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15 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Old City

Are you getting ready to move to the City of Brotherly Love?

This large and vibrant city has something to offer people from all walks of life. The city boasts a diverse range of eclectic districts that offer something for everyone. There are several old immigrant conclaves, which are popular among residents and visitors to the city. If you are planning on making a move, you will want to check out the different areas before making a choice. 

So, let’s check out the 15 best neighborhoods in Philadelphia and what they have to offer.

Old City 

To the east of the Independence Park area lies the Old City district. Now known for its art galleries, restaurants, and small clubs and bars, Old City also boasts the nation’s oldest residential street, Elfreth’s Alley. This area is where numerous original homes still stand today and are often snapped up by residents. 

Old City really comes alive each month during First Friday. This is the banner under which galleries and artist studios in the area open their doors to mark new exhibitions. There are numerous open houses and wine and cheese receptions to enjoy on this day. 

Old City

Step back in time…

The population of Old City is around 16,200 people, and walking through the area is an uplifting experience. Taking a stroll along the cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time to the 18th century. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment here is $2,800. 

2nd Street is lined with eateries and bars and is a popular place for residents to unwind. The eateries here offer everything from Asian fusion dishes to burgers and fish and chips. The area also boasts a number of theaters, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. 

University City 

Next on my list of the 15 Best Philidelphia Neighborhoods is University City. This is one of the most exclusive sections of the city, and the rent for a two-bedroom apartment costs around $3,700. Still, University City is home to around 21,000 people. The majority of the people who live here are college students, young business professionals, and university staff.

University City is home to the University of the Sciences, Drexel University, and the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. This gives the area a very vibrant atmosphere. Residents have numerous international eateries, food stalls, and dive bars right on their doorstep. The Georgian-style mansion known as the Woodlands and the surrounding botanic gardens are popular attractions among residents. 

Chestnut Hill 

This upscale area features a large number of stunning accommodation options and is home to around 12,300 residents. The average price for a two-bedroom apartment here is $1,900. The rental price is lower than in some districts because Chestnut Hill is not as well connected by transportation networks.

This garden district is home to Chestnut Hill Park and Morris Arboretum. Germantown Avenue is one of the trendiest sections and is set with antique boutiques, farmer’s markets, and galleries. The area comes alive each fall when people flock to Chestnut Hill for the Harry Potter Festival. 

Chestnut Hill 

Bella Vista 

You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in this charming part of the city for around 1,900. Bella Vista is an eclectic neighborhood that is bursting with character. The area is popular with foodies as it boasts some of the most famous restaurants in the city.

Pat’s King of Steaks and Genos are two of the area’s best-known eateries among food lovers. Washington Avenue is also a great place for food lovers to explore. This avenue is famous for its authentic and affordable Vietnamese eateries. 

Bella Vista is home to The Italian Market, which has been a thriving outdoor shopping center since the turn of the 20th century. This is a popular place for residents to browse for artisanal cheese, meats, and other fresh produce. If you like the idea of being able to purchase freshly baked bread early in the morning, Bella Vista is ideal. 

Center City 

Dominated by the elaborate City Hall, with a huge bronze statue of William Penn atop, this is Philadelphia’s main thoroughfare. City Center is home to some of the city’s most impressive attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Center City district conveniently borders Chinatown in the north and the Old City in the east.

The most desirable properties in this section of the city can be found along the banks of the Delaware River. The average rent you will pay for a two-bedroom apartment in Center City is $2,700. The area is currently home to around 7,800 residents.

Reading Market is a popular place for residents to pick up fresh produce and browse for bargains. This vibrant market offers numerous lunch options like cheesesteaks, vegan and vegetarian food, south Philly Italian sausage, and pulled pork sandwiches. It’s also a great place to purchase poultry, fish, and Amish foods like cakes, cookies, and honey from Pennsylvania.

Queen Village 

Set near South Street and the Delaware River waterfront, Queen Village is surrounded by old-world charm. The area is home to a little over 9,000 residents and is a relatively affordable place to live. The average rent on a two-bedroom apartment here is $1,900. 

Queen Village boasts a large number of charming homes that date back to the Colonial era. The close proximity to South Street means that residents have plenty of live music venues on their doorstep. One of the most popular places for residents to hang out is the vibrant Magic Gardens. 

Queen Village 

Society Hill 

This is one of the oldest areas of the city, and it boasts an excellent transportation network. The 8,300 people who live in Society Hill can get all over the city in a mere matter of minutes. This area is also a great place to take a stroll or cycle, and there are several dedicated paths. 

Renting a two-bedroom apartment in Society Hill will set you back an average of $2,600. The area boasts charming cobblestone streets that are lined with Greek revival buildings and Franklin street lamps. Dock Street boasts an eclectic mix of trendy taverns and restaurants, while Washington Square is perfect for people watching. 

Fairmount 

Home to the large and lovely Fairmount Park, this area is home to around 14,000 people. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,850, and this area is popular among young business professionals. The area is very safe, and both walking and cycling are popular pastimes here.

Benjamin Franklin Parkway is one of the most popular areas for residents to spend their free time. This charming boulevard is set close to the Eastern State Penitentiary Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A large number of eateries, bars, cool cafes, and bistros can also be found sprinkled throughout the area. 

Logan Square 

People who want to enjoy excellent transit connections should take a look at Logan Square. The streets that run through this area are lined with historic buildings that are set against a backdrop of apartment buildings. The average rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment in Logan Square is $2,600.

The 15,000 residents that call Logan Square home conveniently live right in the heart of the city. The area is particularly popular with young professionals, and walking and cycling here is very easy. Notable attractions in the area include the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Swann Memorial Fountain, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. 

Logan Square 

Manayunk 

Lying west of Center City on the banks of the Schuylkill River, Manayunk is a favorite shopping and dining destination. Residents of this area have dozens of excellent restaurants and fashionable boutiques right on their doorstep. The area is also located conveniently close to Chestnut Hill and City Center. 

Manayunk boasts a diverse range of accommodation options for residents to choose from. In addition to old Victorian homes, you will find pretty row houses and charming lofts. The average rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,200.

Around 8,600 people choose to call Manayunk home. The area boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the city and is ideal for exploring on foot. Main Street is scattered with bars and restaurants, along with a large number of other small businesses. 

Northern Liberties 

Affectionately known as NoLibs for short, Northern Liberties is an upmarket area of Philadelphia. There are several modern and very luxurious apartments to choose from, as well as more modern options. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Northern Liberties is $2,200.

Strolling through this part of the city is a safe and uplifting experience. North 2nd Street is a popular place for residents to meet friends to enjoy craft beer and ethnic cuisine. The Piazza is an old brewery that was transformed into a shopping complex and is another popular place to hang out. 

Fishtown 

People who enjoy walking and cycling will find that Fishtown is an excellent area to explore. This working-class area is rapidly changing and boasts an artistic and vibrant atmosphere. It is particularly popular among college students, young business professionals, and hipsters.

You would pay an average of $2,500 to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Fishtown. While the area is family-friendly, there are plenty of dive bars and beer gardens to choose from. Many venues host indie music performances as well as exhibitions of urban art. 

Fishtown

Southwest Center City 

This pedestrian-friendly area is popular among families as well as young professionals. Southwest City Center is home to a little over 15,000 people. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment here for around $2,500.

Broad Street and South Street boast a large number of excellent accommodation options. You can take a stroll over to the western edge of the area to dine in style at chic restaurants. South City Center also boasts several independently owned stores that sell handicrafts and other items. 

This area is home to South Street, which can be found at the south end of Center City. South Street is one of the hippest parts of Philadelphia and boasts numerous tattoo parlors, cafes, and coffee bars. This is a popular place for residents to meet at any time of the day or night. 

East Falls 

The median rent in East Falls is around $1,600, making this a very affordable part of the city. As a result, East Falls is home to around 10,000 people. The area boasts a suburban feel and is set with pretty parks and expansive green lawns.

Kelly Drive is one of the most popular places for commuters to move to in Philidelphia, as it is connected to City Center. One of the most notable landmarks here is Falls Center. This large Art Deco-style building boasts a large number of offices, shops, cafes, and apartments. 

Rittenhouse Square 

The last in my 15 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Rittenhouse Square which is one of the metropolis’ original city squares. It was once bordered by historic townhouses, some of which still remain. Nowadays, the area is mainly given over to modern yet attractive hotels and apartment buildings. The square is ideal for picnicking, and there is no shortage of cafés nearby.

Rittenhouse Square 

Just under 26,000 people choose to live in this upscale part of the city. The area has a relaxing urban vibe and boasts high-end hotels complete with excellent restaurants. Other landmarks of note include Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Fitler Park.

You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in this area for around $3,300. The area’s tree-lined streets make this a scenic and safe place to walk. A number of excellent cycling trails can also be found running through the area.

Find The Best Home For Your Family!

Maybe you have a few other options as well as Philidelphia, so check out our guides to the Best Cities To Live In Connecticut, the Best Neighborhoods In Brooklyn, the Best Neighborhoods In Long Island, as well as the Best Places To Live In Florida For Families in 2023.

But wait, there’s more! We also have guides to the Safest Neighborhoods In Philadelphia, the Safest Places To Live In Florida, the Safest Neighborhoods In Atlanta, the Safest Cities In California, or the Safest Cities In Texas.

If you enjoy a bit of luxury, then you may be wondering about the Richest Neighborhoods In America, as well as the 10 Richest Cities in Florida, the Richest Towns In New Jersey, the top 10 Richest Cities In Texas, or the Richest Cities In California.

Final Thoughts

The City of Brotherly Love is packed with diverse and vibrant areas for visitors to discover. If you are new to the city, it is best to take a few days to explore on foot. Pay attention to what each area has to offer and see if the area meets your needs.

In addition to the general atmosphere, there are several other factors that you should bear in mind. Some of the choicest areas of the city can be quite costly, and you need to keep your budget firmly in mind. With a little persistence, you are sure to find the perfect house or apartment to call your new home.

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