Top 20 Philadelphia neighborhoods. The emoji-friendly guide 🥨🏀
April 17, 2023
Β· 12 min read
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the 20 most desirable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It includes information on the reasons to live in each neighborhood, the diversity of its population, popular attractions, famous landmarks, types of businesses, housing prices, and apartment rental costs. The guide also indicates whether each neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, has access to public transportation, and is pet-friendly. To make it more engaging, each neighborhood is represented by an emoji. This guide serves as a useful reference for anyone looking to explore different neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
1. Rittenhouse Square π’π΄ποΈ
- Why live there: Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's most desirable neighborhoods, known for its beautiful park, great dining, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees.
- What to do there: Enjoy the park, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or explore the local shops and restaurants.
- Famous for: Rittenhouse Square is known for its upscale vibe and high-end real estate.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses.
- Median house price: $955,000
- Studio: $1,500
- 1-bedroom: $2,000
- 2-bedroom: $3,000
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
2. Old City ποΈπ¨ποΈ
- Why live there: Old City is known for its historic charm, art galleries, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the National Constitution Center, or explore the local shops and galleries.
- Famous for: Old City is known for its historic significance and beautiful architecture.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
- Median house price: $450,000
- Studio: $1,500
- 1-bedroom: $2,000
- 2-bedroom: $3,000
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
3. Northern Liberties π»πποΈ
- Why live there: Northern Liberties is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy the nightlife, visit the Piazza at Schmidt's, or explore the local shops and restaurants.
- Famous for: Northern Liberties is known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy vibe.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Median house price: $480,000
- Studio: $1,200
- 1-bedroom: $1,500
- 2-bedroom: $2,200
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
4. University City π«ππ΄
- Why live there: University City is known for its proximity to several universities and great dining options.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of students, professors, and families.
- What to do there: Visit the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, explore the local dining scene, or take a walk through Penn Park.
- Famous for: University City is known for its many universities and colleges.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $530,000
- Studio: $1,200
- 1-bedroom: $1,500
- 2-bedroom: $2,200
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
5. Fishtown πΈπ»ποΈ
- Why live there: Fishtown is known for its trendy bars, music venues, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy live music at Johnny Brenda's, visit the local breweries, or explore the local shops and restaurants.
- Famous for: Fishtown is known for its thriving music scene and trendy vibe.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Median house price: $400,000
- Studio: $1,100
- 1-bedroom: $1,500
- 2-bedroom: $2,200
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
6. Graduate Hospital π₯π΄ποΈ
- Why live there: Graduate Hospital is known for its proximity to several hospitals and great dining options.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit the Marian Anderson Historical Residence Museum, explore the local dining scene, or take a walk through Rittenhouse Square.
- Famous for: Graduate Hospital is known for its many hospitals and medical facilities.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $580,000
- Studio: $1,200
- 1-bedroom: $1,800
- 2-bedroom: $2,500
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
7. East Passyunk ππποΈ
- Why live there: East Passyunk is known for its great Italian dining and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy Italian cuisine at local restaurants, explore the local shops and boutiques, or take a walk down the famous East Passyunk Avenue.
- Famous for: East Passyunk is known for its Italian heritage and great dining scene.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
- Median house price: $475,000
- Studio: $1,100
- 1-bedroom: $1,500
- 2-bedroom: $2,200
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
8. Queen Village π³π·ποΈ
- Why live there: Queen Village is known for its charming tree-lined streets, great restaurants, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy a glass of wine at a local wine bar, explore the local shops and boutiques, or take a walk through Penn's Landing.
- Famous for: Queen Village is known for its charming streets and historic homes.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
- Median house price: $575,000
- Studio: $1,200
- 1-bedroom: $1,700
- 2-bedroom: $2,500
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
9. Fairmount ποΈπ³π΄
- Why live there: Fairmount is known for its beautiful park, great museums, and bike-friendly streets.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and artists.
- What to do there: Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, enjoy a picnic in Fairmount Park, or take a bike ride on the Schuylkill River Trail.
- Famous for: Fairmount is known for its beautiful park and world-class museums.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $595,000
- Studio: $1,200
- 1-bedroom: $1,700
- 2-bedroom: $2,500
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
10. Society Hill πποΈπ΄
- Why live there: Society Hill is known for its historic charm, great dining options, and beautiful architecture.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit the historic landmarks, explore the local dining scene, or take a walk through Head House Square.
- Famous for: Society Hill is known for its historic significance and beautiful homes.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $775,000
- Studio: $1,500
- 1-bedroom: $2,000
- 2-bedroom: $3,000
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
11. Chestnut Hill π³ποΈπ΄
- Why live there: Chestnut Hill is known for its charming streets, great shopping, and dining options.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit the Morris Arboretum, explore the local shops and boutiques, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
- Famous for: Chestnut Hill is known for its historic homes and charming streets.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses.
- Median house price: $765,000
- Studio: $1,500
- 1-bedroom: $2,000
- 2-bedroom: $3,000
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
12. Manayunk π³π»ποΈ
- Why live there: Manayunk is known for its great outdoor recreation, trendy bars, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy the Manayunk Canal Towpath, visit the local breweries, or explore the local shops and boutiques.
- Famous for: Manayunk is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and trendy vibe.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Median house price: $390,000
- Studio: $1,000
- 1-bedroom: $1,300
- 2-bedroom: $1,900
- Ped
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
13. Bella Vista ππ·ποΈ
- Why live there: Bella Vista is known for its great Italian dining, wine bars, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy Italian cuisine at local restaurants, sample wines at a local wine bar, or explore the local shops and boutiques.
- Famous for: Bella Vista is known for its Italian heritage and great dining scene.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
- Median house price: $615,000
- Studio: $1,300
- 1-bedroom: $1,700
- 2-bedroom: $2,500
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
14. Point Breeze π»πποΈ
- Why live there: Point Breeze is known for its trendy bars, great dining options, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy a beer at a local brewery, grab a burger at a local restaurant, or explore the local shops and boutiques.
- Famous for: Point Breeze is known for its trendy vibe and growing restaurant scene.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Median house price: $320,000
- Studio: $900
- 1-bedroom: $1,200
- 2-bedroom: $1,700
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
15. Cedar Park π³π΄ποΈ
- Why live there: Cedar Park is known for its beautiful park, great dining options, and shopping.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy a picnic in Cedar Park, explore the local dining scene, or take a walk down Baltimore Avenue.
- Famous for: Cedar Park is known for its beautiful park and growing restaurant scene.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $390,000
- Studio: $1,000
- 1-bedroom: $1,300
- 2-bedroom: $1,900
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
16. East Falls π³ποΈπ΄
- Why live there: East Falls is known for its great outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining options.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy the Wissahickon Valley Park, explore the local shops and boutiques, or grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
- Famous for: East Falls is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and growing restaurant scene.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses.
- Median house price: $320,000
- Studio: $900
- 1-bedroom: $1,200
- 2-bedroom: $1,700
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
17. Brewerytown π»ποΈπ³
- Why live there: Brewerytown is known for its growing brewery scene, great shopping, and beautiful park.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit local breweries, explore the local shops and boutiques, or take a walk through Fairmount Park.
- Famous for: Brewerytown is known for its growing brewery scene and beautiful park.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of breweries, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $340,000
- Studio: $900
- 1-bedroom: $1,200
- 2-bedroom: $1,700
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
18. Powelton Village π³π΄π
- Why live there: Powelton Village is known for its beautiful park, great dining options, and proximity to Drexel University.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of students, young professionals, and families.
- What to do there: Enjoy a picnic in Drexel Park, explore the local dining scene, or visit the Mandell Theater.
- Famous for: Powelton Village is known for its historic homes and beautiful park.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $370,000
- Studio: $1,000
- 1-bedroom: $1,300
- 2-bedroom: $1,900
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
19. West Philadelphia π³π«π΄
- Why live there: West Philadelphia is known for its great universities, beautiful park, and dining options.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of students, young professionals, and families.
- What to do there: Visit the University of Pennsylvania, enjoy a picnic in Clark Park, or explore the local dining scene.
- Famous for: West Philadelphia is known for its world-class universities and beautiful park.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $375,000
- Studio: $1,000
- 1-bedroom: $1,300
- 2-bedroom: $1,900
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
20. Kensington πΊποΈπ
- Why live there: Kensington is known for its growing brewery scene, great shopping, and theaters.
- Who lives there: The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of young professionals and families.
- What to do there: Visit local breweries, explore the local shops and boutiques, or see a show at the Walking Fish Theatre.
- Famous for: Kensington is known for its growing brewery scene and historic architecture.
- Businesses: The neighborhood is home to a variety of breweries, shops, and businesses.
- Median house price: $180,000
- Studio: $700
- 1-bedroom: $1,000
- 2-bedroom: $1,400
- Pedestrian-friendly: Yes
- Public transportation: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
The final notes
Here are my final notes for someone who's looking to relocate and researching the neighborhoods of Philadelphia:
π Research is key: Do your homework on the neighborhoods that interest you to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
π° Affordability: Keep in mind that Philadelphia has a variety of neighborhoods with different price points, so make sure to consider your budget when deciding where to live.
π₯ Community: Consider the type of community you want to live in and whether it's diverse enough for you.
π‘ Housing: Determine your housing needs, whether it's a house, apartment, or studio, and the average price of housing in the neighborhood.
π½οΈ Dining scene: Look for neighborhoods with great dining options if that's important to you.
π³ Outdoor recreation: If you enjoy spending time outdoors, look for neighborhoods with great parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
π Transportation: Make sure to consider the neighborhood's public transportation options if you don't have a car.
πΆ Pet-friendliness: If you have a furry friend, make sure to check if the neighborhood is pet-friendly and has access to pet-friendly amenities.
ποΈ Shopping: Look for neighborhoods with great shopping options if that's important to you.
π Cultural attractions: Consider whether the neighborhood has any cultural attractions that interest you, such as museums or theaters.
π Visit the neighborhood in person to get a better sense of the community, housing options, and local amenities.
Remember, everyone's priorities and needs are different, so take your time and research thoroughly before making a decision.