7.3 out of 10

Point Breeze

Ranked 18th best neighborhood in Philadelphia
39.933043787581 -75.1757953959591
Great for
  • Public Transport
  • Internet Access
  • Nightlife
  • Cost of Living
  • Parking
Not great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Childcare
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Pest Free
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Students

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Point Breeze is coming back! Great for ROI!"

Key tips that helped me move into Point Breeze:
- I've been living in south Philadelphia Graduate Hospital (3 years) and Point Breeze (1 year) for awhile now. Right now it's the best time to purchase a home in the city. If you're looking to get more for your money, Point Breeze gives you the opportunity to buy a million+ (houses are more priced in that range on the other side of Washington ave, closer to center city) house for less than $400k. More people are coming back to the city, home values are increasing, new restaurants are popping up everywhere. You wont regret it!
- Walk/bike around the neighborhood. Each block has their own pros and cons (e.g charm, investment, crime, etc). It's all about how you feel with living in a community that you know it's steadily improving.
- Think more into the future vs the present.
- Job growth.
Pros
  • Affordable to live
  • Lots of parking
  • Investment opportunity
  • Low taxes / tax abatements
  • Close to the hip areas
  • Steadily improving
Cons
  • Vacant lots
  • Stigma against the neighborhood
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
IsheetaShah
IsheetaShah Hey! My husband & I are considering buying a home in Point Breeze (near 22nd & Wharton) and we're looking for honest feedback from current residents. What do you think of the neighborhood? Is it walkable? Any insights you have would be appreciated. Thanks!
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev That's great news! 22nd & Wharton is a hit or miss in my opinion. The most important decision I've made (possibly ask this same question to yourself) before buying a house is how do I feel about the neighborhood. However, for this type of neighborhood is different because it's more focused on how would you feel about the block you will live on because honestly almost every street is transitioning vary quickly. Depending on how much you're willing to spend I would start (view map: http://tinypic.com/r/14y1ez5/8) in the blue area first (preferably start at broad street and move up in numbers) then move in the teal area.
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @IsheetaShah - How are you making out with the search?
2yrs+
MiniK
MiniK Hey! I am trying to look for more current feedback from someone who has moved into/is familiar with Point Breeze. My husband and I are looking to buy a home in the area preferably closer to Broad St, however It looks like there has been a lot of auto theft/burglary in the area in the past month. What do you think of the neighborhood? We would appreciate any pointers. Thank you!
2yrs+
MarciW
MarciW I bought in the 16th & Reed area two years ago and I don't regret it for a second (I'm a single woman). I got an affordable home close to Center City with rising value. My street is a mix of old time residents, newly arrived singles and young couples. Although the development is spreading west of 18th Street, things are definitely still better closer to Broad Street. While you have to use street smarts and common sense wherever you live, I haven't had any issues with crime (knock wood).
2yrs+
bobby-daddisb
bobby-daddisb I moved into new construction at 24th and Manton in October 2015. I was the only house on the block. It was a ghost town. Hear some gun shots. Not going to lie. Fast forward a year. My block has 18 new homes which have sold and I have a bustlong neighborhood. When I arrived, my son could not be taken to Wharton square because it was too sketchy. Now, we can. I've watched the changes happen so fast, it's really crazy. So 22nd and Wharton. Great for future value. Being I own a brokerage and largely looked at my home as an investment (I've been offered 100k more than I paid 8 months after purchase and didn't sell), I've said since day 1 that Wharton square will be the most valuable homes in five years. There's multiple reasons for that. Please, keep in mind the builder is everything. Feel free to reach out for more detailed info.
2yrs+
Drea Everafter
Drea Everafter Hey I am looking at a house on 24th and mooris...what is your take on that pocket?
2yrs+
regina-smithr
regina-smithr How about S Colorado St. Is that area safe?
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @drea Unfortunately not yet. Talk a walk around. You'll wait for a very time for any new development and change. Go lower in numbers.
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @regina yes it's safe there. Great opportunity there.
2yrs+
matts8
matts8 How is the 23rd and Gerritt area? My wife and I looked at a house on that block today and there are about 5 new construction homes on the block. My wife is concerned about the safety. How is this area? Appreciate any help!
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @matts8 it's where my house was 3 years ago (in terms of value and safety). I would go for it. I've seen the houses befoe. They're reasonable on pricing, it's a really good deal. Once 20th and wharton houses go up, the neighborhood is going to become more desirable.
2yrs+
matts8
matts8 How about the 2200 block of Cross street? I notice there is a PHA right up the street, how is the crime there?
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 @isheetah did you move at 22nd and wharton area?
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 @matts8 That's just outside the box. If you get a good price I would look into it. It's definitely not developed like the areas a block above it
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 I can speak on the crime that is diagonally 2 blocks north and east, which has been steadily lowering (despite the last summer with all the shooting). The drug groups may be reshuffling which could result in them stepping on each others turf.
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev If anyone is looking for an extremely reliable real estate agent, talk to Katelyn Little (zillow.com/profile/KatelynMarieLittle/). I'm not kidding... we went through over 20 agents while buying our primary and investment properties. She won't let you down.
2yrs+
elizabethb8
elizabethb8 I'm looking at 18th and Manton (half block s of Federal). Any feedback for there?
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @elizabethb8 you are golden! It's safe. As I stated above get in touch with Katelyn Little. She'll have more feedback as well. She'll take care of you :)
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 18xx manton is in the middle of my favorite section of PB, which is 16th-20th, Washington to Wharton. The street is narrow, if you want to hear the most negative feature
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 webdev, do you really need to give an unsolicited referral 2x in a row?
2yrs+
WebDev
WebDev @jd4 it's so difficult to find a great realtor that's willing to work. I wanted to help out in anyway possible :)
2yrs+
jd4
jd4 I understand. Just letting you know how it looks from afar. In my experience there's no shortage of good realtors, most people use someone they know on a personal level-not someone who contacts you from online.
2yrs+
Stephanie Kasprzak
Stephanie Kasprzak Hi All.
I have lived in Point Breeze with no issues for the past 2 years (28 - Female) and I live at 21st and Dickinson. I bike to work everyday to Center City and walk my dog at night by myself. Its a great location for my husband and I who both work in the City.

We do live near the PHA housing there, but there is no issues with crime or any disturbances. Its actually a Senior Citizens only housing, so its quite quiet. We often find ourselves exchanging vegetables from them and our little urban garden!

However, due to job and life changes, we are looking to move out to the western suburbs of the city and will be leaving point breeze. We loved being able to get to center city quickly or doing happy hours up in graduate hospital or Rittenhouse and walk home.

If anyone is looking for a beautifully restored 2 bedroom row, we will be putting our house on the market in October. We love our house, with its restored hardwoods, original columns, backyard and original vestibule. If we could pick it up and move it with us we would!

But just an FYI for anyone who is looking near the 2100 Dickinson block. As far as safety we have had 0 issues over the years. We have two cars and have had no problems with them being on the block as well.
2yrs+
annam23
annam23 Hi am looking at a house between 20th and 21st and Dickinson. Can you tell me more about the neighborhood like amenities? are there a lot of coffee shops and restaurants and things to go along with all of the new construction? i am ok with an up and coming area, but part of why we wan to stay in the city is the close proximity to things like shops and restaurants. We currently live in NoLibs and are also looking in fishtown which we love so much but its obviously more expensive.
Thanks!
2yrs+
Stephanie Kasprzak
Stephanie Kasprzak Hi There!
We are selling our house at 2109 Dickinson Street if you are interested in a custom renovated and restored row home!
For us we went to Tasty Toast, On Point Bistro and OCF coffee for the saturday and sunday morning festivities. Tasty Toast is unassuming, but has amazing green smoothies, breakfast sandwiches. On Point is great for brunch as they have larger dishes likie chicken and waffles and breakfast burritos or breakfast burgers, and they are also BYO but provide mixers! OCF is great for just a cup of Joe.

We went to Sardine Bar, Burgs Hideaway Lounge and wandered over to South Philly Taproom or up to Sidecar if we wanted to mix it up a bit. Sardine bar is great in the warmer months, as they have an awesome outdoor area and a good happy hour! There is also this really unassuming BYO Mexi place with amazing marg mixers called Cafe Ynez at i think 19th and washington? It doesn't look like anything from outside, but i went there with some girlfriends to start our night out with tacos and margs before walking our way up to center city.


Also - you are pretty close to Passayunk as well. So thats a easy walk, bike ride, or uber for some great italian food.
The nice thing about being near the 20th or 21st block is its an easy walk up to GradHo or Rittenhouse (15-20 Minutes)

Hope that Helps!
2yrs+
Add a comment...
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"On a (slow) path to revitalization"

Point Breeze is in South Philadelphia, between Washington and Mifflin Streets to the north and south, and Broad and 25th Streets to the east and west. This area offers big spaces for low rent prices, but mostly because the area is not the most desirable to live in.

Time has taken a toll on the area, and many of the homes are in need of an upgrade. Fortunately, many of the houses are beginning to be purchased and revitalized – but as with any neighborhood beginning to be touched by gentrification, it is moving slowly. Although the area is run down, neighborhood bonds are strong. Neighborhood associations and proud homeowners in the area demonstrate that many of the residents care about revitalizing the neighborhood; unfortunately, some do not.

Like residents, restaurateurs and bar owners see hope for the neighborhood as well; many young, hipster bars have recently opened, such as the American Sardine Bar and South Philadelphia Tap Room. These hot spots draw in a young crowd, giving the area vibrancy. Public transportation is accessible, with two subway stops on the Broad Street Line and a number of buses.

Unfortunately, this area is not yet a “hot spot,” and not a place you want to walk alone at night. If South Philadelphia is where you want to be, you are better served residing in Passyunk Square to the east or the Graduate Hospital to the north – and chances are within the next decade, Point Breeze will have the same appeal.
Pros
  • Public Transportation
  • Affordable to live
  • Cheap Rent
  • Close to the hip areas
  • Steadily improving
Cons
  • Crime
  • Dirty
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"The point of the breeze"

Point Breeze was once an abandoned neighborhood as of a few years ago and had a substantial decline in population. In recent years, however, this neighborhood has begun to thrive once again.

Point Breeze Avenue is a sort of median of the neighborhood which runs awkwardly diagonal and is seemingly random to any new comers. There used to be many vacant and trash strewn lots, but these have been cleaned and made into structures that make the residents proud. This stretch now holds many businesses such as grocery stores, beauty/barber shops, and cleaners/laundrymats. There are also places of worship for many different religions.

The businesses are not the only construction projects in the area. Many of the once dilapidated houses have seen a recent makeover. Some of the 2-story row homes have been torn down and replaced with 3-story contemporary residences. Empty lots have also become lofts as well as beautiful modern homes. The new construction has not only built up the neighborhood but has caused the property value to gradually rise.

The neighborhood includes 3 public schools, 1 catholic and 1 charter school for families with school-age children. As a portion of Point Breeze runs along "The Avenue of the Arts" stretch of Broad Street, The Art Institute of Philadelphia is the abode for higher education.

Transportation is not a problem. Buses run in and around the neighborhood. The Broad Street Subway is also accessible which allows for travel to other parts of the city. Parking is pretty good considering most of the new homes include garages so there is more room for parking on the street. Traffic isn't too much of a problem through the neighborhood but is quite hectic along the edge on Broad Street.

There is somewhat of a nightlife in Point Breeze, with bars scattered here and there in the neighborhood. A couple of cool lounges lie on the Broad Street edge.

Many people only know the past rumors about Point Breeze, which did not include stellar reviews. This makes folks a little wary about moving to this area. However, all the time and effort that has been going into making Point Breeze a nice place to live has been well worth it.
Pros
  • Lots of parking
  • Steadily improving
Cons
  • Multiple construction projects through the neighborhood
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Schools 2/5
2yrs+

"Point Breeze - Enjoy the Nightlife!"

If you think Point Breeze is near one of Philadelphia’s rivers, you would be sadly mistaken. Point Breeze is in the heart of South Philadelphia and an Avenue of the same starts at the banks for the Schuylkill River and runs diagonally through the district.

The row homes are tightly packed and neighborhood friendships have lasted a lifetime. Parking is an issue and public transportation may involve a short walk

Several neighborhood associations have formed to promote upgrading the neighborhood. These include: South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S., Point Breeze Community Development Coalition, Neighbors in Action and Neighbors in Action. Among the activities are festivals for artistic youth and greening initiatives.

It is home to Pat’s Steaks and Geno Steaks who have maintained a fierce cheesesteak rivalry for decades! Another famous eating institution is the Melrose Diner because “Everybody who knows goes to Melrose.” Quaint restaurants dot Passyunk Avenue and there is even a café where the wait staff sings opera upon request.

Property values have jumped some 43 percent in the past five years according to a survey by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The night life is bright and the atmosphere is jumping. If you like a Greenwich Village like scene in Philadelphia, this is the place for you.
Pros
  • Affordable to live
  • Cheap Rent
  • Close to the hip areas
Cons
  • Dirty
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Dont get out of your car"

Point Breeze is a neighborhood located in Southwest Philadelphia and is bound by Washington Avenue to the north, Broad Street to the east, 25th Street to the west and Mifflin Street to the south. It is adjacent to Grays Ferry.
The neighborhood, named for its location west of the Schuylkill River, is a predominantly African American section of the city and suffers from a large crime problem. There are also many dilapidated homes in the area as well as abandoned lots and feral cats. It’s not a neighborhood that you would want to walk through at night or even venture into during the day.
Point Breeze offers very affordable housing opportunities due to it not being a very appealing area to live in. Though there have been some efforts to revitalize the neighborhood, Point Breeze is still not a very worthwhile place to live.
It is mainly a residential area and offers few shopping opportunities. The main shopping center for Point Breeze is located on Grays Ferry Avenue at 25th Street and features a super market and several other large chain stores.
If you happen to drive through Point Breeze, my advice to you is to just keep on driving. There’s really no point in stopping for a visit.
Pros
  • Affordable to live
  • Lots of parking
Cons
  • High crime
  • Dirty
  • Feral cats
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
jd4
jd4 you still stand by your review from 2+ years ago? It seems off from 2+ years ago
2yrs+
jimd12
jimd12 It is certainly safe to walk at night. But there hasnt been a whole lot of revitalization when it comes to shops/restaurants, etc. You can walk for a long time and not see any business besides a local bodega.it is still mainly residential and you should still be wary of walking after dark. Point Breeze is still the hood so to speak. 99% of residents wont bother you and even say hello. Point Breeze certainly isnt 100%, like Passyunk Square or even Fairmount. But the rent prices and property values remain relatively low, for now. If you are looking for a cheap place to rent, its a pretty good spot. Buying a home is probably a great idea because in the next 5-10 years they will be worth close to double the value they are now, as long as things keep going the way they are.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Working hard to hold its own."

Point Breeze is a section of South Philadelphia that is rumored to be on the upswing as a result of Passyunk becoming so hip. Currently though the neighborhood still looks a little on the rough side with a lot of abandoned or at least crumbling homes but there are some nice ones in the mix as there are community efforts to renovate the area and make it liveable.

Located on the west side of Passyunk Ave, Point Breeze is a good location if you can’t afford the increasing rent on the east side of Broad street but still want to be close to hip Passyunk Ave. Everything is within biking distance, I probably wouldn’t walk at least not after dark. You can always grab public transportation or drive. Parking isn’t that great in certain areas but you can find parking in most of the residential areas of Point Breeze.

The houses are cheap in this area right now, as is rent. So if you’re willing to wait it out, it could be a worthwhile investment. And really there are a lot of cool things around, like Melrose Diner, Wharton Park, and the Tap Room. Plus it’s close to Rittenhouse Square, everyone loves Rittenhouse Square.
Pros
  • Close to the hip areas
  • Cheap Rent
  • Steadily improving
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
kliffee
kliffee Point Breeze is much like the area between South Street & Washington Ave were less than 10 years ago. I saw the neighborhood go through exactly what's happening in Point Breeze now. Lots and decrepit buildings are being bought and built upon. The few and the brave venture in first and get the big payoff a few years down the line when the home prices triple in value. The urban renewal has finally crossed Washington Ave and is being chipped away at even past Dickinson St. which is 6 blocks south of Washington.
It's just a matter of time. I see the progress first hand everyday and it will be a very hip nice area in alot of parts.
2yrs+
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Unranked Streets in Point Breeze

Dickinson St

2.5/5
"Cost effective for living for a while"
39.9327032370249 -75.1759128128944

Mifflin St

2.5/5
"Tight-Knit Working Class Neighborhood"
39.9270748464886 -75.1711679950797

Mountain St

3.5/5
"Mostly middle class live here"
39.9311552537832 -75.1798951823495

Reed St

3.5/5
"Mostly houses on this street "
39.9338348487989 -75.1749014328765
"A quiet street at one end, and a noisy one at the other, with two great restaurants."
39.933910252951 -75.175816242808
"Great exit for The University of the Arts."
39.9321736825044 -75.1689288552216

Sears St

3.5/5
"One of the smaller streets in the neighborhood"
39.9353463590729 -75.1802695547624

Tasker St

2.5/5
"Alright place for cheap apartment and subway nearby"
39.9314362517762 -75.1757875853325

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