Society Hill, Philadelphia

One of the most historic areas in the country is located in Society Hill. Overlooking the Delaware River, Society Hill was transformed by the mid-60s urban renewal initiatives to the sophisticated environs it is today. Attorneys, professors, real estate moguls, business owners and a number of Philadelphia’s “names” call the area home. Old world charm abounds with streets of cobblestone and row houses of brick. In recent years, several high-rise condos have sprung up along the borders.

Society Hill while bordering the river remains a close-knit residential area. It is filled with growing “Type A” families of two-career parents and kids have been cared by nannies since a very early age. There are several well-known private schools.

Towards South Street, there are plenty of restaurants and food stores. For a leisurely weekend, there is always a theatre production on South Street or in Old City.

At 6th and Spruce Street, there is the oldest land continuously owned by African-Americans in the name of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. The landmark building for the Ladies Home Journal is nearby on Walnut at 7th Street. And, the National Constitution Center is located at 7th and Market. All are open to the public for tours.

Society Hill is a pricey neighborhood located in Center City, Philadelphia. It is bound by Walnut Street to the north, Front Street to the east, Lombard Street to the south and 7th Street to the west.
The neighborhood is made up of mostly white, upper class professionals who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life. The charming 18th and 19th century brick architecture makes Society Hill have a small town charm but the Society Hill Towers, two luxury high rise apartment buildings, remind you that you’re still in the city.
Society Hill is one of the safer neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It is also impeccably clean and offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. There are also numerous historic landmarks nearby.
There isn’t a lot of parking available in Society Hill, so it’s recommended that you walk or bike. The area is close together, so you’ll have no problem getting from place to place without a vehicle.
If you enjoy a cozy neighborhood that also features the fun of the city, Society Hill is perfect for you. Just be sure to prepare yourself for the high rent prices and limited parking availability or else you’ll have a huge conniption fit.

It is kind of hard to believe that at one point Society Hill used to be a slum, but it’s true. Once upon a time it was falling apart and filled with abandoned lots and buildings but sometime in the 1950s the city decided to clean it up and attempt to preserve the historic architecture. Now it’s one of the best neighborhoods in the area. It’s also one of the most expensive.

Some of the historic homes in Society Hill have been opened for tourist visits such as the Physick House which was the home of the “father of surgery” Dr. Philip Syng Physick. Also located in this district are two of Philadelphia’s oldest churches, Old Pine Presbyterian and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

In addition to the row homes that align the cobblestone streets there are the Society Hill Towers which is a set of three condominiums. The towers were developed in the early 1960s and are within walking distance of Penn’s Landing and many Old City attractions. Despite not being as visually stunning as some of the row homes these condos are still as expensive.

Society Hill is a stunning neighborhood to walk through and knowing that it hasn’t always looked as it does today gives you a little bit of hope for other parts of the city that are undergoing their own renovations.