7.7 out of 10

East Falls

Ranked 10th best neighborhood in Philadelphia
40.01700801093 -75.1899765539288
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Pest Free
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Childcare
  • Eating Out
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Charming, quaint, yet active neighborhood - perfect for young families + professionals"

You'll find the best of both worlds in East Falls. The residents are active, vibrant, and friendly. It is very much a diverse community. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the neighborhood, but also plenty of activities that you can do on your own! If you're a runner, you'll be super close to Kelly Dr. and if you're a nature lover, you're a short drive away from the Wissahickon. East Falls is also close to Manayunk! So if you're in need of a more active night life activity, you won't be too far from that scene. We absolutely love living in East Falls and the people who live here.
Pros
  • Near Kelly drive
  • Great for young people
  • Near Fairmount Park
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
2yrs+

"Love this place! Could use some help really understanding all it has."

Since moving here in 2011, I've been struck by how much there is to offer, and how few people living here actually know this. Started writing about the neighborhood last year, figured it'd be a fun little project but wow so many stories, so much history and color and charm. They could lose it all, too, if they're not careful -- the place is strategically located close to Manayunk & Center City, plenty of developers would love to make it a parking lot for bigger, "better" places but truthfully, this place has its own special vibe that's worth getting to know. Did some research, here's more info if you'd like: http://www.eastfallslocal.com/move-over-manayunk-east-falls-is-ready-for-our-close-up/
Pros
  • Great for young people
  • Near Fairmount Park
Cons
  • Hard to find parking
  • Hills
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"The new "up-and-coming" community."

Like the neighboring Manayunk and Roxborough, East Falls is a charming town right outside of Philadelphia, with a combination of city energy and residential appeal. . It borders the Schuylkill River, featuring a gorgeous running and biking trail up to Fairmount Park. The area is very up-and-coming, as the local East Falls Community Council is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and making it as much of a desired location as Manayunk.

Philadelphia University, known for its architecture program, is located in East Falls, which contributes to its increasing popularity. The university draws a crowd of students, resulting in a significant amount of renters and high noise levels on weekends. These students opt to live in the smaller townhomes near main drags with corner bars and restaurants; one of these high-traffic streets is Ridge Avenue. However as you move away from Ridge the area becomes more residential, with larger, single-family homes for young professionals, couples and families.

There is one public school, several private schools, a number of fitness centers, day cares and recreation centers in East Falls, making the area desirable for families with young children. Public transportation is very accessible, with two train stations that provide a 20-minute commute to Center City; this is ideal for the parent that work in the city but does not want to raise their children downtown; it is also appealing to young professionals that are transitioning out of the city post-college.

Although public transit is convenient, it can be time-consuming. Many residents still choose to have a car, but like Manayunk, East Falls is very hilly, making parking difficult and flooding an issue.

Real estate prices are beginning to rise in East Falls as it becomes the next “hot-spot”. However, you will find more space for your money than you will with the apartments and row homes in Center City. East Falls is not only a great transition town for students and post-grads; it is a good place for young families to settle without giving up the Philadelphia lifestyle.
Pros
  • More space for your money
  • Great for young people
  • Near Fairmount Park
Cons
  • Hills
  • Hard to find parking
  • Noisy at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Nestled Between The City and Manayunk"

It seems that East Falls gets forgotten about a lot when discussing Philadelphia. This small neighborhood is nestled between the city and Manayunk, making it a great place to live for those who work in the city but still want to feel like they aren't living IN Center City. With easy access to the R5, commuting long the river to and from East Falls is easy and affordable.

Just like its neighbor Manayunk, East Falls was basically built on hills, making parking a bit of a nightmare and one way streets not easy to navigate. Nearby Philadelphia University means that a lot of renters in this area will be students, so noise levels may be an issue for some looking to rent or buy.

However, many people see the proximity to the city and proximity to the Kelly Drive walking and biking trail and Fairmount Park entrances a major plus and can overlook the hills and the noisy renters. There are a few good restaurants and bars in this neighborhood, but it's most likely that residents would drive or take the train to Manayunk or the city on the weekends or at night.
Pros
  • Great for young people
  • Near Fairmount Park
Cons
  • Hard to find parking
  • Hills can be hard to navigate if you're not familiar
  • Noisy at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Everything falls in this neighborhood"

East Falls is a beautiful portion of Philadelphia. It was named for the once gorgeous waterfalls on the east side of the Schuylkill River. The waterfalls have long been gone but if you travel the bike trails of the Wissahickon Creek, part of the Fairmount Park system, you will see a couple small waterfalls here and there.

The area was once forgotten and the property value steadily dropped. However, in recent years, there have been many redevelopment projects allowing the neighborhood to flourish again. One of these projects was the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center, which is a gorgeous structure that offers instruction to children in the Philadelphia School District.

Also, in the redevelopment of East Falls many homes have been built or reconstructed forcing the property value to raise a large percentage. The homes, before and after redevelopment, are a beauty to the beholder with well manicured lawns. There are mini-mansions, Victorian and Colonial-style structures giving the architecture a little diversity.

Regardless of the lack of waterfalls, the streets in East Falls seem to actually fall. Most streets in this neighborhood are hills, which makes for awesome sledding in the winter when it snows. If you stand at the top of any block you can look down and see the beginning of East Falls, which is Kelly Drive, and the Schuylkill River.

The area is home to Philadelphia University and Drexel University College of Medicine. The Falls Center holds many dormitories, as well as some businesses, for Philadelphia University. There is also one public school and two private schools in the East Falls area for school-age children.

Public transportation is scarce within the neighborhood, but a few buses ride along the edge of East Falls. Most folks in the area drive, but due to the hills parking is hard to come by.

East Falls is a wonderful place for growing families. The neighborhood is thriving more and more with new businesses but still manages to remain peaceful. It is a real hidden gem.
Pros
  • Great for young people
  • Lots of great restaurants
  • Near Fairmount Park
Cons
  • Hills can be hard to navigate if you're not familiar
  • Expensive to live
  • Hard to find parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
2yrs+

"East Falls - A Jewel"

A beautiful neighborhood on the east banks of the Schuylkill River, East Falls attracts a blend of the elite living alongside professionals of many stripes. Many well-known politicians including former Governor Ed Rendell and Congressman Chaka Fattah call East Falls’ home. As well, there are a number of media personalities who live in the area. It is conveniently located equidistant to Center City and City Line Avenue address to a number of media outlets. The airport is a quick trip down the expressway.

The homes are well appointed with lots of flowers and greenery. It is a somewhat hilly and not many transportation lines are routed through the area. According to a recent study published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, home values for East Falls have increased by 19 percent.

It is a predominantly Caucasian community with a number of schools including Philadelphia University, William Penn Charter School, St. Bridget’s Catholic School and the Mifflin School. Currently, the School District of Philadelphia is renovating Mifflin School for $8 million.

The Arthur Ashe Tennis facility is nearby along with 16 tennis courts operated by the City of Philadelphia. At the Schuylkill there are running trails and riverside amenities.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Constantly changing for the better"

East Falls is one of my favorite neighborhoods because it always seems to be improving. It pays attention to the competition of neighboring areas but so far isn’t compromising it’s small town feel to make a buck.

Located near several other charming neighborhoods like Roxborough and Manayunk, East Falls is increasing in popularity. It’s location gives residents the ability to travel to Center City and elsewhere with ease whether it’s via public transportation, bike or car. This makes it especially appealing to young professionals and students.

The houses and apartment in East Falls are also nice, though somewhat expensive. The neighborhood has several elaborate mansions and two train stations which add to the visual appeal of the neighborhood.
In addition its residential areas East Falls also has several restaurants, coffee shops and stores so residents don’t have to wander too far from the area. The addition of the Arthur Ashe Tennis and Education Center is also credited for drawing many new people to the area and increasing the property value.

Overall, East Falls is a consistently growing and improving what it has to offer. It’s a community that seems to take pride in keeping the area safe, clean and interesting, though in the process that is making it expensive.
Pros
  • Great for young people
Cons
  • Expensive to live
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Perfect for young professionals"

East Falls is a neighborhood located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia. It is bound by Ridge Avenue, the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Avenue and is adjacent to Germantown, Fairmount Park, Manayunk and Roxborough.
It is one of the city’s “up-and-coming” neighborhoods and offers a desirable central location with an easy commute to Center City and access to Interstate 76. It is also located extremely close to the multi-use recreational path of Fairmount Park that runs along Kelly Drive. You can jog, bike, or roller-skate along this scenic path and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the city including Boathouse Row.
East Falls features a number of different bars and restaurants. One notable restaurant is Bucket, which is famous for the huge buckets of fries they offer that come with every topping imaginable. Another attraction in the neighborhood is the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center which offers 16 court facilities spread out over 9.2 acres.
East Falls is best known for being the childhood home of actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, who grew up in a house at 3901 Henry Avenue.
There are plenty of luxury apartments, including the Wissahickon Apartment complex, and row homes to live in.
Pros
  • Lots of great restaurants
  • Near Fairmount Park
  • Great for young people
Cons
  • Hard to find parking
  • Expensive to live
  • Noisy at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Trendy & Stylish

Travelling to East Falls?

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Unranked Streets in East Falls

Cresson St

2.5/5
"Main Street's Little Brother"
40.0124645148876 -75.1953455753786

Ridge Ave

2.5/5
"Many stores in neighborhood"
40.010201164077 -75.1972794393582
"Quiet Street in Germantown"
40.0195416033231 -75.1934212312611

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