Kensington: A Drive Into And Drone Shot Of The Nation's Worst Hood

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
  • I take a drive into the North Philly & Kensington hoods to get a drone shot of the city. It was quite an adventure.
    Lord Spoda Instagram: www.instagram.....
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    Lord Spoda Facebook: / joey.evans.790
    Travel Vlog #78
    #Philadelphia #Kensington #DroneShot

ความคิดเห็น • 676

  • @craftiestcraftstress
    @craftiestcraftstress 2 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    When I was about 7 (back in the 80s) my brother and I walked to that 7-11 you passed to get a few things. There was the first time I saw a prostitute and her John doing "business" behind the dumpster. I was beyond shocked and confused. Shortly after we moved out of the city, and it was getting worse and worse. I had become penpals with some of the other neighborhood children who grew up there... Little by little the letters dwindled... When I was a teen I saw a news story about a robbery that ended in murder and it involved one of the girls I went to school with back then... We had stayed penpals the longest, but her letters stopped when we were about 12. People often forget these individuals were once little impressionable children with a great deal of potential... Our society has failed them, creating a cycle that gets worse with each passing generation.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Great comment.

    • @LoneGRoEnt
      @LoneGRoEnt ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Wow dude left a knot in my thought. Some of us have it really rough as children.

    • @garyburchgb
      @garyburchgb ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I agree to a point, however, people don't seem to do enough for themselves. I see it a a type of learned helplessness. I understand that it could be hugely demoralizing to live in these areas, and that could be the main reason for high drug addiction rates, but why didn't people do something to help themselves earlier? The longer it goes on for, the more normalized it could become.

    • @rafaeltorre1643
      @rafaeltorre1643 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@garyburchgb Imagine growing up in poverty and your mom is a prostitute and you can barely feed yourself. You can’t understand someone unless you lived that life. Who is teaching them how to better themselves when they barely have food and shelter? Confidence is everything and you don’t get it in the projects without two loving parents..

    • @garyburchgb
      @garyburchgb ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@rafaeltorre1643 I was fortunate not to grow up like that, and I agree that there is no substitute for experience.. By your comment, I assume that you grew up like that. Was that the case?.

  • @1951RKP
    @1951RKP 2 ปีที่แล้ว +125

    I’ve never understood why people in poor neighborhoods throw their trash everywhere. Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you have to be trashy. Show some pride.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Agreed!

    • @phillyphreak5418
      @phillyphreak5418 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Self centered, self absorbed people.

    • @ranneff1903
      @ranneff1903 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      its like that almost all over philly, ive seen spots in south philly where u have to swerve around piles of trash in the road that are as big as your car.

    • @carolineshields6916
      @carolineshields6916 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      We don't

    • @JW-uy2on
      @JW-uy2on 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      When the world treats like you trash, you trash it in return.

  • @hollymcclelland8388
    @hollymcclelland8388 2 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    I grew up in Kensington I am now 52 and heartbroken over what has happened in my neighborhood

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      .... When did you stop voting DEMOCRAT ?

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @Jean-Philippe Rameau .....Rule #1, Don't live near scumbags. Rule #2, If you now live near scumbags, get the hell out of there. Hope this helps.

    • @TerrenceLP
      @TerrenceLP 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I think voting matters to a degree, I got the hell out of the Bronx and live on land in beautiful NC. Quality of life matters.

    • @lf1496
      @lf1496 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@floridaruttles3984 Even the so called "good" neighborhoods in America look depressing and cold. It's a society that breeds loneliness. Being in some big lonely house in the middle of nowhere is what you called opioid city. The whole country's $$$ obsession culture is empty with no humanity, throwing people away. In Europe the governments offer Free education all the way to the PHD level, subsidized housing, childcare, Free healthcare. America is an anti human society, rugged individualism is a Gaslighting trope for a sociopathic Social Darwinism nightmare. This is an embarassement on the society not on these broken left behind people who could have been productive if their society was

    • @cliffordhritz5215
      @cliffordhritz5215 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jean-Philippe Rameau Democrats have 'run' Philadelphia for over 50 years. it's on them.

  • @luvvdoe5486
    @luvvdoe5486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I think this is the first time I saw a drone shot of my hood.. Pretty cool... I live more toward Frankford and Castor... I'd say if you ever come down again go to Tioga Park at the Tioga EL stop.. If you still feel uncomfortable... lmk. lol.. I'll come out there it's like 2 blocks away..

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's the original Needle Park.

  • @charlesthompson5193
    @charlesthompson5193 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    WOW Just WOW, Makes me thankful of the small country home I have in the middle of nowhere! Thanks for the tour, stay safe out there!

    • @internette7229
      @internette7229 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I mean, there are great places to live in big cities too. I'm glad that I don't live in the hood, but also not in the middle of nowhere. I tried to live in the countryside, and I just couldn't stand it. But I respect everyone who enjoys country life.

    • @0rangecray0n
      @0rangecray0n ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Us Midwesterners really got it good I'll never leave northern Wisconsin I love seeing grass and trees to much

  • @robertsmith5970
    @robertsmith5970 2 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Such beautiful Victorian buildings.Must have been a very nice community years ago.

    • @243wayne1
      @243wayne1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Nope. It sucked then too.

    • @danweyant707
      @danweyant707 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That big brick blog at about 18 minutes- clearly important at some point

    • @Valmontst
      @Valmontst 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yep, before the demographics changed.

    • @Dalt21
      @Dalt21 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Philadelphia has some of the best architecture in the country. i recommend checking out the nice neighborhoods too

    • @lf1496
      @lf1496 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@Valmontst These are MOSTLY yt people in Kensington and all over America on drugs, overdosing so how did the demographics have anything to do with it?

  • @patriciagray756
    @patriciagray756 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    My Dad's side of the family lived in Kensington, PA and currently in Philly...this is so very sad

  • @markaruski
    @markaruski 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Wow what a journey, glad you are safe. Some of that area looked like a warzone. Safe travels to your and your spouse.

  • @nilsnyman6767
    @nilsnyman6767 2 ปีที่แล้ว +57

    Never...EVER...roll through those places with your windows all the way down! I was once a homeless junkie and, while not as bad as most, I would take the opportunity to relieve you of what was on your car seat while you were stopped at a light. Breaking a window and stealing could land me 5-7 years while simply reaching in drops that to 30-60 days.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Thank you for the advice. And I usually don't, but Kensington has such an interesting, unique sound.

    • @dopeMike_
      @dopeMike_ ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Whats the unique sound? When you blow up a balloon and squeezer the neck of it?

  • @nclare7
    @nclare7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I’m about as white bread, middle class, naïve as they come but I am intrigued by the nice cars parked on all the streets. The buildings and people look really rough, but the cars look very nice. 🤔

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Sharp eyes. You ain't wrong.

    • @thajemm4371
      @thajemm4371 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It’s bc capitalist individualism is glorified, having a nice car can take ppls minds off their material conditions

    • @Silk.With.An.E
      @Silk.With.An.E 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Those are the drug dealers.

    • @SG-dg6oi
      @SG-dg6oi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Drug dealers

    • @plaistowbill
      @plaistowbill 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My father lived in Detroit in the 1950s. In some neighbourhoods people lived in shacks but often has a Cadillac parked out front. I once met a man who worked ina chicken processing plant. He bought a Corvette and slept in it rather than spending his wages on an apartment. It's a matter of priority.

  • @hollymcclelland8388
    @hollymcclelland8388 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Right at 18 minutes nine seconds after you come out from under that first bridge on your right or the black iron fences is Rocky’s house about 10 houses up on that little side street Tusculum. This is Rocky‘s neighborhood until he moves to South Philly and Rocky 2 Just a fun fact from someone who grew up there

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Really? I had no idea. Wish I had known that. I am a big fan of the movie Rocky. My wife's family all live in Philadelphia so I'm there often. I will definitely go there with my camera next time we're there. Thank you for the info!

    • @michaelesgro9506
      @michaelesgro9506 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My problem was the video ended right at 18 minutes EIGHT seconds!!! (???)

  • @TheGlantzs
    @TheGlantzs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Cool drone footage. Been there plenty of times, driving through. Not safe. I used to drive Uber and had to drop someone off there at 9pm or so. Dark, people walking down the middle of the road. Riders were yelling at me. I dropped them off, said a prayer and got out of Dodge!

    • @orangeyewglad
      @orangeyewglad ปีที่แล้ว

      Same dude it was always so sketchy dropping people off there. Definitely went on a few drugs run rides unknowingly for people a few times, and knowingly once or twice. lol

  • @whatsmyname3237
    @whatsmyname3237 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Great drone video. When you started out in Kensington, I thought "come it's not that bad..."Oh, wait...this is hell. Don't get out and fly your drone. Thanks, Spoda, you're braver than I.

    • @jasonhaynes2952
      @jasonhaynes2952 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It looked much nicer in the drone footage. When you see it at street level, it's a whole different place!

  • @cryptoegregore
    @cryptoegregore 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    WHEN HE MENTIONED THEY WOULD TAKE HIS DRONE I CRIED LAUGHING

    • @dopeMike_
      @dopeMike_ ปีที่แล้ว

      be lucky if thats all they took after they took his keys and wallet and asked where the bronco was.

  • @a1ar127
    @a1ar127 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Somehow I expected to see burned out, boarded up buildings, but for better or worse this still looks like a place where people carry on their lives.

    • @Actaruz
      @Actaruz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Exactly, the way he was talking I was expecting way worst than that.

    • @eddiegonzalez6824
      @eddiegonzalez6824 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      He skipped the worst parts I noticed. Oh well.

  • @marcdenlinger5282
    @marcdenlinger5282 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Wow, I thought Needle Park was just a nickname, but after double checking on the Google map, that is really its name! I've ridden through Kensington Ave. and Allegheny Ave. on bicycle. When you travel Kensington area on bicycle, you get a whole more intimate perspective of the area. It is crazy, and it is real. But I've exchanged "hello" with a lot of friendly people there.

    • @thenanny14850
      @thenanny14850 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is incorrect, the real name of “needle park” is actually MacPherson square library, and I didn’t think it was cool at all for the video person to refer to it as Needle Park.

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      As previously stated, that was MacPherson Square, they may call that needle park, now, but the original needle park is about 8 blocks north of there at Kensington and Tioga. Harrowgate Park.

    • @marcodarko6941
      @marcodarko6941 ปีที่แล้ว

      You people are way too delicate, don't want to hear the truth and face reality because of your feelings.
      You get all emotional and pssy and often violent because you don't want to face the facts. That's why this country is falling apart around us all and if that place is full of needles then by grab that is just what it is "needle park" get over it. Other people that don't want to be around that and have to live with it are forced to deal with the dangers of it because of people like you enabling it.@@thenanny14850

    • @burnzy5150
      @burnzy5150 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@Kevin Schmidt but it's cool for people to do dope there and leave their needles laying around? It has the name for a reason.

    • @dopeMike_
      @dopeMike_ ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thenanny14850 Is the library still open?

  • @rizzmaster66
    @rizzmaster66 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Its definitely not the worst hood in America. Its got its fair share of problems, as does alot of philly. I think people are generally good, but you have alot of folks that lost their jobs, couldnt finish school, got hooked on drugs etc. Ive driven through the area and the hoods of west philly too, where I used to live right by. Both places have alot of character, good and bad, and I hope it ends up revitalized. Most the folks need help thats not distributed well, and the government, local, state and federal hasnt done a good enough job addressing the problems that plague the community. I appreciate this drive through though, I think more attention is needed to the area and i think you truly have to be a little brave to venture around.

    • @TrooperSC
      @TrooperSC ปีที่แล้ว

      Keep making excuses for them and their behavior. It’s worked well so far.

  • @wichita603
    @wichita603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I try to imagine those streets in better times . you can see from the buildings it was a nice town back years ago.

  • @stevekelly8898
    @stevekelly8898 2 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    It is sad when a city gets that bad. No police presence, poor education and fatherless households are detrimental to a community.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yep. You’re exactly right. It’s shocking to see this level of inept city and social mis-management first hand in this country. And it’s not because Philadelphia is big. I live in Dallas. Bigger than Philadelphia. There is not a place anywhere in Dallas that looks like this. Philadelphia is a mess.

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      ................ but you still vote DEMOCRAT right ? (BTW, I do hope I am wrong).

    • @bill9989
      @bill9989 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Philly has passed the tipping point. After 10 years of increasing population, it has started to decline (again). The real estate values are still rising but I think that lags. It will start to decline because now it seems no neighborhood is safe anymore.

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bill9989 .... I love it when DEMOCRATS get what they voted for !

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@s.r.t.5123 .......Well, keep voting DEMOCRAT.... tee-hee-hee !

  • @revelationakagoldeneagle8045
    @revelationakagoldeneagle8045 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I subscribe to TOON215, he's a videographer that was born and raised in that part of Philly. He does walk through tour videos. And from what he's shared in recent months, a lot of the area around Kensington is being revitalized with new construction and remodeling of some of the older dwellings and industrial buildings.
    Haven't seen the area by drone, that's cool that you were able to get that footage, and I'm sure you were a bit uneasy on foot there.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Safe travels 🙏

    • @vegas1a
      @vegas1a 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Block after block after block of super trashy Row Houses and might have been nice when built, but now are the breeding ground for drugs, violence and all manner of crime. Bulldoze it all and start with wider proper streets.

  • @victoryee7486
    @victoryee7486 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    You are one tough guy to get out of your car. This neighborhood looked rough. A side note. I enjoy the drives to the various neighborhoods in each city. I doubt that I will go to Kensington, though. Too rough for me.

  • @bakpas
    @bakpas 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Love touring with you from Australia and love hearing Aussie Siri 😂🇦🇺

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      LOL, yes. It's cool you can change the accent. Australian Siri is my favorite. :)

    • @Markus_Andrew
      @Markus_Andrew 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I'm an Aussie too and I think if I was driving around that area, I'd also want Aussie Siri just for some semblance of familiarity and illusion of comfort 😄Great video btw, you can be sure I'll be checking out more of them!

  • @jradcliffe4968
    @jradcliffe4968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Mostly old brick building with flat roofs well in excess of a 100 years old . Go figure !

  • @funguy4utube
    @funguy4utube 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fascinating ….thnx! When u went aloft I imagined all the spirits that departed from that area.

  • @martinnorth2680
    @martinnorth2680 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    All of your videos are amazing, but this one is my favourite so far. Such a contrast

  • @cardinalblack5964
    @cardinalblack5964 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    At 7.33 min, it reminds me of Kijabe st/Kirinyaga rd/Grogan/ Globe cinema round about in Nairobi city, KE. Granted they are nothing alike, except for the ambience - neglect, dejection and the very real danger of being jumped. Also surprising is how run-down areas across the world are somewhat similar... Still, great footage and if it weren't for initiatives like yours, people like me would never have the privilege of "visiting" the real America. Thank you and stay safe.

  • @lesmar234
    @lesmar234 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great drone shots. I cruise this area myself alot but I'm more of a still photographer. After seeing this I'm thinking of getting a drone.

  • @christiancampagna2229
    @christiancampagna2229 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I live in Mayfair & it's not a great area anymore either. I'm sure not everyone in North Philly & Kensington enjoys their living situation. I know we're having an extremely hard time getting out of Philadelphia.

    • @transman9453
      @transman9453 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mayfair from the 60s was very nice but it's slowly been declining as the 13% move in

  • @djpj9174
    @djpj9174 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've said this before on other videos highlighting the utter and complete mess that is Kensington Ave in Philly. Unless drastic and extreme measures are taken to address the Opioid crisis gripping the US, and specifically the widespread and increased use of Fentonyl, these scenes will sadly become the norm in every major city in the US within the next two decades or so. You can already see the social destruction it reaps in some areas of Florida and California, amongst other places. Addiction rates down but youth deaths from drug overdose rising annually. Homelessness becoming just another accepted part of urban life. Viewing it from across the pond we can see it all playing out through somewhat dispassionate eyes and the future of the US doesn't look very bright at all. Very sad indeed. Great cinematic drone footage by the way. Addictive aren't they ;)

    • @buddylee19082
      @buddylee19082 ปีที่แล้ว

      As someone who grew up in that area, let me tell you, in this neighborhood there's been an "opiod crisis" for nearly 5 decades! It was in crisis, due to poverty, crack, + heroin, long before America was calling it a "crisis" or an "epidemic." Nobody cared until people from the suburbs starting dying from it [heroin] and even then they did very little to stop what was happening. I've seen at least 5 different Mayors and just as many Police Comissioners try to do something in this city and NOTHING has changed but the faces. Sad but true. I guess technically it's "worse" now, but that's only because the addicts don't hide it anymore; they stopped locking them up!? At least back in the day they'd stay in the shadows so to speak. Don't get me wrong, there's almost always been an open-air drug market here, at least since the 80's, but the addicts weren't using and living out in the open, on Kensington Ave., they way they are now! It's complete anarchy down there now!? In the late 90's every other building in that area was abandoned; they tried to gentrify it, to bring in new investors, and rebuild the area... And well, you can see how that's working out.

    • @dopeMike_
      @dopeMike_ ปีที่แล้ว

      They got rid of cabrini green in Chicago now its a Target.

  • @BobbyTucker
    @BobbyTucker 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I wish you could have used your drone in Louisiana, that would have shown us way more than it did without. I enjoyed it anyway but now that I know you have a drone I hope you can use it more. I have a DJI Mavic AIR 2S with a fly more package but I haven't flown it yet. I got it January 11, 2021 and here it is April 18, 2024 and I still haven't flown it. I have a DJI Mavic MINI, the first series to hit the market, I fly that often. Enough about me, Thank you for showing us all around with your video travels. I really enjoy them.

  • @honorladone8682
    @honorladone8682 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm praying for everyone. Holland USA

  • @944clogue
    @944clogue 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My parents and grandparents were raised near Front and Allegheny, on Willard St. I use to spend the summers with my Mom-Mom's and Pop-Pop's. I thought it was great, we'd take the trolley to Independence Hall Church St and had a wonderful time. It hurts my heart that it's gotten so bad.. !!!

  • @mattaustin2128
    @mattaustin2128 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’m really enjoying these glimpses into your nation, so far away. And as an Aussie, your Siri makes me feel like I’m home! Thank you!
    Philly has 33 miles of active streetcar tracks and 106 miles of out-of-service tracks. Hence, unused tracks with no overhead seem to be quite common.

    • @TOCC50
      @TOCC50 ปีที่แล้ว

      Blacks turn everywhere into their native Africa

    • @mattaustin2128
      @mattaustin2128 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TOCC50 'Dutch'? You need to go back to your own country. 😅🤣

    • @sg1770
      @sg1770 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This is typical of most democrat controlled cities.

  • @larrysmith2655
    @larrysmith2655 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I would have flew the drone from your car in a secluded area. You could get mugged in the middle of a park looking down. Either way, great footage 👏

  • @georgeboatright6635
    @georgeboatright6635 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thank you. a good tour and i enjoyed your comments.

  • @AlexCab_49
    @AlexCab_49 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The architecture looks so beautiful! Shame that the neighborhood is bad.

  • @kurtcichowski
    @kurtcichowski 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Love your work! I'd say just fly from the safety of your car! No need to put yourself into a bad situation for some footage. Thanks and keep em coming!

  • @tommyball1863
    @tommyball1863 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Joe, you’ve got some big balls driving through those streets! Great video, thanks.

  • @margieburgos1834
    @margieburgos1834 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Ppl if your from here you know ppl are friendly ask where something is at and you’ll be told I know I live here and I’m not on drugs I hate when outsiders go exploiting

    • @margieburgos1834
      @margieburgos1834 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Crime stats are like where it is everywhere else , if I was to go videoing in another city I bet it’s about the same here , Only thing that’s is different and not really in some cities Is the cops let ya get high in front of them .. they figure let them go save the city money they gonna die anyway .. smh that the next step is to put our foot and get our mayor to start doing his job or we get him out .. we the people have to make it happen and it can be done 💯

    • @vergilmontiero2558
      @vergilmontiero2558 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@margieburgos1834 Exactly grew up in philly. People looking from the outside in don't usually get it right but that's only because they're just observers. Gotta get to know people first before judging them.

  • @TheRagingPlatypus
    @TheRagingPlatypus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My mom grew up in Kensington. Back then, it was a safe lower class neighborhood.

    • @flyparks3224
      @flyparks3224 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Kensington always been trash

  • @bobfitzpatrick8952
    @bobfitzpatrick8952 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The trolley tracks in the early part of the video reminded me of Cincinnati as a boy; my father used to point them out to me.

  • @jayl8034
    @jayl8034 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I loved in Philly as a young lad.I knew ppl in Kensington, had family in N. Philly,(by Roosevelt and Bustleton). Back then everyone in one of those row homes had a decent job. Motorola, Budd Co., mills small manufacturing,etc. All those shops under the "El" did a decent business. I remember going into those shops with my Grandparents under the Frankford Elevated. Never had a worry all kinds of races and religions there. When the jobs left is when it got bad. Urban decay,.... poor business planning by local Gov't puts it in decline. Don't blame the people; they are the victims. So sad!

  • @LKS-1976
    @LKS-1976 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was raised not far from that area, known locally as the badlands. I worked as a paramedic in that area for a few years. My wife has family in that area, behind Episcopal Hospital on Lehigh Ave. The tri state area comes here for the H, many don't leave. They call it, getting lost. I can't tell you how much narcan we went through

  • @kevinbrewis6014
    @kevinbrewis6014 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    much better video of the bloke who vlogs about Kensington, he just waffles on so much i fell asleep listening to him droning on and on, drone footage was great too, thanks.

  • @getreelproductions5737
    @getreelproductions5737 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Wow this is what I envision the end of the world to look like. It’s so sad to see all the shops boarded up, the trash piling and the people seem lost. I bet it has a very proud history based on what was there, a shame it cannot be maintained.

  • @LKS-1976
    @LKS-1976 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Needle parks real name is McPherson Square. I saw you were at 9/Somerset. Right in the middle of the badlands. The big cathedral on the right on Lehigh, facing the ave was Philly PD sex crimes, next to that is Episcopal Hospital, part of Temple Hospital on Broad/Ontario. That area is one of the largest populations of Latin American in the US, especially Puerto Ricans (my wife is). That Ambulance was Philly fire rescue, probably Medic 8 or 2. Medic 8 is at Hart/Boudinot around the corner or Medic 2, Kensington/Castor.

  • @johnhutchinson2981
    @johnhutchinson2981 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I was born in Sydney Australia in 1945. I have visited your country 10 times and do love it. I have visited the whole 50 states. I drove once from Orlando FL to NYC. I stayed one night in Motel 6 at King of Prussia. My wife when travelling with me refuses to stay at motel 6 but I like to save a few dollars. when travelling on my own. I did see a bit of Philadelphia but I found your video of great interest. In the early part you followed some railroad tracks down the street. I could see they had not been used for a while and there was no overhead wiring for street cars. Once again thank you so much for taking the time and the risk to make this video for all and sundry.

    • @floridaruttles3984
      @floridaruttles3984 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      King of Prussia.... some of the greatest suburbs in the world are within a short drive of that place. HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA ..... and thanks MATE !

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@floridaruttles3984 Your talking about West Chester, Plymouth Meeting.

    • @dopeMike_
      @dopeMike_ ปีที่แล้ว

      Did Tom Bodett leave the light on for you?

  • @LDbcdAL-px7mg
    @LDbcdAL-px7mg 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This hood is nothing compares to the Skid Row in downtown LA bro.

    • @majorsynthqed7374
      @majorsynthqed7374 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I've been to Skid Row, Camden, and Kensington. I felt safer in Skid Row. Kensington is the largest open air heroin market on the East Coast. Fiends everywhere at night. Camden is, well, Camden. Nothing more needs to be said.

  • @user-pq4cb8pk5q
    @user-pq4cb8pk5q ปีที่แล้ว +1

    this was very important to document..on the ground and in the the air..at considerable personal risk all alone..you are a better man than I, Gunga Din...my friends and I got lost in a car in South Philly hoods in the late 80's ..those narrow streets are very scary..we made it out ok and got a Cheesesteak, but wouldn't do it again

  • @victoriadeaton4432
    @victoriadeaton4432 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Shocking is all I can say.. Thank you for this sad yet informative video Lord Joe 🌹😢

  • @danweyant707
    @danweyant707 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Sees an emergency vehicle in response and says "you see a lot of that here" - really? Where a lot of people are? You don't say.

  • @rhiophiri6857
    @rhiophiri6857 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    thank you for your great effort to make such beautiful videos

  • @tach9663
    @tach9663 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Thank you for the drone coverage. It looked risky, but you did it.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I've since been told it wasn't a smart thing to do. :)

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeandNicsRoadTrip A lot of you poor slobs don't seem to realize this whole Country is circling the drain currently, it's highly unlikely that it will survive 2 more years of this.

  • @abencutler
    @abencutler 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Kensington used to be a nice neighborhood I went to North Catholic up at the edge of KDAY up at Kensington and Torresdale

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      Go Falcons.

  • @garyley4270
    @garyley4270 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, loved the drone bit, amazing to see how the area is close up too

  • @markrumfola9833
    @markrumfola9833 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing this video Sir.

  • @jradcliffe4968
    @jradcliffe4968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It will take decades for this mess to get gone !

  • @rssell
    @rssell 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Take away factory jobs because executives want to maximize revenue for shareholders and get a pat on the head - this is what happens.

  • @robfinegold1597
    @robfinegold1597 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The neighborhood looks nice in those drone shots though. A walkable, dense neighborhood with good transit? If I didn't know what it was like on the ground I'd be looking to move there

  • @bootscuffmagee4199
    @bootscuffmagee4199 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live here in Philly. If you even need a place to crash or even a home cooked mean next time you’re here, hit me up! Stay safe. Keep up the great work!

  • @VakarianGirl
    @VakarianGirl 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've watched several videos of drivethroughs/walkthroughs of Kensington in Philadelphia, and I had absolutely no idea. Like - it doesn't even compute. I just don't get it. Why is this happening? Why is nobody taking any notice? Why does the city do nothing? Why is there no help for these people? I still don't get it.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Basically, the city has taken a hands of approach, because for them it's easier to keep this particular activity there, and not have to deal with it in other areas of the city.

    • @arlaabrell8658
      @arlaabrell8658 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeandNicsRoadTrip A fairly common approach, confine "the problem" into one or two areas. Now and then they move them too.

    • @arlaabrell8658
      @arlaabrell8658 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It can be summed up in a few words actually, the unchecked spread of fentanyl is a big part of the problem,due in large part to the wide open southern border, despair among the lower once working class (many of whom now do not or can not work) an inability to live like a "regular person" in a house or apartment due to outrageous rent and utility prices that has increased the number of homeless people, and grossly ineffective management of addiction and metal illness and proper facilities to treat those affected by these afflictions. That's only a thumbnail of the entire problem of course but it's representative of the reasons behind it.
      Zoning and extremely petty city codes also contribute to the problems, and yes I'll say it because it's true, nearly ALL of the places that have deteriorated to this level are located in long time democrat strongholds and as long as that doesn't change, the problems are not going to get better, As to another one of your questions as to why, they don't REALLY care, these people do not produce any revenue, remember government gets ALL of their money from taxes, fees and fines, oh and the "grease the wheels" money and bribes, and ,they don't "notice" because they simply do not go there except for a photo-op now and then. It's sad, it's horribly sad, but this is the state that some areas of the country have sunk to. Unfortunately a comment section is also not the place to get into any deep discussions of this tragedy.

    • @HarryHamsterChannel
      @HarryHamsterChannel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@arlaabrell8658 Good money in the slumlord business.

  • @001Catey
    @001Catey 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Although I like the architecture of the buildings they are too close together. If one catches on fire, looks like it can burn down a whole block. Maybe when they were built there was more greenery and it made sense to have them that close together. But people need space, fresh air and sun. No one can tell me living in tiny boxes side by side stacked on top of each other is healthy and does not contribute the state of mind that develops in a areas like this.
    I just stumbled on this video for whatever reason but there's my .02 Great footage and video. Thank you.

    • @orangeyewglad
      @orangeyewglad ปีที่แล้ว

      This is just how real cities look. It's better for the environment to have high density housing, and better for your mental health when you have easy access to lots of close by amenities.

  • @sg1770
    @sg1770 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Enjoyed your video. I really like watching drone footage too. What drone do you use?

  • @robertofarias1545
    @robertofarias1545 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for sharing with us your experience.

  • @ek6321
    @ek6321 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It's a deep shame to see such heartbreaking poverty and human misery in such a wealthy nation.

  • @luruperchausse10
    @luruperchausse10 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks nice from the drone!

  • @ronmartin4212
    @ronmartin4212 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Warrington's in Bucks County,near Doylestown,Pink's home town!! You're driving down Rt.611 near warminster in the first few minutes.It eventually turns into Broad St.After Horsham,Willow Grove(Montgomery County)Glenside,then Cheltenham

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pink is from Upper Darby/ Lansdowne, a far cry from Doylestown.

    • @ronmartin4212
      @ronmartin4212 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@tuck6464 Well,she started out in Abington,then moved to Doylestown,where she went to school,and graduated from,Central Bucks West,in the borough.

    • @tuck6464
      @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ronmartin4212
      If you're getting this from Wikipedia, it's wrong she's from Darby, between Upper Darby and Lansdowne. Regardless of what school she graduated from.

    • @ronmartin4212
      @ronmartin4212 ปีที่แล้ว

      Her high school picture from Central Bucks West in 1997 yearbook.Look it up.Alecia Moore.She lived in Doylestown to go to school there.Hence,she lived in Doylestown.

    • @ronmartin4212
      @ronmartin4212 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Did you live near her in Lansdowne/Upper Darby,near Jim Croce and Todd Rundgren,too?!??!!??

  • @nancywysemen7196
    @nancywysemen7196 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    a now sad section of town. plans to plant more trees where city can. lots of asmah in these crowded neighborhoods. hope you saw the beautiful sides too.

  • @spg1794
    @spg1794 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i live walking distance from that area that you described as no mans land. I walk alone and unarmed at all hours through there, trust me you are invisible to the locals unless youre buying or selling drugs.

  • @Theywaswrong
    @Theywaswrong ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Didn't realize they had gambling houses in Kensington. Right as you went in, a store sign said "We Cash All Checks"!!!

  • @josfoekens3331
    @josfoekens3331 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome dronefootage welldone regards from.The Netherlands

  • @gregorylenton8200
    @gregorylenton8200 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WOW Great show today thanks

  • @1940limited
    @1940limited ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Visit Camden. It'll make Philly look like an upscale neighborhood.

  • @danw3735
    @danw3735 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just comparing our 2 cultures, I come from Melbourne Australia a vibrant modern society with explosive growth. I don't know if it will ever decline into this. but it's both strange and sad to see when it's the lands of the most prominent democracy decaying like this.

    • @lisaomalley160
      @lisaomalley160 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Our America is crumbling around us. It's difficult to witness. It is no longer the America it was prior to the 9/11 attacks in 2001. After that, things really changed. And by the crash of the economy in 2008, I don't think there was any way it could be turned around.
      Americans used to stand together. We are now quite divided on every issue imaginable. It's heartbreaking. Love and support your fellow countrymen.

  • @abstractfactory8068
    @abstractfactory8068 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    God damn, from all the videos I've seen on youtube I feel like this is home, I know all the streets by now.

    • @Pladderkasse
      @Pladderkasse ปีที่แล้ว

      Same here. This must be the most documented neighborhood in the world.

  • @TrashLefties
    @TrashLefties 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    They walk on the road where they have the widest sidewalks. I've noticed that in those areas.

  • @jradcliffe4968
    @jradcliffe4968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Row housing is a big problem !

    • @user-fb4zo8wd5n
      @user-fb4zo8wd5n 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes! Less parking + fewer and smaller parks = more angry people.
      Row houses = high density = more human interaction = more problems.
      Every house should be on at least a 4000 square foot lot.

  • @too2great8
    @too2great8 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm always taken aback how much Philly reminds me of Baltimore.

  • @Redbuzzcut
    @Redbuzzcut 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    So which was worse to you, Kensington or Camden? Both are pretty scary but the street footage of Kensington is a post-apocalyptic drug horror. Great drone film - almost makes Kensington look clean and orderly.

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hard to say which its worse. Both are arguably the two worst places I've seen in the country.

    • @guillermoferraudi8750
      @guillermoferraudi8750 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeandNicsRoadTrip even worse than Gary or Detroit?

    • @shannonallen2993
      @shannonallen2993 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@guillermoferraudi8750 without a doubt Camden and Kensington are tied. I live 8 miles from Camden and have lived in this area my whole life. The elderly community speak of Camden as the place to be in their day.

    • @guillermoferraudi8750
      @guillermoferraudi8750 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shannonallen2993 thanks for answer. I enjoy exploring anandoned buildings and towns. Ill have to check out those towns.

    • @shannonallen2993
      @shannonallen2993 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@guillermoferraudi8750 use extreme caution.

  • @panchogeorocks
    @panchogeorocks 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Something about east coast ghettos/hoods that just hits like a brick! Idk why, but the blight, negative vibes, trash, and infrastructure conditions are just in a category of its own.

  • @rodeogirl8459
    @rodeogirl8459 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you gotta go to minneapolis soon! it's a gorgeous city especially in the spring and summer

    • @JoeandNicsRoadTrip
      @JoeandNicsRoadTrip  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Heading there next month! Looking forward to it. St Paul as well. I’m a huge Peanuts fan.

    • @LDbcdAL-px7mg
      @LDbcdAL-px7mg 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey rodeo girl, I totally agree with you having lived in Minneapolis from 1981 to 1989. Miss the 10,000 lakes. Say hi to all the folks there.

  • @tuck6464
    @tuck6464 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The park you went to for the drone shots, was McVeigh playground, even back is the 70's- 80's it was a notorious place to get your ass kicked , just for walking by, if you did not live within a 2 block radius

  • @g41thomas
    @g41thomas ปีที่แล้ว

    The greyhound bus use to train us on these street with passenger buses 15 years ago

  • @playswithsquirrels7614
    @playswithsquirrels7614 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Its a nice hood. Good people, families. Just some people might get to drunk or be on drugs and they are the ones who act up. Dont look for trouble and trouble wont look for you. I never felt threatened. I felt like its just another neighborhood, but with small houses

    • @HannumNeil
      @HannumNeil 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I have seen much worse as well. I am guilty of clicking his bait.

    • @williamsnyder4890
      @williamsnyder4890 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      White people stay out if have any sense

    • @iluciferi5320
      @iluciferi5320 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      U dudes r both nuts. I knew Black dudes who weren’t criminals but were hardened street type guys & they couldn’t wait till they got the F outta there…that N Philly

    • @LukeandLucas
      @LukeandLucas 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It’s a complete shithole.

    • @margieburgos1834
      @margieburgos1834 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Exactly You said it right .. ppl come to our neighborhood and over exaggerate ya can’t walk down street , I’m putting my life on line to show ya this video, that ticks me off .. yes it has changed just like any other neighborhood

  • @blyt5046
    @blyt5046 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i just know u must be “carrying”, walking in that slum.
    footage with drone is amazing

  • @liamgray9644
    @liamgray9644 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have seen Skid Row in LA many times, but never been near Kensington. I know they both are bad in their own ways , but curious which one is actually worse.

  • @1940limited
    @1940limited ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't know how anyone operates a business on Kensington Ave. yet I see stores and restaurants. I don't think I'd want to eat there.

  • @gailwright4326
    @gailwright4326 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Everything is so crammed together there. It's so dirty. How sad.

  • @Theywaswrong
    @Theywaswrong ปีที่แล้ว +1

    LOL, Oh yeah...I'm not stoppin here!

  • @mtnwriter4011
    @mtnwriter4011 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's an interesting journey you've chosen. A long road to "somewhere," I feel. Some ultimate discovery, perhaps, awaits you. Crank up your drone when you're there.

  • @davidbowen2175
    @davidbowen2175 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You two come back to Georgia to see Stone Mountain, Providence Canyon, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, Plains, Ga - Home of Pres. Carter growing up, Dobbins Air Force Base where presidents fly in to visit & campaign, Macon, Ga - home of Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Actress from Miriam Hopkins from Bainbridge, GA, retired Hawks player lives in Conyers, Ga mansion to name a few, RB, Conyers, Ga

  • @abathens
    @abathens 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Amazing drone shot. Definitely worth the sketchy drive.

  • @CaptainHowdy1969
    @CaptainHowdy1969 ปีที่แล้ว

    When I was watching you cruise down Kensington with the rail above you I kept thinking of the scene in the movie Donnie Brascoe with Jonny Depp and Al Pacino when they were in the car together...idk if that was filmed in Philly on Kensington but it looks pretty damned close...

  • @NotchaMomma
    @NotchaMomma ปีที่แล้ว

    Lol your GPS took you the long way to McVeigh! 😂what year did you film this? KA looks drastically different

  • @jahnj2523
    @jahnj2523 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mate this looks like heaven compared to my endz in London

    • @adele19b3
      @adele19b3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The murder rate is way higher 😂

    • @jahnj2523
      @jahnj2523 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@adele19b3 in London bruv murders every hour in d endz u get me

    • @adele19b3
      @adele19b3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jahnj2523 this ain’t no argument check the stats.

  • @juni674
    @juni674 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where you passed the UHAUL building is where Rocky 1 was filmed in part. The scene with Gazzo and Rock got out of the car after he told him that he did not break the guys thumb. My ex wifes Grandma used to live off of Lehigh (Fishtown) Ave. I remember a tiny ass sign for the Lehigh Ave. exit off of the 95. Easily missed if you are not familiar.

  • @bridgelifeshiar
    @bridgelifeshiar 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Where that car was broke down in the middle of the street, I'm from over there. 🤦🏽‍♂️ SV!

  • @danweyant707
    @danweyant707 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "This street is really rough" while driving up a streetcar rail line

  • @Valmontst
    @Valmontst 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You know that I love your videos, but if you are to continue making them safely, might I suggest that you invest in buying yourself an Abrams tank!! 😉

  • @teafortwo9307
    @teafortwo9307 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I live right outside of Philadelphia - years ago I used to feel safer walking around center city and rittenhouse square than I did in a suburban park...as a single woman. I would park in the Fairmount section and walk down to Rittenhouse, have lunch then walk for fun because I loved the city. We would go to Espositos on 9th street every few months for meat (then separate and freeze it). Not anymore. After 2020 and the general lawlessness that as ensued... no... we already had an opioid issue... when you hear about the push for 'safe injection sites'.... its utter nonsense. I know people aren't happy with the D.A. Oh... you know what really did it for me? The so called 'drivers equality act' Drivers in Philadelphia can no longer get stopped for minor infractions like a missing brake light or an expired inspection... say what? You're driving around with an expired inspection - do you have insurance? If you hit my car what are the chances that you will stay? This is more encouraged lawlessness. The drivers are already bad enough - so no. I do not go into Philadelphia anymore. Done...