Southwest Center City, Philadelphia

When people refer to Philadelphia’s nightlife of the roarin' ‘40s and 50s, they are talking about the South Street boundary of this neighborhood. Eateries, movie theaters, speakeasies and nightclubs made this a must-visit spot to see Lady Day, Ella, and the big bands. A few boarded-up remnants of those days remain. However, some barber shops and BBQs still do a booming business.

Gentrification however has given the area new life. Several institutions call the area home including: Graduate Hospital, Marian Anderson Memorial Home and Park, and The Philadelphia Tribune. The Tribune is the oldest continuously-run African American newspaper in the country. And the Christian Street YMCA holds the same distinction.

It is home to one of the first African American Baptist churches in the nation, The First African Baptist Church. And the Frederick Douglas Memorial Hospital and Training was established on Lombard Street.

What makes the area so popular? It is a brisk walk or bike ride across the bridge to University City and equally convenient
to Center City. As well, public transportation is easily accessible.

Trendy cafes and bistros have sprung up where the nightclubs once held court. The Jamaican Jerk Hut with authentic Jamaican food is located at the corner of Broad and South. Good Eats!

When people refer to Philadelphia’s nightlife of the roarin' ‘40s and 50s, they are talking about the South Street boundary of this neighborhood. Eateries, movie theaters, speakeasies and nightclubs made this a must-visit spot to see Lady Day, Ella, and the big bands. A few boarded-up remnants of those days remain. However, some barber shops and BBQs still do a booming business.

Gentrification however has given the area new life. Several institutions call the area home including: Graduate Hospital, Marian Anderson Memorial Home and Park, and The Philadelphia Tribune. The Tribune is the oldest continuously-run African American newspaper in the country. And the Christian Street YMCA holds the same distinction.

It is home to one of the first African American Baptist churches in the nation, The First African Baptist Church. And the Frederick Douglas Memorial Hospital and Training was established on Lombard Street.

What makes the area so popular? It is a brisk walk or bike ride across the bridge to University City and equally convenient
to Center City. As well, public transportation is easily accessible.

Trendy cafes and bistros have sprung up where the nightclubs once held court. The Jamaican Jerk Hut with authentic Jamaican food is located at the corner of Broad and South. Good Eats!

super fun neighborhood in Philadelphia to live in is Southwest Center City, also known as Graduate Hospital, G-Ho, or Schuylkill Southwest. This neighborhood is bound by South Street to the north, Broad Street to the east, Washington Avenue to the south and the Schuylkill River to the west.
The area is mostly compromised of 19th and 20th century three-story row homes. Southwest Center City has undergone extreme gentrification in recent years and a lot of the homes are brand new and quite beautiful. A lot of young professionals and students have moved to the area because of the affordable living opportunities and easy access to bars and restaurants.
There are a few notable bars in Southwest Center City, including Grace Tavern and the Side Car. Grace Tavern was recently ranked #1 on Philadelphia Weekly’s list of the Top 50 Bars in the city and the Side Car offers a yummy assortment of brunch food and great drink specials throughout the week.
There aren’t a lot of parks in the area. The main one is located on Christian and 21st and is basically just a glorified lot with one tree. During the summer, bands play here and other events take place.