hill was one of the first neighborhoods to develop with distinct landscape features. Following Spruce Hill's development, many neighboring towns tried to follow suit. Yet, neighboring towns such as Germantown, Chestnut Hill, and Overbrook, developed more so as a country escape.

Therefore, Spruce Hill holds a very unique charm with large architect buildings reminiscent of its earlier streetcar suburb days.

Demographics

Today, Spruce Hill is home to approximately 13,544 residents with a nearly equal population of female residents (51%) and male residents (49%) at a median age of 38.1 years.

The community is considerably diverse with a racial demographic of:

• 51% White
• 20% African American
• 17% Asian
• 7% Hispanic
• 3% Two or More Races
• 1% Other Race

Being nearby the inner city, Spruce Hill is home to many families as well as young students. As a result, Spruce Hill residents are considered well educated. The education levels of Spruce Hill residents are as follows:

• 38% Master's Degree or Higher
• 29% Bachelor's Degree
• 10% Some College or Associate's Degree
• 13% High School Diploma or Equivalent
• 9% Less than a High School Diploma

Residents of Spruce Hill live a moderately financially comfortable lifestyle with a median household income of $45,752.

The majority of the Spruce Hill population rent their homes (78%) at a median rent of $1,056. A minority of residents own their homes (22%) at a median home value well above the national average ($217,500) at $435,150.

Education

Spruce Hill is home to many families and is located nearby several fantastic schools. Some of the neighborhood's most notable schools include,

Penn Alexander School

• The public school hosts a student population of 571 in grades K-8 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1. The school is considered a highly-rated institution and has ranked #1 (of 114) in Niche Standout Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania, and #2 (of 34) in Niche Standout Middle Schools in Pennsylvania.

West Catholic Preparatory High School

• The private, Catholic school hosts a student population of 310 in grades 9-12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. The school has an average SAT score of 1030 and is considered one of the best catholic high schools in Pennsylvania.

If you're looking to visit or reside in a neighborhood with several historic landmarks, a diverse population, with access to several top-rated schools, then consider Spruce Hill, PA.

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Our Local Office

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you are entitled to justice. Contact the Spruce Hill, PA, car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.

Justice Guardians
5327 Walnut St #201
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(267) 313-5200