Overbrook, Philadelphia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Overbrook
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House in Overbrook Farms
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| Country |  United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Philadelphia County |
| City | Philadelphia |
| Area code(s) | 215, 267, and 445 |
Overbrook is an old and important neighborhood in Pennsylvania, USA. It is found in the northwest part of West Philadelphia.
The homes here are quite varied. You can find large, old houses, connected rowhouses, and even taller apartment buildings.
Contents
Exploring Overbrook: A Historic Neighborhood
The name Overbrook can mean two things. It can be a specific neighborhood, or it can refer to a larger area. This bigger area includes four neighborhoods in Philadelphia: Overbrook, Overbrook Farms, Morris Park, and Overbrook Park.
These four areas are connected by some important places. These include Overbrook High School and the Overbrook School for the Blind. Also, the Overbrook SEPTA Station and Overbrook Avenue help link them together.
Where is Overbrook Located?
The main Overbrook neighborhood has clear borders. To the west, it's North 63rd Street. To the south, it's Lansdowne Avenue. The SEPTA train tracks form its northeast border.
A small part of Woodbine Avenue is the northern border. A tiny bit of North 52nd Street is the southern border.
Overbrook Farms: A Neighboring Area
Overbrook Farms is another neighborhood nearby. Its northern border is City Avenue, also known as U.S. Route 1.
Its western side is North 66th Street and Morris Park. The southern border includes Malvern Avenue and Woodbine Avenue. The eastern border is North 58th Street and Cardinal Avenue. Saint Joseph's University is also very close to Overbrook Farms.
Morris Park: Green Spaces and Borders
West of the Overbrook neighborhood is Morris Park. This area gets its name from a large park on its western edge. North 63rd Street forms its eastern border.
The northern border includes Woodbine Avenue, Wynnewood Road, and Malvern Avenue. The western border follows North 68th Street and parts of Cobbs Creek Park. The southern border is Arch Street.
Overbrook Park: Connected to its Neighbors
Overbrook Park is bordered by City Avenue to the north. Morris Park surrounds it on the west, south, and east.
Haverford Avenue connects Overbrook Park to Morris Park. City Avenue links Overbrook Park to Overbrook Farms.
How Overbrook Developed
Overbrook grew in different stages between 1900 and 1960. Most of the homes are row houses, which come in many styles. These houses were built when trolley lines made it easier for people to move from crowded city areas.
Most houses in Overbrook were built between 1915 and 1930. New construction slowed down during the Great Depression.
Besides row houses, there are many twin houses. These are two homes connected by a shared wall. They usually have two or three floors and are quite large. You can see examples on Wynnewood Road or North 64th Street.
There are very few single-family homes in Overbrook. Most of these older, detached homes are found in the Overbrook Farms neighborhood.
Important Places in Overbrook
Overbrook is mostly a place where people live. But it also has several important buildings and places:
- African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas - A historic church located on Lancaster Avenue.
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and Church – Found at 63rd and Lancaster. Famous actor Will Smith went to grade school here.
- Overbrook Elementary School – Located on N. 62nd St. This school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Overbrook High School – At 59th and Lancaster. This school is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Cobbs Creek Park – This park forms the southern border of Overbrook. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
- Annie’s Seafood, Dells, Rocky Steaks, Vincent’s pizza, Caffe Sportivo – Popular local food spots.
- Bocce Courts – You can find these in Cobbs Creek Park at Vine Street. Older residents still play bocce here daily.
- Overbrook School for the Blind – Located on Malvern Avenue. It has unique Spanish Revival style buildings.
- Lewis C. Cassidy School/Academics Plus School – Another school listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learning and Education in Overbrook
Education is important in Overbrook.
- Overbrook High School is right in the neighborhood.
- The Free Library of Philadelphia Haddington Branch serves the Overbrook area.
- Saint Joseph's University is a college located nearby.
- The Overbrook School for the Blind provides special education.
Overbrook in Pop Culture
Did you know that famous entertainer Will Smith has a connection to Overbrook? He went to Overbrook High School. He even named his production company, Overbrook Entertainment, after this very neighborhood!
