Jammerz

  • Local Expert 5,202 points
  • Reviews 21
  • Questions 0
  • Answers 0
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Reviews

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

"It started as a suburban neighborhood and then things changed"

The neighborhood of Logan should not be confused with Logan Circle. They are totally two different neighborhoods. The North Philadelphia section known as Logan is an African American community that has seen considerable decline over the years. At the time of its development it was considered an early suburban community but as Philadelphia expanded Logan became urban.

The single family row homes that make up this neighborhood are almost identical from each other though many are showing signs of neglect as many residents have moved away from Logan. The number of empty houses has increased steadily over the last few years and their abandonment is showing.

Another often too common issue occurring in Logan is crime. There have been increasing reports of theft and assault occurring in the neighborhood with more incidents making headlines steadily. Obviously this doesn’t bode well for the reputation of a neighborhood that has seen so many plights in its history.

One plus to Logan is that the property value is pretty low and it’s close to public transportation. So if you want to buy a house and you don’t want to drive to other parts of the city, this neighborhood can help you with both.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • near public transit
Cons
  • crime
  • many empty, neglected houses
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Everyone loves this neighborhood"

I can’t count the number of hot summer nights I have gone to Logan Circle, also known as Logan Square, to cool off in the Swan Fountain. And never have I been the only one, people of all ages can be found swimming or just hanging out near it. It’s a popular attraction for residents and tourists alike.

Logan Circle is pretty much a park, though there are areas around that you can live in, they’re mostly high-rise apartments and condominiums. All of these places are of course, expensive but you’re really just paying for the location and the view. They’re not that great otherwise.

Expensive housing aside there are lots of areas of interest in Logan Circle. The Academy of Natural Science and the Franklin Institute, Moore College of Art and Design, and the Free Public Library are within walking distance of each other.

Of course because all of these great places are in one spot the traffic is often ridiculous in this area. And forget about parking, it is impossible most days, unless you want to park in one of the garages that are around. Otherwise you’re better off taking public transportation which will drop you off in a number of spots in the neighborhood.
Pros
  • Fountains!
  • Logan Square Park
  • Lots to see and do
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Your grandparents may already live here"

The West Philadelphia neighborhood of Haddington is one that has a higher number of older citizens than other parts of the city with many of them having grown up in the area. The area is predominantly African American citizens who are working class to low income.

Haddington’s houses are most two-story rowhomes that are owned by the people who inhabit them. Most are in fair condition though in some parts of the neighborhood there are signs of neglect in the buildings and the property that surrounds them.

The neighborhood is cheap to live in though there are few places for rent which makes it unappealing to younger individuals not to mention there isn’t much to do as far as entertainment. Haddington is close to public transportation, the Market-Frankford Line runs nearby as do several bus routes. A majority of the residents utilize that service to get to and from the neighborhood. So if you did move there you could always travel to other areas.

Overall, Haddington is your standard West Philadelphia neighborhood, it’s a just a little close to the suburbs and its home to a lot of elderly citizens which is not that attractive to the younger crowd but that might be for the best.
Pros
  • Affordable place to live
Cons
  • Need a car to get places
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • 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 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"I dont think of it as part of Philadelphia"

Melrose Park isn’t really Philadelphia. It’s actually considered part of Montgomery County but apparently it’s just close enough to Philadelphia that it can get confused, I guess.

The area is your basic suburban residential community with single and two family homes that have nice yards and garages. Melrose Park is definitely the type of place where people settle down to raise families. It’s generally quiet and safe with tree lined streets and well kempt houses.
Melrose Park is near several shopping centers and malls like Willow Grove Park Mall and Cheltenham Square Mall. There are also the basic restaurants and grocery stores you find in suburban areas.

Septa’s regional rail does run through Melrose Park stopping at the Melrose Park railroad station and there are a few SEPTA bus routes that cater to the area. But for the most part if you are going to live in this suburban area you probably want to have a car. It will make your life a lot easier, especially if you have kids.

Melrose Park is a great area if you want to be near Philadelphia but not be in the city. It’s a stable, safe, community that’s just large enough to have what you need without being overwhelming.
Pros
  • safe area
  • great for families
  • reasonable cost of living
Cons
  • far from the city
  • need a car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"There is more to the neighborhood than historical manhunts"

Sometimes neighborhoods get lumped into other neighborhoods and West Oak Lane has that issue as part of the area is often considered to be a neighborhood called “Ogontz.” But really when you describe one you’re kind of describing the other.

West Oak Lane is a neighborhood that has seen its share of change. It started as a predominantly white neighborhood developed in the 1920s. Today the residents are mostly working class African-Americans.

The architecture in this neighborhood is different from other areas in that a large number of the houses are detached. There is also the luxury of small yards with many of them as well. And the streets in this neighborhood are lined with trees which is usually uncommon unless you are in West Philadelphia.

Some of the more historic buildings in West Oak Lane were demolished shortly after the businesses closed, Cedar Park Inn, a once popular tavern fell victim such fate.

West Oak Lane’s residents have a strong appreciation of Jazz Music and show it with the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival. They neighborhood has been hosting it every year since 2003 attracting jazz enthusiasts from all over.
The neighborhood also made unfortunate headlines in 2007 when an officer was shot and killed while on duty. His murder led to one of the biggest manhunts in Philadelphia’s history.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • interesting architecture
  • Jazz Festival
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Its West Philly, nuff said"

The Walnut Hill section of West Philadelphia is a predominantly black neighborhood. The area is becoming increasingly more attractive to students who attend U Penn and other nearby colleges as the cost of living is cheaper. This is a result of property increases in neighborhoods that are closer to campus.

The low income neighborhood has seen some renovations recently with young professionals taking advantage of the low property value and purchasing homes in the area. Many of these homes are the standard two to three story row homes you seen in West Philadelphia.

Walnut Hill has seen an increase in Muslim residents over the years as a result of the Masjid Jam'ia mosque, the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects mosque and Masjid Al Birr Wat Taqwa all of which are in the neighborhood. Concurrently there is an increase in the number of restaurants serving Halal food.

The crime rate in Walnut Hill has raised some concern recently with reports of theft and assaults occurring far more frequently.

Due to its location the neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation. There are several trolleys that operate nearby and the Market-Frankford line is also within walking distance. Parking is not too bad either for those who have a car.
Pros
  • Near colleges
  • Pretty houses
Cons
  • Some areas can be bad
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"They tore it down and started over"

The neighborhood of West Poplar spans from North Broad Street to 8th street, just north of Chinatown. This area has seen a lot of change over the years; many of the original houses were demolished and replaced with new houses and apartment complexes.

The renovations were for the better as West Poplar was almost blighted with neglected homes and abandoned buildings. But the new improvements have led to property value increase and new residents moving into the area. There is also public housing and senior housing available along 8th and Fairmount Avenue.

West Poplar is also located near to the heavily gentrified Northern Liberties so residents can still be a part of the excitement without having to deal with the higher rent prices of that area. Public transportation is easy to come by here as well, the Market-Frankford line is close by and there are bus routes in the area.

Despite the positive improvements throughout the years there has been an increasing concern over violence in the areas. Many community members have come together to develop plans to prevent future issues and to keep the crime rates from increasing. There is definitely a group of residents who are interested in keeping West Poplar from returning to its neglected past.
Pros
  • reasonable cost of living
  • near other cool neighborhoods
  • easily access public trans
Cons
  • crime increase
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Lions and tigers and a ton of traffic"

East Parkside is a pretty busy neighborhood despite how far west it is located. Most of the heavy traffic has to do with the major tourist attractions that are located in this area. People regularly visit the Philadelphia Zoo and the Mann Center of Performing Arts. Not to mention, the Please Touch Museum recently moved to the area as well.

Needless to say driving through this area can be quite cumbersome and traffic jams are regular. East Parkside is located I-76 which is a busy route on its own. But of course there are plenty of bus routes that run through the area if you want to sit back and ride instead of driving through the mess.

The architecture in this neighborhood which is from the 19th century is amazing though some buildings have sadly been neglected. There is however a community organization working to preserve and renovate much of the neighborhood. In addition, the organization is attempting to make the homes environmentally friendly, sustainable homes, which fits with Philadelphia’s whole “going green” plan.

The predominantly African-American East is affordable though attempts to revitalize the area are increasing property values. The crime rate is moderate in this area as well with most reports being theft.
Pros
  • close to the zoo and museums
  • inexpensive
  • great architecture
Cons
  • heavy traffic
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
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
Just now

"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
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"A low income area with a large rehab center"

The West Philadelphia neighborhood of Dunlap is a low income area with many residents being below the poverty line. It’s located between Haddington and Mill Creek both areas with high crime rates. Dunlap unfortunately is known for having issues with crime as well.

The property value is Dunlap is low and many of the houses are in need of repair having been neglected of abandoned for years. The streets of the neighborhood are also covered in trash in most areas.

Dunlap also has a senior housing unit which was once the historic Thomas Dunlap School from which the neighborhood gets its name. The area is accessible by public transportation which a majority of the residents utilize. The Market-Frankford line runs through the area as do several bus routes. Driving is also an option with some off street parking available.

For shopping and entertainment residents generally go further east to businesses on Market Street and South to those on Baltimore Avenue. Aside from basic corner shops in the neighborhood general shopping is done elsewhere.
KirkBride Center, a drug rehabilitation center that also focuses on mental health is also located in the Dunlap neighborhood and assists individuals throughout Philadelphia and some surrounding areas.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
Cons
  • high crime
  • dirty
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Its lovely if you can afford it"

Nestled between Roxborough and Manayunk is yet another little neighborhood that is so cute it makes you want to rip your face off. It’s also so expensive most of us will probably never live there.

The predominantly white Dearnley Park residents are average when it comes to their income so they can afford the expensive rent and the pricey houses. In fact most of the residents own the houses they inhabit in Dearnley Park.
Not only is the neighborhood quaint, quiet and safe it’s also in a great location. If you live in Dearnley Park you are close to the wilderness of Wissahickon Valley Park. And you can play golf at any of the surrounding country/golf clubs. It’s no wonder the wealthier citizens choose to live in this general section of Philadelphia.

If you’re into small boutiques and coffee shops you can always venture over to the main retail areas of Manayunk, Dearnley Park is too small to have its own.

Having a car, which most of Dearnley Park’s resident do, is key to living in this area because it is so far from other parts of the city. But don’t fret if you a car is not in the budget because you spend too much money on rent public transportation is also available.
Pros
  • safe area
  • quiet
Cons
  • expensive
  • need a car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"The further west you go, the sketchier it gets"

The further west you go into West Philadelphia the sketchier it gets until eventually you just end up in the suburbs. Carroll Park is no exception to rule when it comes to neighborhoods that are neglected and consistently being consumed with crime.

Most of the residents of Carroll Park are working class to low income African-Americans. Most people who live in the area utilize public transportation which is easily accessible in this neighborhood. It is also automobile friendly with off street parking available.

There are several parks in the area include the park of the same name. Though many of the parks show signs of vandalism and are covered in trash in some areas. Because of the high crime there isn’t much of nightlife in this area either, you would have to leave Carroll Park for other parts of the city. And even though it’s located in West Philadelphia it’s still kind of a commute for students and thus not ideal.

Overall Carroll Park is a cheap neighborhood to live in if you can get past the crime and general poor aesthetic of the area. Otherwise you’re better off looking at another neighborhood in West Philadelphia. It's not short on them.
Cons
  • Crime increasing
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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
Just now

"Pretty and pretty expensive"

Andorra is another one of those neighborhoods that makes you feel like you are not in Philadelphia. Often considered part of the Roxborough neighborhood, Andorra is located on the bluffs which allows for a delightful view of the city. These large hills also make parking interesting as well.

The northwest neighborhood is much more like a suburban area than any other part of Philadelphia. It has its own strip mall, parking lots and plenty of off street parking. The housing options range from large apartment complexes to single and double family houses, most of which have small yards and a few with garages.

Andorra is a family oriented neighborhood; it’s safe and quiet with plenty of activities for individuals of all ages. It is, however, one of the more expensive neighborhoods to live in but that’s kind of the price you pay for the luxury of safety in Philadelphia.

Most of the houses in Andorra are owner occupied with very few renters. It is also a predominantly white neighborhood.

The neighborhood is also easily accessibly my public transportation so if you work further in the city you don’t have to drive and deal with parking. Buses and Regional Rail are both available in Andorra.
Pros
  • Good for families
  • Gorgeous neighborhood
  • Suburban feel
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Need a car to get around
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"The neighborhood that doesnt exist"

The neighborhood of Franklinville used to be an industrial area. Like much of North Philadelphia when industries went under the population dispersed leaving the community to crumble. Today Franklinville doesn’t really exist as a neighborhood anymore. Most people from the area that is listed as Franklinville—a triangle district that consists of West Sedgley Avenue, North Broad Street and West Hunting Park Avenue, actually considered themselves from Hunting Park.

Whether you call it Franklinville or Hunting Park there are is an example of urban decay. Many of the buildings have been abandoned and neglected. The streets are filthy and the crime rate is considerably high in this part of Philadelphia.

Renovations and new apartment complexes have seen some property value increase in the low-income neighborhood but it’s still a far cry from being gentrified. The mostly Puerto Rican neighborhood needs a lot of work considering the number of abandoned and overgrown lots that make up the area.

The neighborhood does have access to public transportation and parking is relatively easy in the area. So commuting to and from Franklinville or Hunting Park can be done with ease.

Basically, the neighborhood is so bad it barely even exists anymore so you probably don't want to live there.
Pros
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • doesn't exist as it's own neighborhood
  • neglected
  • high crime rate
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"A neighborhood of neighborhoods"

Somerton is like a mini version of Philadelphia in that it is one neighborhood that is made up of a lot of different neighborhoods. There are also several subdivisions in Somerton making this far northeast neighborhood a predominantly residential area.

The neighborhood consists of predominantly white residents but in recent years there has been an increase in foreign immigration, especially Russian and Indian individuals. Somerton is a middle class neighborhood with an increasing property value. The housing styles varying in many sections because of when the divisions were made, Old Somerton has larger mid-1900s homes while the homes in Philmont heights are newer and not as detailed because they were built in the 1970s.

Somerton is a lot of busy streets in the area as most of the residents drive. It’s a car friendly community but parking can be minimal depending on which section of the neighborhood you are in. Somerton is also far from the rest of Philadelphia’s main areas of interest which makes having a car handy. Though there are bus routes that run through Somerton, making public transportation an option.

Somerton also seems to have a many practicing religious residents with several church groups existing in the area.
Pros
  • Low crime
  • Nice houses
Cons
  • Spread out
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
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 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Everything you need is in this little neighborhood"

Once a Native American settlement, Parkwood Manor was a planned residential community that was developed in 1950s. Though the diversity has increased in Parkwood Manor, the neighborhood is still predominantly white.

The population in the community has also seen a decrease with more single people moving to into the area. The residential neighborhood is good shape with the brick row homes being taken care of and the streets kept clean. The property value in Parkwood is high making the neighborhood somewhat expensive to live in.

In addition to being a clean, relatively safe area this middle class neighborhood is also located near a popular tourist attraction, the Franklin Mills Mall. Franklin Mills provides over 200 stores and several dining options both inside and outside of the shopping center.

There are also many parks and open recreational areas for residents to enjoy. These areas provide space for walking, jogging and bike riding. In addition, Parkwood is home to Byberry Industrial Park. That industrial section employs over 5,000 people in the area.

Parkwood as a whole has a lot to offer residents who do not want to travel into the city often. It’s a safe area with plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Pros
  • Beautiful houses
  • Franklin Mills Mall
  • Great for families
Cons
  • Need a car to get around
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Small part of a larger neighborhood"

Forget about the fact the it’s often mispronounced, that’s common with a lot of Philadelphia areas, this North Philadelphia neighborhood has gone south throughout the years with many of the businesses closing and residents leaving. Ogontz is often considered part of the West Oak Lane, which is a much larger neighborhood and much of what happens there trails over.

Ogontz is a predominantly middle-class African American community. While some of the houses are the typical, row homes found through the Philadelphia, Ogontz has some architecture that is distinct to its neighborhood. Many of the houses are detached on tree lined streets with small yards. This set-up gives it a very suburban feel and makes it appealing to families with children.
The neighborhood used to have several historic sites such as the tavern Cedar Park Inn and The Ogontz theatre. Both of these locations were eventually closed down and demolished.

Due to its distance from the rest of the city and major public transportation, owning a car is Ogontz is handy. Parking isn’t too difficult either as the residential area offers plenty of off street parking.

Supposedly the struggling shopping district on Ogontz Ave is being revitalized but for any major shopping you’re going to have to commute to other neighborhoods.
Pros
  • Great for families
  • Suburnan feel
Cons
  • Need a car to get places
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Education is important in this neighborhood"

The neighborhood of Northwood is one that is pretty much surrounded by dead people. The entire west side of the neighborhood is made up of cemeteries; both the Oakland Cemetery and the Greenwood Cemetery can be found there. The Greenwood Cemetery which was established in 1869 is considered a historic cemetery. The Knights of Pythias created it for internments of their members.

Northwood is a mainly residential neighborhood that is fairly easy to get around. Having a car here is optimal if you desire getting to other parts of the city as it is fair distance from Center City or other well known parts of Philadelphia.
It is a moderately priced neighborhood with diverse residents. The distance of Northwood from the rest of Philadelphia makes you feel like you are not in the city anymore. It is almost like being in the suburbs.

The schools in Northwood have also been making headlines for their accelerated graduation options. The charter schools also have a good reputation in the community as well. This aspect is one reason this neighborhood is appealing to families with children.

In general, Northwood seems like a good neighborhood for families and older individuals who want to stay within the city limits but not feel like they’re in the city.
Pros
  • Moderately priced
  • Peace and quiet
Cons
  • Need a car to get places
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Excellent location for students and professionals"

Spruce Hill is a neighborhood that has been taken over by students due to its proximity to the University of Penn and Drexel University. At one time it was a relatively inexpensive neighborhood which is was part of the attraction to students. But eventually realtors caught on and the property value increased.

Many of the large homes in Spruce Hill have been converted into apartments or rented out to groups of individuals, mostly college students. You can also find young professionals and small families living in this area as well. But it makes sense that it’s an attractive area to students, it’s close to campus and close to bars and restaurants. Not to mention off street parking is available and public transportation is easily accessible. Students do not have to travel far from campus or home to meet their needs.

Spruce Hill is also surrounded by other really great West Philly neighborhoods like Cedar Park and West Powelton which makes it an excellent location. Clark Park is within walking distance as is Baltimore Avenue where there are several shops and restaurants.

The ethnically diverse neighborhood though increasing in rent prices is still doable compared to other neighborhoods in the University City district. You just have to look around for the deals.
Pros
  • Clark Park
Cons
  • getting expensive
  • Students taking over
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"On a block-by-block basis"

Germantown, obviously founded by German settlers, is located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. It’s a neighborhood that is about two miles long and rich in history which is clear in the historic architecture.

The south section of the neighborhood went downhill in the 1990s when many residents left the area. It is now a predominantly African American community that falls in the lower income bracket with 25% of the residents living below the poverty line.

The cost of living in Germantown is inexpensive and property value is low, about 40% of residents own their houses while the other 60% rent. Many of the houses have been neglected and some abandoned. The streets also show neglect as they’re covered in trash in many places. Not every block is the same though, like a lot of Philadelphia neighborhoods things change block by block.

Germantown is accessible by public transportation and there are several school and area of interest in the neighborhood such as Johnson House and Rittenhouse Town.

Overall if you’re looking to live in Germantown, the southwest area of the neighborhood is not the first on the list of suggested areas. It does not showcase what the neighborhood can potentially offer.
Pros
  • Rich history
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • neglected in spots
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Tiny but cute"

Woodland Terrace is smaller neighborhood in West Philadelphia that spans from Baltimore Pike to Woodland Ave and 40th and 41st. It is an extremely pretty neighborhood with tree-lined streets and large “Italianate twin” mansions.

Most of the homes in this area are owned or divided into apartments and rented. They are also in decent condition with maintained yards and floral gardens. The property value of Woodland Terrace is high because of its location and condition.
Woodland Terrace is located in what is known as the “West Philadelphia Streetcar Suburb Historic District” because this represents the transformation of farmland to urban residential development. Trolleys are still accessible from Woodland Terrace to Center City. And there is off street parking for automobiles.

The Woodlands Cemetery is also within each of this neighborhood. In addition to many notable burials like Civil War general John Joseph Abercrombie and artist Rembrandt Peale the cemetery also has a community garden and an apiary.
Clark Park, the shops on Baltimore Avenue and many other great locations in West Philadelphia are within bike or walking distance of Woodland Terrace. In addition it's near U Penn, Penn Hospital and CHOP which is great for students or faculty of those locations.
Pros
  • Great location
  • trees
  • easily access public trans
Cons
  • expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Simple little neighborhood with lots of old people"

Academy Gardens doesn’t really have much to do with gardens or anything floral for that matter, though it does have its share of trees. The far northeast neighborhood began with inexpensive starter homes, many of which were unfinished but these days it’s a lot different from its humble beginnings

The homes in this upper middle class neighborhood were renovated and expanded over the years and the property value increased. The predominantly white Academy Gardens is not the cheapest northeast Philadelphia neighborhood to live in.
While the neighborhoods first residents were mostly veterans from World War II, Academy Garden has attracted families to the community. There are a few local sports organizations like Penn-Academy and Crispin Gardens which make it an attractive area for raising children.

While Academy Gardens is a mainly a residential area there is retail located along Holmes Avenue and Willits Road. The neighborhood is kind of spread out and it’s quite a distance from the rest of the city so having access to a car is ideal if you are going to live here.

The neighborhood is also within driving distance from the notable Pennypack Park which is a great day time getaway spot for families and couples.
Pros
  • near parks
  • nice area
Cons
  • little more expensive
  • need a car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
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"A neighborhood the city gave up on"

There really is not much to attract people to the neighborhood of Angora. The southwest Philadelphia neighborhood was pretty much given up on by the city. It was certified as being destroyed and beyond repair.

Many of the houses are abandoned and boarded up or at the very best look like they should be boarded up even though some of them are inhabited. The low-income area is filled with abandon lots overgrown with weeds, stray cats roam freely and trash collects in the gutters of the streets. It’s not exactly a place you want to call home.

Even still some people have hope for Angora Terrace and few other sections of the neighborhood. The residents of these areas have made some attempt not to let the neighborhood crumble entirely. Though not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, the houses in this part of the neighborhood are far more inhabitable than the section mentioned above.
Angora is near some parks and recreational centers like Kingsessings and it’s not too far from Bartram Garden’s. But you could move to another neighborhood that is safer and cleaner and be just as close. Sometimes cheaper rent is not worth the risks that come with it.
Cons
  • Blighted
  • Crime increasing
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"There is public housing in the garden"

Bartram Village, also known as Bartram’s Garden is located in Southwest Philadelphia and barely a neighborhood. The section from 54th to 56th streets and Woodland Avenue are housing projects. The other side of the tracks is a world of natural wonder and rich history courtesy of a pre-revolutionary man.

The public housing area of Bartram is far nicer than most public housing areas of Philadelphia. The predominantly African-American community is in decent condition and feels considerably safer than what you would expect if you were comparing it to other areas of the same income bracket.

The part of Bartram Village that attracts people to it is the estate and gardens of John Bartram, a notable botanist. The 46 acre garden is the oldest surviving botanic garden in North America. If you’re not interested in just walking down the trails of the garden, there are special events that are held at Bartram’s Garden. There are annual plant sales and holiday specific festivities that draw crowds. It is a beautiful place worth checking out and is often overlooked by people who live in the city.
Bartram Village is an interesting mix of tourist attraction and public housing projects. It’s a bizarre look into different worlds.
Pros
  • Beautiful scenery
  • educational
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"A tourist attraction"

Not a neighborhood but a mansion located in Fairmount Park, Belmont Mansion was designed and built in 1745 by English lawyer William Peters. The mansion housed many people during the Revolution, prominent figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Madison all stayed at Belmont.

Surrounded by a large garden, Belmont Mansion now attracts visitors who not only want to see the amazing view of the city but also take a look into history at the Underground Railroad Museum which is located there.
Although it will cost you a pretty penny, visitors can also rent the Belmont Mansion for private parties, weddings, meeting and other special events. The American Women’s Heritage Society also holds events at Belmont Mansion regularly.

The location of the mansion is ideal for tourist of Philadelphia as it gives them the opportunity to visit other parts of Fairmount Park and it provides a look into a large and interesting portion of the history of the city. Living in this area can be a bit expensive depending on the neighborhood you choose. Belmont, the neighborhood that takes its name from the mansion is not as expensive but it also has a reputation of having a lot of crime and many of the buildings are neglected.
Pros
  • great history lesson
  • pretty
Cons
  • expensive area to live in
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Small town feel"

Before you get to the Northeast portion of Philadelphia you will find at the last river-front neighborhood. This predominantly white area is known as Bridesburg and was once the go-to place for Polish immigrants.

Bridesburg is a small, clean almost crime-free neighborhood. There is a strong “American pride” vibe present in the number of American flags and “support the troops” memorabilia that decorates the houses and cars in this area. There is a definite small-town, close-knit feel to this area of Philadelphia.

There are several bars in the area as well as places that are kind of the essentials of a community, places to buy food, restaurants, and hardware stores. You don’t need to go too far for something in Bridesburg. The houses are large row homes with front or back yards. More houses are being built as the neighborhood expands and the property value increases.

Most of the residents in Bridesburg are older, having grown up in the area but people from neighboring areas are also moving to the neighborhood because it is affordable and safe. Thus it is a nice place to raise children.
Bridesburg has a large number of churches for a small neighborhood, many of which are Catholic.
Pros
  • reasonable cost of living
  • safe area
  • Lovely churches
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
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"Sometimes peopel die and leave you a park"

Burholme Park isn’t really a neighborhood in as much as it is, well, a park. The park along with the Robert W. Ryerss Museum and Library were gifts to the city by a descendent of the Ryerss family. Robert Ryerss and his wife were prominent philanthropists and animal rights activists. Robert is credited as playing a large role in the creation of Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.

The heavily wooded park is located in the neighborhood of Fox Chase; it contains three baseball diamonds, three football fields and a soccer field, which are a big draw for sports organizations. There is also a mini golf/driving range at the park.

Burholme Park is also kid friend as it has a playground for children and is a popular site for sledding in the winter months because of the large hill the park is located on.

For history buffs the museum and library that were also donated by the Ryerss family contains several generations of artifacts from the family’s travels. The museum has an extensive Asian artifact collection. In the library you will find over 11,000 books that were all part of Robert Ryerss personal collection.
Burholme Park as a whole is an excellent place to visit as there is something for everyone.
Pros
  • Nature!
  • Great for everyone
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Home to the most dangerous intersections!"

Once a rich farmland area, Bustleton is now a middle class residential neighborhood. Bustleton is located in the Northeast near Fox Chase; the property value in this area has been increasing steadily. One of the draws is the school in the area as there are several that service the neighborhood including prep schools and charter schools.

Another Bustleton attraction is the Lower Dubli Baptist Church, also known as Pennypack Baptist. It is one of the oldest churches in the United States. It is also near Pennypack Park which is another tourist attraction.
The predominantly white neighborhood is also the location of two of the most dangerous intersection in the United States. Roosevelt Boulevard at Grant Avenue and Red Lion Road is known to have a very large number of accidents, so much that it became the first intersection to have camera installed to record vehicles running red lights.

If that scares you away from driving in Bustleton you can always take public transportation. There are several bus routes that service the area as well West Trenton and Fox Chase rail lines.
Overall, Bustleton is a pretty nice, safe neighborhood it’s just not as diverse as the rest of the city and it’s a little on the expensive side.
Pros
  • Clean and quiet
  • Great for kids
  • Largely residential
Cons
  • Expensive to live
  • Need a car to get places
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Haunted by its past"

Usually when someone says “Byberry” the first thing many people think of is the mental institution, Philadelphia State Hospital which was located on Roosevelt Boulevard. The institution closed its doors in 1990 but the building remained of interest to ghost hunters, vandals and kids trying to creep themselves out.

It’s kind of hard to look past the mental institution as it has been such a huge part of the Northeast neighborhood’s history. There are many websites and books dedicated to telling its dark history. But the Byberry neighborhood is making attempts to get away from that gloomy past. In 2006 demolition of the building began in order to make room for new luxury apartments and a senior center living community.

These renovations are an attempt to improve the neighborhood and increase property value for the neighborhood. The efforts are definitely paying off, Byberry is pretty expensive working class neighborhood to live in and it is considered relatively safe with a low crime rate.

However, no matter what is done to gentrify the neighborhood there is no way Byberry is going to get away from its mental institution past and people who are intrigued by that history will continue to visit the area based on that.
Pros
  • Clean
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Far away from the center of the city
  • Need a car to get around
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"You can always hang out in the cemetery."

Cedarbrook is not as pretty as its name. The north Philadelphia neighborhood is a predominantly low income area. The rowhomes and single family houses are showing the wear of years of neglect. And the streets are no better; they are covered with trash often blocking the sewer drains.

Much like other neighborhoods in North Philadelphia Cedarbrook is known for being a violent area consumed by crime. Theft and vandalism are common occurrences in this district where 10% of the residents are below the poverty line. It is not an ideal area for families with children as it does not offer much for their welling being.
Many of the residents of Cedarbrook are African-American, over 95% with Caucasians accounting for 2%. It is not a racially diverse community by any means.

As with a lot of smaller neighborhoods there are corner stores but any major shopping will require commuting to another area which can be done by public or car. One interesting fact about Cedarbrook is that its boundaries make it almost precisely rectangular. Another “claim to fame” is the Ivy Hill Cemetery which was established in 1867. The northwestern portion of Cedarbrook is often referred to as Ivy Hill because of the cemetery.
Pros
  • Lots of parking available
Cons
  • High crime
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"The usual SouthWest Philly neighborhood"

Clearview is a small low income neighborhood located in Southwest Philadelphia. Spanning from 78th to 84th street this predominantly African-American district is pretty similar to the other neighborhoods in this area. Most of the houses are in bad shape having been neglected for years, several are abandoned. The yards are unkempt and the streets are covered with trash.

The neighborhood’s property value is low as a result of the condition of the buildings and the high crime rate, so it is relatively cheap to live in Clearview. This section is furthest Southwest point in the city before you are out of Philadelphia County; this makes the commute to other areas a bit time consuming. However, there are trolleys and buses that run through the neighborhood and driving is relatively easy as well.

As far as dining out or entertainment, there isn’t much to offer in this neighborhood. It has the basic corner store spots and Chinese food but otherwise you are going to have to venture to another neighborhood to get anything beyond that. The same goes with shopping; Clearview doesn’t have much to offer.

For the most part, the residents of Clearview grew up in this area and few people really move to Clearview for any reason outside that.
Pros
  • Trolley system
Cons
  • Dirty streets
  • High crime
  • Low income neighborhood
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"The East Side vs the West Side"

In the Northeast area of Philadelphia there is a neighborhood called Crescentville that seems to have a lot of varying sides to it, meaning that the characteristics of the neighborhood change depending on which side you are.

The main divider of this neighborhood is Rising Sun Avenue. The avenue itself has a host of shops and restaurants but any of the stores along the avenue have a high turnover rate so the business that is there now may not be there next year. Though most residents of the neighborhood frequent the avenue the sides of the avenue they live on are different in comparison to one another.

The east side of the avenue is a predominantly African-American, Asian and Hispanic population. The houses are mostly row homes that have been neglected throughout the years. This side of Crescentville also has a history of racial tension and increasing crime activity.

To the west of Rising Sun avenue the changes have been a little slower with less illegal activity. Many of the residents from the east side of Rising Sun Avenue have actually moved to the west side in order to get away from the crime and downfall that was plaguing that area of the neighborhood.
Pros
  • Affordable place to live
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"It is still Philadelphia but barely"

Crestmont Farms is a small affluent neighborhood located in Northeast Philadelphia along the Buck County Line. This residential area was originally a 40 acre farm before the land was divided up to accommodate the construction of 70 single family homes.

Property value in Crestmont Farms is high so living in the area is expensive. The residential area is quiet with very little crime. There also isn’t much do within Crestmont Farms and public access is limited so a car is necessary.

Crestmont Farms is barely in Philadelphia and does not even seem like it is part of the city because of its distance and vast difference from the rest of the area. It definitely feels more like a suburb. It bordered by the Poquessing Creek which is kind of the dividing line between Bucks County and Philadelphia.

A majority of the residents are in Crestmont Farms are in the higher income bracket and are home owners. There are few renters in the area though there are some nicer apartment complexes available for young professionals. Crestmont Farms is not the type of neighborhood you want to live in if you are looking for an “awesome nightlife” It is a relatively quiet and simple community.
Pros
  • quiet neighborhood
  • fairly safe
Cons
  • expensive
  • not much to it
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Youll never be late to the airport again."

The neighborhood of Eastwick has an interesting border of land around it. One side there is the Darby Creek, the other side you have the Schuylkill River, 70th street is just north and south you will find the Philadelphia International Airport.

These neighboring areas contribute greatly to the present condition of Eastwick.
Sometimes referred to as “the Meadows” Eastwick is often plagued with flooding and environmental issues like brownfield clean-ups. Because the neighborhood is boarded by Darby Creek, which is a marshy area and the Schuylkill heavy rains as resulted in a lot of flood damage that has left many houses and buildings in the area abandoned.

Eastwick is a predominantly industrial area as many distributing companies are taking advantage of its vicinity to the airport. Many of these companies provide employment to residents in Philadelphia as the area is relatively easy to access via public transportation.

The neighborhood is also attractive to individuals who work at the Philadelphia International Airport. Most of the people who reside in Eastwick are transient workers such as pilots and flight attendants.

The cost of living in this neighborhood is relatively cheap but there it’s pretty far from the rest of the city and there are a lot of issues with water damage. It is however very close to the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge which is a great place to visit.
Cons
  • Abandon lots used for dumping
  • Located in the flood plain
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Not the best West Philly has to offer"

The predominantly African-American, Elmwood, also sometimes referred to as Elmwood Park, is located in the Southeast section of West Philadelphia. This district has seen its share of racial hostility having been the site of a “civil disturbance” by white rioters when an interracial couple and an African-American family both purchased homes in the neighborhood.

Elmwood used to be inhabited by a large number of Polish-American and Irish-American families. However sometime between 1990 and 2000 that population decreased and the neighborhood became a slightly more diverse area with African-Americans, West African immigrants and Vietnamese American refugees all moving into the area.

Now a low-income neighborhood many of the buildings are showing signs of neglect and properties have stood empty for long periods of time. Like many areas in West Philadelphia there have been reports of an increase in illegal activity such as muggings and theft.

Elmwood’s main line of transportation is the trolley which runs through the neighborhood as well as several buses. While there are some corner stores and restaurants in the area many residents travel outside of the neighborhood to the more business friendly Baltimore Ave or further into the city for better shopping options.

Overall Elmwood is pretty typical neighborhood for that section of West Philadelphia.
Pros
  • Affordable place to live
  • Easy access to public transportation
Cons
  • Moderate crime rate
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"The Badlands"

This predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood was once the Norris Family’s Fair Hill Estate. It is also the location of Fair Hill Burial Ground, a cemetery that was established by Quakers in 1702. Like many neighborhoods, Fairhill has undergone a lot of changes throughout its history. During the 1950s the German-American population that was once lived in the area began to move. The parish that they established during their time there is now empty and abandoned.

Unfortunately the parish isn’t the only building that has been neglected in Fairhill. The North Philadelphia neighborhood has plenty of abandoned or crumbling properties along its dirty streets. The low income neighborhood also has a high crime rate. The intersection on Third Street and Indiana Avenue had a novel written about it. The area is known as the “Badlands” because of its reputation of gang violence and drug activity. The intersection was also ranked number two on the city’s list of recreational drug corners.

Fairhill consists primarily of row homes, most of which are owned by the people who live in them. Property value is low so the area is relatively inexpensive to live in. This is also due to the high crime and poor schools in the area.
Pros
  • Affordable to live
  • Available parking
Cons
  • High crime
  • Unsafe area
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Animals sacrifices and abandoned lots"

Talk about a diverse neighborhood, Feltonville’s population is a mixture of Korean Americans, Haitians, Cambodian-American, Domincan-American and more. There are reportedly over 27 languages spoken in the neighborhood.

The Northeast section has a history of crime from robberies to murder but also in recent years made the news after over 500 animal remains and several emaciated animals were found in a house in Feltonville. It is believed many of the animals were being used for religious sacrificial ceremonies. Perhaps that makes Feltonville a very spiritual neighborhood. Either way it is inexpensive to live there and there are plenty of empty houses to choose from.

Feltonville is near Olney and Hunting Park so much of the shopping districts are shared between these neighborhoods. Public transportation can be used to get around but having a car is easier and parking is readily available as most of the houses in this neighborhood are abandoned or where houses should or could be there are just empty lots.

Unfortunately this neighborhood falls into the neglected and forgotten about category. There is no real reason to go there and most people who live here were raised in the area. It’s predominantly low income community and the crime rate is not showing any signs of improving.
Pros
  • Inexpensive
Cons
  • Abandon houses and lots
  • High crime
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"The most expensive blocks in West Philadelphia"

One of the things I find interesting about living in West Philadelphia is that you can walk from one street to the next and feel like you changed locations altogether. Nearly every street is different, let alone neighborhood. In the case of Garden Court, it’s an entire neighborhood that feels different from all other neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

Located West of Spruce Hill, Garden Court was once referred to as “the most exclusive location in West Philadelphia” and is today one of the most expensive neighborhoods in this part of West Philadelphia. There are a variety of housing types from large brick homes built in the 1920s to condominiums most of which are kept in great condition.

The streets in Garden Court are noted as being design for automobiles. When Clarence Siegel planned the neighborhood in the 1920s he did so with the automobile in mind as opposed to the trolley that was so popular at the time.
Garden Court is a racially diverse area and most of its residents fall into the higher income bracket. With property value being one of the highest in West Philadelphia it’s relatively expensive to live in this neighborhood. Though it is worth walking through and admiring the well maintained yards and the community garden.
Pros
  • Pretty neighborhood
  • Clean
  • low crime
Cons
  • expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"They moved a mansion brick by brick just to get it out of here"

Let’s hear it for another North Philadelphia neighborhood that has flourishing past only to have crumbled over the years into a dangerous, neglected area. Tucked between neighboring areas like Port Richmond and Kensington, Harrowgate was once a nice little neighborhood with a natural spring running through it. Of course that spring dried up in 1800 but it’s still part of the history as is Cedar Grove, the estate of the Paschall and Morris families.

Eventually the mansion was moved to Fairmount Park and Harrowgate was left as a low-income neighborhood with empty lots and neglected buildings. While some say the predominantly Puerto Rican community is safe, it depends on what you’re comparing it to, other parts of North Philly, then yes, it’s safer than most. There is still a high volume of theft and assault. It’s still very much a neglected neighborhood but the cost of living is cheap, which can be attractive.

There is access to public transportation in Harrowgate that having a car is a plus in this neighborhood as it makes it easier to get to other parts of the city and off street parking is readily available. Plus the neighborhood is in reach of major highways making it easy to get around as well.
Cons
  • dirty
  • Need a car to get places
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Something in every direction"

Gentrification will get you sooner or later if you’re a neighborhood located in South Philadelphia, especially if you’re on the east side of Broad Street, Hawthorne is no exception. With new houses being built regularly and old houses being renovated the neighborhood’s property value is increasing. Thus living in the area is becoming more expensive.

The location is part of what is so appealing; most of what attracts people to South Philadelphia is in reach from Hawthorne. It is within walking distance of the shopping district in Center City and the ever changing for the worse, South Street shops. It’s also within reach of the Italian Market and Asian supermarkets along Washington Ave.

Parking in this neighborhood can be a pain and many spots are metered unless you have a neighborhood permit. Public transportation is easily accessible however as it’s conveniently located along the Broad Street line as well as on the routes of several buses. Or you can also always hail a cab; they tend to pass through this area regularly.

Of course as a result of the high foot traffic that runs through this area there is an increase in littering. The streets are covered in the usual South Philly filth but that’s kind of the price you pay to be so close to the excitement.
Pros
  • Close to Italian Market
  • Great for young people
  • Lots of great restaurants and bars
Cons
  • Lots of traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Urban and Suburban all in one"

Holmesburg is a neighborhood with a lot of interesting history behind it. Located in the northeast part of Philadelphia Holmesburg was founded by runaway slaves before and during the Civil War. It is now one of the longest continuous African-American communities in the United States.

The neighborhood is also home to the history Pennypack Theatre which was built in 1920 and designed by the famous architect William Harold Lee. The building has been used for many different businesses throughout the years. Mostly recent it has been used for a Pizza Hut, Wing Street and dollar store.

Holmesburg is also the site of the Philadelphia Prison System which includes several correctional centers and facilities. The Holmesburg Prison has even appeared in a few major movies such as Up Close & Personal starring Robert Redford.

As neighborhood Holmesburg has a lot to offer, it’s within reach of several parks including Pennypack Park, not to mention the general surroundings of the area have a suburban feel to it. Transportation is done by car easily and I-95 is within reach. But you can also access to public transportation with relative ease as well.
Holmesburg has a diverse population and strong sense of community and prides itself on its diversity and role of consciousness in the city.
Pros
  • Pennypack Park
  • Pretty area
Cons
  • Need a car to get around
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Vandals are taking over"

Juniata Park is a working class neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia. Before its development in the mid 1920s the area was mostly farmlands. Today Juniata Park is a residential area of row homes with a large Irish-American and Puerto Rican population.

One defining structure of Juniata Park is the 18-hole golf course called the Juniata Golf Club; it is located north of the neighborhood. Surrounding the golf course are two parks that were a popular attraction to child in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately like many areas of Philadelphia the increasing crime rate has ruined much of Juniata Park and made it unsafe. Incidents of vandalism and theft are on the rise and keeping potential residents away.

The shopping options in Juniata Park are in the area of Kensington and Hunting Park. Though there are a few corner stores in the area. Public transportation via the Market-Frankford line is easily accessible as well as bus routes that run through the neighborhood. Driving is also easy to do in this residential section with plenty of off street parking available.

Juniata Park also has several schools such as Hopkins Elementary and Juniata Park Academy. The neighborhood has an abundance of churches as well, as the past residents of the neighborhood used to be very religious/spiritual group.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
Cons
  • crime on the rise
  • dirty
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Another north philly neighborhood falling victim to stereotypes"

Much like other neighborhoods in North Philadelphia, Hunting Park is plagued with neglected buildings, empty lots and a high crime rate. The mostly residential neighborhood consists of row homes and single family houses in a low-income area.

Hunting Park’s peak time of development was from 1920 to the 1940s when North Philadelphia was growing community. The population began to drop off in the 1950s and that’s when the neighborhood began to decline and quickly became a lower income community. The population in Hunting Park is predominantly Puerto Rican and African American.

The neighborhood gets its name from a large park in the area. The park has always been a popular location for recreational activity. It was even home to a minor league baseball team. At one point there was a lake that housed small rowboats for rent. Eventually a city pool was built at that location.

There are rumors that Hunting Park is experiencing gentrification with property value increasing but it’s not noticeable. The area still appears to be falling apart and is dirty. Outside of the park itself there are few areas of interest to visit. There are limited shopping options and a few small restaurants and corner shops.
Pros
  • Large park
Cons
  • Crime is still around
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Rocky lived here but he doesnt like to talk about it"

Sometimes the word “park” in a neighborhood name can be misleading as it makes the place sound like it may automatically be nice. In the case of Lexington Park it’s not that far from the truth. The middle-class neighborhood is actually pretty nice.

Located in the northeast portion of Philadelphia Lexington Park is an attractive neighborhood to those looking for a pleasant place to raise their family. Consistent primarily of twin and single houses, Lexington Park used to be home to Sylvester Stallone, though he claims to have grown up in Mayfair. It’s speculated that he says this become Mayfair is a “blue collar” neighborhood while Lexington Park is a more of a “white collar” community, which doesn’t really fit the “Rocky” reputation.

Another attractive point about Lexington Park is that it is close to Pennypack Park, which is 1,600 acres of woodlands and wetlands. It also has playgrounds and trails for hiking and biking. It’s a great place to visit for young couples and families with children.

Lexington Park is considered a safe, low crime area. Most of the homes are owned by the people who live in them and are well maintained. It does however lack in diversity, a majority of the residents in Lexington Park are white.
Pros
  • Safe
  • Close to Pennypack Park
Cons
  • expensive
  • lacks diversity
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"Students are making it cool again."

Mantua is a neighborhood that has seen a lot of change throughout the years. In the 1980s it was overrun my drugs and many of the community’s residents left the area. Businesses went under, buildings were abandoned and there were several empty lots.

The 1990s the city made an attempt to salvage the neighborhood and many buildings were sold and renovated. Nearby colleges like Drexel and University of Pennsylvania have brought in many students. The influx of student residents in Mantua has caused a new interest revitalizing the neighborhood. There are several organizations working on ways to improve the community.

Lancaster Ave is nearby and provides a variety of shopping and dining options as well as child care centers. Parking is sometimes difficult in Mantua but biking and public transportation are both easy forms of commuting in this neighborhood.
In addition Mantua also has a host of recreational centers and playgrounds. It is also reasonable close to the Philadelphia Zoo and The Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Parkway.

Mantua definitely still needs some improvement has far as appearance as it’s rough past is still notable present but there seem to be several community members who are invested in improving and returning it to the vibrant middle-class area it used to be.
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Great for students
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Nothing special but sometimes thats okay"

Usually when you meet someone in Philadelphia they’re not from Philadelphia or even from Pennsylvania. A lot of people have moved to the city from neighboring states like New Jersey. However, the neighborhood of Mayfair which is located in the lower Northeast section of Philadelphia claims that 90% of its residents are from Pennsylvania. That’s kind of impressive.

The predominantly white neighborhood consists of row houses that have front yards and garages; they’re much more spacious than those you would see in other areas of the city. They’re also mostly owned by the people who live in them, there are few renters in Mayfair.

Shopping is pretty easy in this area as there are several plazas along Roosevelt Boulevard and Frankford Avenue. The Mayfair Diner tends to be a popular place to eat among residents, especially the younger crowd.

Driving is the common mode of transportation in Mayfair and parking is available. But for those that do not have access to a vehicle you can still get around with public transportation. There are buses that run through the neighborhood.
Mayfair's crime rate is on the rise but it’s relatively inexpensive to live in which is another appealing factor. Plus, it's near Pennypack Park, everyone loves a park.
Pros
  • Lots of restaurants
  • Pennypack Park
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Decent little neighborhood next to the mall"

Millbrook is a subdivision made up of ranch style homes and row homes in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. Often referred to as Chalfont, the middle class neighborhood is located near Franklin Mills Mall. This super mall is a huge draw for tourists as it has over 200 shops and two food courts among other things. There are also not major chain stores not attached to the mall in the same plaza.

Because of the vicinity to the mall and major highways traffic near Millbrook tends to get heavy especially during peak hours. Public transportation is accessible as there are a few bus routes that run through the area. Ideally if you choose to live in Millbrook you would want to own or have access to a car because it will make getting around much easier. Plus parking is relatively easy in the neighborhood as well.

Overall Millbrook is a pleasant suburban-esque community that is pretty distant from the rest of the city. Another draw of the neighborhood is that crime rate is low and it’s clean. The downside however is that it’s a little expensive if you’re renting. Most of the residents in Millbrook are homeowners who have been there for some time.
Pros
  • Franklin Mills Mall
  • Safe area
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Need a car to get around
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"A cul-de-sac in Philadelphia"

Many neighborhoods in Philadelphia consist of row homes, and it’s actually expected when someone is describing an area. However, one of the distinctions of Morrell Park, one that is always mentioned when talking about the neighborhood is that these row homes have garages. The garages are located in the front of the homes, facing the streets. Of course this makes off street parking less abundant because you can’t block the driveways.

Morrell Park is a residential area, which kind of explains the garages, so if you’re looking to shop you’re not going to find much here outside of the usual corner stores. There isn’t much industry going on in this neighborhood.

Driving through this neighborhood is also kind of confusing because the there are not many streets that run all the way through and usually end up in the one lonely cul-de-sac. The general layout of Morrell Park is different than other areas of Philadelphia; it seems almost out of place. This may have something to do with the neighborhoods past.

Morrell Park used to be the summer estate of Edward Morrell who was a congressman from 1900 to 1907. He lived here with his wife. The neighborhood was eventually inhabited by families moving from other area of Philadelphia in the 1960s.
Cons
  • Far away from everything
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Another north philly neighborhood"

The neighborhood of North Central is located exactly as its name says in north central Philadelphia. It’s a low income area made up of African Americans and Latino Americans.

It’s vicinity to Temple University gave some hope that neighborhood would improve but as of now it’s still much like many other areas in north Philadelphia, the houses are neglected and the sidewalks and streets are covered in trash. Illegal activities like drug dealing and theft are also a common part of life in North Central.

Public transportation is accessibly in the neighborhood via the Broad Street line which it is relatively close to, as well as several bus routes that run to and from North Central. Off street parking is also not too difficult for those who want to drive.

Shopping options are pretty basic; there are fast food restaurants along Broad Street as well as your basic corners stores, Chinese restaurants and discount stores. Anything else you’re going to have to travel a little further but nothing unbearable.

The neighborhood isn’t really a tourist attraction and while you can definitely find a “fixer-upper” for cheap North Central shouldn’t be the first on your list of areas to invest in. It still has a long way to go before it will be considered worthwhile.
Pros
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • neglected homes
  • high crime
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Not what it used to be"

Oxford Circle has been quickly headed south when it comes to the type of neighborhood it is. Once a clean, working class community of brick row homes, Oxford Circle has become rough area with dirty streets and increasing crime rates.

Several long time residents of Oxford Circle have left the neighborhood because they no longer feel safe there. Or the appearance of the community is not what it used to be, yards are unkempt, houses are falling apart.
The local businesses are all closing up as well. The mom and pop shops the locals loved are no more, unable to keep afloat in the market. Those who are religious are finding many of their churches closing as a result of the change in the community.

Oxford Circle schools are also seeing an increase in crime on their campuses that eventually leads to the trash riddle streets. The future of neighborhood doesn’t look promising either with many people giving up and headed to other, less dangerous communities.

A majority of the current residents of Oxford Circle are renters. It’s a pretty inexpensive community to live in but that is also because of the cons of living there. Many of the houses are falling apart because they’re rented out by people who don’t care to people who don’t care. So, while it’s cheap to invest in property in Oxford Circle, it’s probably not really worth it.
Pros
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • high crime
  • dirty
  • getting worse
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Soon to be energy efficient"

Paschall is a neighborhood located in Southwest Philadelphia. It is an area known for its drug related activity more than anything else. But in the last year the neighborhood was marked as a place for renovation and was set to be known for a different kind of green, one that is better for the environment.

In 2010 the Philadelphia Housing Authority broke ground for the development and/or renovation of 1,200 houses in an attempt to improve the condition of the neighborhood. The public housing will be made of green technologies, meaning they’re safer for the earth. They will contain solar panels that will cut electricity bills in half.

Paschall is a lower income neighborhood with many residents on public assistance. As a result the living costs are cheap and property value is low. Of course the crime is still a large concern but the new construction of the housing community on Paschall Ave and the development of more open streets the city hopes to turn the once dangerous neighborhood into a thriving, safe area.
It is a course a work in progress, change doesn’t happen overnight. The neighborhood is still not the safest place in the city but it’s also not the worst.
Pros
  • Going Green
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • high crime
  • poor community
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"This neighborhood seems incomplete."

There isn’t much going on in Rhawnhurst, the neighborhood located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. Most of the homes here were built in 1960s so they are ranch style or duplexes. This was to support the housing demand that occurred during the baby boom that followed World War II.

If you’re looking to shop then Rhawnhurst is not the place for you. There is next to nothing here in the way of shopping. There are a few shopping centers like Bell’s Corner but you’re better off traveling elsewhere. And if you’re traveling a car would probably be a good idea as public transportation isn’t all that great either. There are buses that will get you to the El but that’s going to take forever.

For the most part Rhawnhurst feels like a neighborhood that was left unfinished. It was started during a time where the interest in housing development was high and then it was left alone. It does have a variety of churches catering to most religions. And is relatively close to Pennypack Park, which is a great urban park that attracts a lot of visitors. The popular dog park, Bradford Park is also nearby so there is at least somewhere to go with your canine companion.
Pros
  • close to parks
Cons
  • no shops
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
Just now

"Not the nicest neighborhood ever."

Tacony’s notable place in history is that it is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Philadelphia. Now of course what this means is that Tacony has undergone a lot of transformations over the years. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was once home to the wealthy and powerful families, now most of its residents fall in the lower to middle class income bracket.

The racially mixed neighborhood has a reputation of having a high volume of home invasions in addition to other crime, including drug dealing and prostitution. While some blocks are considerably nicer than others, Tacony for the most part is run down and not considered a safe area by many of the people who live there.

There is public transportation in the area but having a car is ideal especially if you want to travel to other parts of the city. Don’t worry about parking; there is plenty off street spots for that. However, there have also been a lot of complaints about cars being vandalized in the area, so park at your own risk.

Basically, Tacony is another one of those neighborhoods that you probably don’t want at the top of your list of places to move to or you at least want to plan accordingly and look for a house on one of the nicer blocks.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • ample parking
Cons
  • crime
  • dirty
  • drug use
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Crime is on the rise in this little neighborhood."

Do you like crime? Like watching stray dogs dig in the trash? If you answered “yes” then Wissinoming may be the place for you. The northeast Philadelphia neighborhood is steadily increasing in crime activity with no sign of improving anytime soon and more people are moving out of the area than to it.

Wissinoming wasn’t always a dead zone and you can see this in the sporadic well maintained homes throughout the neighborhood. These homes are few and far between so they stand out amongst the houses that are falling in around the people that inhabit them. A lot of this decay is blamed on absentee landlords who rent their property to irresponsible tenants.

As a result of the overgrown yards and dirty streets the property value of Wissinoming is low so it’s cheap to buy houses there. And there is plenty of property to buy; lots of the houses in the district are vacant.

Even the perks of living in the community, like cheap rent and easy access to I-95 can’t overshadow the negatives of Wissinoming. It’s gotten so bad that the residents there are more and more concerned to the point that they won’t let their children play outside in the front yard.
Pros
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • high crime
  • dirty
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"No students allowed!"

Sometimes the abundance of student residents prevents people from moving into an area. The current residents of Yorktown, a neighborhood south of the Temple University’s main campus were fully aware of that issue and did not want students over running their suburban-like neighborhood. In recent years they have been very vocal about their concerns.

Yorktown was one of the first neighborhood s of its kind, a suburban style, to be marketed to African Americans. Growing concern over student housing consuming the area eventually led to a zoning law prohibiting the development of student housing. Though there are still some houses occupied by students.

In addition to being located close to the main campus of Temple University, Yorktown is a neighborhood near many major public transportation routes such as the Broad Street line. Along the same lines because of being close to Temple there is also a lot of traffic and parking can be difficult because of students parking in the area.

Yorktown is holding strong to its working class roots and trying hard to avoid the gentrification that is taking over some other areas of the city. Though residents of the neighborhood are more concerned with people moving in and out of the district, they want a community of people who are interested in the neighborhood to inhabit it. As of now the cost of living in Yorktown is fairly reasonable.
Pros
  • close to public transit
  • suburban style
  • affordable
Cons
  • limited parking
  • lots of students
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Another neighborhood hit hard"

Falling yet again into the stereotypes of North Philadelphia is the neighborhood of Allegheny West. Located on Westside of Broad street, Allegheny West reportedly suffered the largest population loss of any neighborhood in Philadelphia between 1990 and 2000.

Allegheny West is a predominantly African American community that is noticeably neglected. Most of the residents fall in the lower income bracket. The area is also known for being considerably dangerous with numerous instances of crime occurring regularly.

The cost of living in Allegheny West is very affordable, having the lowest median sale price of any other neighborhood in Philadelphia. Members of the Allegheny West Foundation hope to increase the low population and help the community thrive though currently the process is slow.

Public Transportation is readily available in Allegheny West with several bus routes and regional rail lines running through the area. The Broad street line is also within walking distance. If you are more of the driving type parking is easy to come by as well.

For the most part, Allegheny West should probably be your last choice for a place to live. And there definitely isn’t a reason to visit there as a tourist, unless you’re researching urban decay, then this is an excellent place for that.
Pros
  • Great public transporation access
Cons
  • Dangerous area
  • Dirty
  • High crime
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"It feels like a club that youre not a member of."

Girard Estate is a close-knit neighborhood so close that if you don’t already live there, you probably won’t feel too invited to move in. The predominantly Italian-American area of South Philadelphia is seen as being isolated from the rest of the part of the city, a neighborhood only concerned with their section.

The predominantly middle-class Girard Estate was named after entrepreneur Stephen Girard. Once the considered the richest man in the United States, Girard donated $6 million to the City of Philadelphia when he died. He also requested that the city develop, in his name, a school for poor, orphaned white boys in addition to maintaining his plot of land, which was called Gentilhommiere. In order to appease that wish the city built 481 homes on the property and it became known as Girard Estates.

Today most of the homes in this area own by their residences and new homes are being constructed. These homes are quite different from the usual South Philadelphia row homes as most of them are semi-detached.

Another strong influence of this neighborhood is religion. Many of the residents are Catholic and many of the children of Girard Estates attend the nearby schools.

Basically, Girard Estates is kind of like a suburb in the city. It’s an area where everyone wants to know your name and you business. They will also probably tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing whether you ask them or not.
Pros
  • Residents show concern for their area
Cons
  • If you're new they let you know it
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"So cool it had its own serial killer."

The neighborhood of Frankford, located in the northeast corner of Philadelphia was once a booming working classing area with shopping district located along Frankford Ave. These days many of those store fronts are now vacant and the neighborhood has declined considerably.

Many residents utilize SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line as a mode of transportation. There are also bus and trolley routes that run through the neighborhood. Traffic is minimal in the area and parking is available so driving is also an option for those living or visiting the area.
Crime is problem in the area with muggings and drug dealing being a common occurrence on the streets. From 1985 to 1990 Frankford was home to its very own serial killer known as the “Frankford Slasher.” The killer reportedly sexually assaulted and stabbed nine women to death. Though suspects were arrested no one was charged with the murders. So who knows, he/she could still be there!

Today there is talk of improving the Frankford as neighboring areas like Fishtown and Kensington start to show slow improvements. Right now property value is low in Frankford so buying a home is cheap. The demographic is mixed with a larger number of Irish and Polish Americans calling the neighborhood home. Like everywhere in Philadelphia some parts of the neighborhood seem less sketchy than others.
Pros
  • close to public transit
  • cheap
Cons
  • crime
  • neglected houses
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
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 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Rich history in the wilderness"

Wissahickon Park is so awesome that even Edgar Allen Poe wrote about pretty it is. The park has been a favorite of Philadelphia residents for generations and has drawn tourists from all over. The wooded valley spans 1,800 acres and is part of Fairmount Park’s 9,200 acres.

The park’s trails are a favorite of bikers, hikers and joggers. Those who enjoy horseback riding also take advantage the Wissahickon Park. They trails are a great workout with an amazing scenery. Members of Friends of the Wissahickon have also worked hard to maintain the manmade structures that are also in the park. There are several bridges and buildings that are part of the Wissahickon’s rich history.

With a creek of the same name running through it, Wissahickon is around seven miles in length and home to many species of wildlife. There over 125 species of bird throughout the park making it an excellent spot for birdwatchers. In addition, there are over 20 species of aquatic wildlife that live in the Wissahickon creek.
Visitors who are interested in learning more about the Wissahickon Park can visit the Environmental Center which also provides information on upcoming events related to the park as well as transportation and other local points of interest. There are a few buses that go to and from the park and there are a few designated parking spots for those who drive.
Pros
  • Beautiful scenery
  • great for exercise
  • peaceful
Cons
  • limited parking
  • limited public trans access
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Something for everyone in this hood"

Washington Square, also referred to as Washington Square West is located in Center City Philadelphia close to the tourist area known as Independence Mall. It’s a super hip neighborhood with a variety of shops and restaurants all within walking distance. Of course this is part of what makes the neighborhood expensive to live in.

In addition to townhouses and condominiums, there is also a park of the same name located in the northeastern section of the neighborhood. The historic park was once used as a burial ground during the Revolutionary War.

A portion of Washington Square is also known at the “Gayborhood” because of its gay and lesbian friendly businesses. There are gay pride rainbow flags which adorn the street signs of the area. In the 1970s this area was the center of the gay bathhouse culture.

Washington Square is a one of the top neighborhoods in the city. Its diversity, abundant shops and restaurants as well as rich history attract people from all over whether tourists or residents of Philadelphia. It is also within walking distance of many other great areas of Philadelphia. Of course the pros of Washington Square also contribute to the cons. It’s expensive and parking is next to impossible.
Pros
  • diverse
  • lots of great shops
  • walkability
Cons
  • expensive
  • minimal parking
  • lots of traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Not as pretty as its name."

With a name like Strawberry Mansion one might imagine a neighborhood of lovely Victorian homes, large green yards and fancy vehicles. Well, maybe if you squint you can see those things but for the most part Strawberry Mansion is an example of urban decay.

Strawberry Mansion was once the home to some of the wealthiest Philadelphia residents in the 19th century. As result of economic despair in the 20th century the state of Strawberry Mansion rapidly declined and it soon developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

The buildings in the district have been neglected for years though there have been efforts to rehabilitate some of the structures. The property value on the western side of the neighborhood near Fairmount Park is on the rise as result of rehabilitation attempts. Also on this side is the mansion from which the neighborhood gets its name is located in this section. Usually open to the public for tours, property of Strawberry Mansion is currently undergoing its own renovations.

Outside of claim to fames, like the John Coltrane house, the former home of the Jazz saxophonist, the neighborhood is still very much struggling and crime, especially violent crime is a very present concern and dominant description of Strawberry Mansion.
Cons
  • violent crime
  • neglected houses
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 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Dont forget about Olney"

The first time I ever went to Olney was to attend a party at a karaoke bar. After that it has always had a little place in my heart. I don’t venture there often; actually rarely because it is not easy to get to without a car and taking public would take forever. Olney is kind of a remote neighborhood in comparison to other parts of Philadelphia and unless you live there, you’re probably not going to visit that often.

Once referred to as “Little Korea” because of the many Korean owned and operated business that flourished in the community, the neighborhood is extremely diverse, though many Korean families have left the area in recent years.

Many residents feel as though Olney has already peaked as a neighborhood and has gone downhill since the 1980s. Factories have closed and been replaced with strip malls and people moved away. But some residents stayed and are still a close group, organizing clean ups to keep the streets and parks in top condition.
There are several schools located in Olney, a neighborhood that also gets to stake claim to having the largest Roman Catholic high school in the United State, Cardinal Dougherty High School, which closed its doors in 2010.
Pros
  • community driven
  • diverse
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
1/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Dont bother stopping."

Not all of North Philadelphia is bad, there are some good neighborhoods but unfortunately Glenwood is not falling currently falling into the category of “places you should check out.” Unless the kind of places you want to check out are looking crumbling to the ground and dangerous.

A lot of the row homes in Glenwood have been neglected, windows are boarded up, porches have caved in and the grounds around them are covered with trash. Most of the residents that inhabit these homes are African-American or Puerto Rican.

Despite claims that the area will be renovated, there is yet to be any noticeable changes. It is still very much a wasteland over run by drug dealers and stray cats. Obviously these conditions make the area inexpensive when it comes to buying a home, which will most likely need a lot of repairs.

Glenwood pretty much fits the stereotypes people tell newcomers and outsiders about North Philly. It’s not a tourist attraction and the only reason you would need to go there is because you want to buy drugs, but then you can get drugs anywhere in this city so why risk your wallet going all the way to Glenwood? Avoid it.
Pros
  • Abundant parking
  • Affordable
  • No traffic
Cons
  • Dangerous area
  • Extremely dirty
  • High crime
sallyj9
sallyj9 Glenwood folk don't even sell drugs, most of them use it and are selfish with it .you just have to be friendly and they will leave you alone .its not as bad as is sounds.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Not as up and coming as they say."

Brewerytown is supposedly an up and coming neighborhood in the Northern district of Philadelphia. It of course gets its name because of the number of breweries that used to be in the area. The city of Philadelphia once had 700 breweries in operation; several of them were within ten blocks of Brewerytown. The “supposedly” part of the up and coming is because most of the area hasn’t really changed much.

The neighborhood is still very noticeably run down and sketchy. Granted there are a few sections that have started to improve but it still has a long way to go. And while marketing and real-estate agents will tell you it’s great, you’re best to check it out and see how comfortable you actually feel. If you’re new to Philadelphia altogether you’ll probably find that Brewerytown is not your cup of tea.

That doesn’t mean Brewerytown is all bad. It is desirably close to Kelly Drive, an area people from all over Philadelphia love to bike and jog down. It’s also within reach of I-76, so if you want to get out of the city fast, you can. And it’s not entirely riddled with drug dealers, the residents are actually a broad mix of individuals from professionals to families.
Cons
  • sketchy
  • Far from shops
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"History takes on the wrecking ball"

Francisville is on the list of areas that is slowly gentrifying as the neighborhoods around it become more expensive to live in. Also like many other areas of Philadelphia, it’s a block-by-block situation. There are a few sections showing vast improvement with renovations, others are still riddled with abandoned lots and neglected houses. Some of the buildings have been knocked down to be replaced with new structures. This wrecking ball sweep caused a controversy in 2003 from those concerned with historic preservation.

The gentrification of the neighboring Spring Garden has given hope to the Francisville area for improvements. It still however maintains high rate of crime, especially drug related activity and theft.

As far as commuting, it’s within walking distance to the Fairmount, Spring Garden areas but any further than that a bike or public transportation would be more efficient. Francisville is conveniently located near the Broad street line and several bus routes which is a plus for the neighborhood. You can also get to the Art Museum with ease as well.

Renting or buying property again, depends on the block, however, it’s relatively cheap to live here right now but property value is likely to go up as gentrification in the area takes over.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • public transportation
Cons
  • lots of abandoned lots
  • neglected houses
  • crime
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"With a knickname like Devils Pocket..."

Schuylkill is a neighborhood of many names, sometimes referred to as Southwest Center City, Graduate Hospital and Devil’s Pocket. It’s a small neighborhood of row homes on the banks of the Schuylkill River with a not so pleasant view of factories. It’s separated from the rest of the southwest portion of the city by Naval Square, the former Naval hospital which has been converted into gated condominiums

This area of South Philly has a reputation of being a hotbed of murders and drug dealing. Many of the houses have been abandoned or neglected though recently there have been some attempts of rehabilitating the area. New, smaller businesses are starting to pop up in the area as well as low-income housing in an attempt to improve the area and bring in new residents.

Even despite the attempt to gentrify Schuylkill there are still a large number of homes that are empty and uninhabitable. And of course, walking alone at night is advised against as crime is still top concern in this neighborhood.

Schuylkill has long been a predominantly Irish-American community and the past abandonment and now gentrification of the neighborhood has made it more diversified. It still however maintains its strong Irish-American background.
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Hipsters
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"At least its close to stuff...right?"

Kingsessing is a predominantly black neighborhood located in Southwest Philadelphia near Cedar Park and Schuylkill. The homes in this area are made of families and communal or group houses of young adults. A lot of the buildings are in bad shape with boarded windows and crumbling porches and there are a few that are altogether abandoned.

The neighborhood is within walking or bike distance from several parks like Clark Park as well as shops along Baltimore Ave. Woodland Ave also run through Kingsessing and there are a few businesses there as well. Public transportation is also readily available with trolleys running through the neighborhood. And you can access I-76 quickly by car.

Dirty streets and run down houses, there is also a crime concern in Kingsessing with increasing reports of sexual assault and muggings. It’s generally advised not to walk in groups if you are out at night to try to prevent your chances of being assaulted.

With that said, rent is relatively cheap in this low to middle class neighborhood, maybe for obvious reason, and off street parking is available in most of the areas. Though there isn’t a guarantee that your car won’t get messed with depending on where you park it.
Pros
  • cheap
  • close to cool West Philly stuff
Cons
  • crime
  • buildings are falling apart
  • dirty
Recommended for
  • 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 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
Just now

"Charming view of history"

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.
Pros
  • historical
  • great location
Cons
  • Expensive
  • parking is minimal
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Safe, clean and green but parking sucks."

Roxborough is sometimes lumped in with Manayunk as the two neighborhoods are similar in that they are both great areas to settle down and raise a family. The only thing separating them is Manayunk Ave but that divide somehow makes Roxborough a little less expensive.

The predominantly working class community is made up of row homes on steep hills, it’s these hills that make parking frustrating and limited. The area is clean and safe having one of the lowest crimes rates for a city neighborhood. The safe suburban vibe makes it appealing to young professionals and residents interested in starting a family.
Public transportation is also great in Roxborough making it easy to get to Center City. In addition it is bike friendly with trails for commuters going to and from Center City.

Dining out and shopping is not as abundant in Roxborough so many people walk to Main Street in Manayunk but there are a few establishments, like Adobe Café which is a kid friendly and inexpensive restaurant.

Overall, Roxborough really doesn’t feel like it’s a part of Philadelphia. It’s like its own little town with clean streets, friendly people and an overall calmness that makes it an attractive neighborhood to live in.
Pros
  • low crime rate
  • friendly
  • clean
Cons
  • parking is difficult
  • steep hills
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
Just now

"Its an aiport neighborhood- what do you expect?"

I can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere near an airport unless you are doing so for the convenience of being close to the airport for travel or work purposes. When residential homes started popping up near Northeast International Airport a noise abatement procedure was enforced for pilots. Despite the promise of keeping the noise down, the area is still pretty bare.

The neighborhood is primarily an industrial area with companies like Nabisco and Pepsi Cola and other companies distributing from the area. A lot of the property around Northeast International Airport seems lonely with many closed down factories and abandoned buildings. When the area lost most of its manufacturing industry many people left the neighborhood behind. This didn’t stop the construction of outlet malls though. There are plenty of those around and many of them have empty store fronts.

If you do live in this area you’re at least close to some of the nicer parks and recreational areas of the city, like Pennypack Park and Fox Chase Farms. You also have access to public transportation and parking is abundant, because no one is going to the Northeast Philadelphia Airport to hang out. The website for the airport even gives you suggestions on things to do that are far away from the neighborhood.
Pros
  • near Pennypack Park and Fox Chase
  • public transit
Cons
  • air traffic
  • empty stripmalls
Recommended for
  • Professionals
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 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"The students are moving west."

When I first mentioned moving from South Philadelphia to West Philadelphia I had several older friends suggest Powelton Village because the houses were wonderful and it was close enough to University City without being consumed by students. My friends obviously lived there at another time because students have moved further west. But the Victorian houses are definitely beautiful, at least the ones that have been maintained and not turned into frat houses.

One thing that Powelton Village still has that it did during the time that my older friends lived there is a sense of community. The residents of the neighborhood are very active in social and political movements. It’s a very diverse, open community where people strive for change and it is definitely home to many of the eclectic individuals that those who don’t live in West Philly always like to talk about.

The property value in Powelton Village has gone up considerably over the years because of its location to schools and businesses. Drexel University actually owns property in the neighborhood which is where many Drexel students live. It’s also accessible by car and public transportation which makes it appealing to those who want to live in Philadelphia but still feel like they are outside of the city in some ways.
Pros
  • friendly people
  • close to schools
Cons
  • being taken over by students
  • getting expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • 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 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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
Just now

"The oldest neighborhood in town."

Queen Village is another one of those neighborhoods that is conveniently nestled between the hotbeds of activity without having to deal too much with the downsides of living near the excitement. It’s within walking distance of the Italian Market, South Street and Passyunk Ave. Not to mention it’s near Columbus Blvd where most of the strip malls are located, so shopping is easy to do.

Touted as the first neighborhood in Philadelphia, Queens Village has a lot of really pretty row homes. Every time I walk through the area I notice something different, usually a roof deck or smaller architectural detail. Rent is pretty expensive in this area because of its location and well kept houses.

Some residents are concerned about the future of the area and preserving its aesthetic appeal, thus the public-housing that spans from 3rd to 5th streets along Washington Ave is considered a bit of an eyesore and overall threat to the neighborhood. Safety and keeping the community clean is important to those who have lived in Queen Village for a lengthy period of time. There is definitely a noticeable difference in appearance from the condition of the privately owned homes to the public-housing.

Parking in this area can be difficult, most of the houses have their own private lots and side street parking is metered the closer you get to South Street. And the smaller streets are pretty narrow making parallel parking an even bigger nuisance.
Pros
  • convenient location
  • houses are nice
Cons
  • expensive
  • Parking can be tough
  • sketchy on the west side
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
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
Just now

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

"This city isnt all abandoned lots and boarded windows."

Philadelphia has a reputation for being a dirty industrial city with little to no appreciation for nature. But this isn’t exactly true, the city has several beautiful parks. Some of them are well known, others a little more hidden and harder to reach. Pennypack Park is one such place many people or at least most of my friends didn’t know about.

Pennypack Park is 1,600 acres made up of wetlands, woodlands and meadows that are great for walking, hiking and just hanging out in. If you’re into bird watching there are over 150 species that call the park home as well as furry creatures like chipmunks, rabbits and foxes prancing around, it’s like you’re in a real life fairytale.
Verree Road, where Pennypack Park is located has a lot of historical landmarks worth seeing such as Pennypack Baptist Church and King’s Highway Bridge which is the oldest active stone bridge in the United States. You can also see Verree House which was raided by British troops during the Revolutionary war.

While you’re in the area it’s worth stopping into Pennypack Environmental Center to see the latest exhibits as well as find out what activities are going on in the park. An added bonus point about Pennypack Park is that it’s located across from Fox Chase Farm, which is another great place to visit.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Overbrook not to be confused with Overbrook Farms"

Will Smith may have spent most of his days on the playground but he also walked the halls of Overbrook High School which is part of the middle to working class neighborhood of Overbrook. This area is often confused with Overbrook Farms which is the same general location but many people consider it a separate neighborhood.

Located close to City Ave, Overbrook has attracted many families of all racial backgrounds but is currently a predominantly African-American community. The houses range from large homes built in the 1930s to newer apartment complexes. Like most areas of Philadelphia the quality of life changes block by block with some streets being nicer than others.

Overbrook is also recognized as having fewer instances of reported crime compared to other parts of West Philadelphia. Robberies and violent crime are not entirely absent from the neighborhood but they do not happen often.

The other part of Overbrook, Overbrook Farms is home to a majority of students from Saint Joseph’s University and seems to be the more expensive part of this section. I used to work for a cleaning company that serviced this area and the home were massive with landscaped yards and many of the residents were lawyers, doctors or retired.
Pros
  • low crime rate
  • good schools
  • close to the mainline
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"A farm in the city!"

I’m originally from the Midwest so I appreciate areas that remind me of home even if it’s in the slightest way. The neighborhood known as Fox Chase gives me that sort of hometown longing. Nestled in the far northeast corner of Philadelphia, Fox Chase gets its name from the regular fox hunting that occurred on its vast grounds.

Fox chase was the land of choice for the wealthy and much of this can be seen by the architecture in the homes. Historic landmarks such as Ryerss Mansion which holds many artifacts and antiques that belonged to the Ryerss family is one of major examples of this rich history.

Also located in Fox Chase is the farm of the same name Fox Chase Farm which is the only farm still active in Philadelphia County. It was purchased by the city in the 1970s and is now run by volunteers and used as an educational farm for the school district.

Another appealing aspect of Fox Chase is the nearby parks such as Pennypack Park whose creeks run through Fox Chase. There are a lot of great trails, picnic areas and playground within the area that make it a great spot for families and couple or anyone who just wants to get away from the fast pace of the city. Getting there by bus takes some time but it’s doable and definitely worth it.
Pros
  • Parks!
  • relaxing
Cons
  • expensive
  • bit of a commute
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Its the end of the (Broad Street) line."

The Broad Street line ends at Fern Rock before turning around and heading south again. This makes you feel as though Philadelphia has gone as far as it can go north. It’s the end of the road and really when you are in certain areas of Fern Rock it pretty much feels like the end of road.

North Philadelphia is known for being a no-man’s zone and Fern Rock is kind of like that. There isn’t much too it. Made up of single family homes, most of which are owned not rented, Fern Rock is a predominantly African American lower to average income community. Most of the people who live in this area were born or raised there. Few people ever move to Fern Rock and a majority of its residents commute to other parts of the city for work.

Fern Rock has a notable history of crime having drawn a lot of attention for a double murder in 2006 in which a couple was murdered after attempting to stop the rape of another woman who was also shot in the process.

Transportation as mentioned is accessible at the Fern Rock Transportation Center. The Broad Street line will only take you south though. But SEPTA’s Regional Rail also runs through this station, so it’s possible to get out of Fern Rock if you need to.
Pros
  • Public Transportation Access
Cons
  • lots of empty lots
  • crime
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Theres an actual creek- thats pretty cool."

The further west you go into west Philadelphia the rougher around the edges it gets. Cobbs Creek is considered the Southside portion of west Philadelphia as it is located below Market Street and above Baltimore Ave. There is also a creek of the same name that separates the neighborhood from the suburbs. The creek is part of Cobbs Creek Park which is a large portion of Fairmount Park system. This area is great for exposing urban kids to wildlife.

A predominantly African American community, Cobbs Creek used to be farmland that was owned by a Quaker family known as the Cobbs, hence its name. This district also has a history of notable gang activity and is the site of the MOVE house which was bombed by Philadelphia police in 1985. The bombing resulted in a fire that consumed two blocks in Cobbs Creek.

Living in Cobbs Creek overall is inexpensive, it’s a lower middle working class section. The buildings are falling apart and this section of Market St is one the dirtiest. You’ll definitely have access to public transportation in this section, specifically the EL. The crime rate activity is unnerving in this area as well with high incidents of theft.
Pros
  • Cobbs Creek Park
  • it's exposing urban kids to nature
  • easy public trans access
Cons
  • condition of buidling is bad
  • streets are dirty
  • crime
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Students
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Great place if you want to feel uncomfortable"

The first time I ever set foot in Belmont was in the summer when the heat was so terrible stepping outside made you instantly sweaty. I had gone to Belmont to observe a class at a charter school located in the neighborhood. The school was not air conditioned and the children were clearly agitated by their surroundings.

Belmont is a rundown area with many homes abandoned and boarded up. Along the main streets people stand outside of barber shops and corner stores. If you’re new to the area they can tell and acknowledge it with a head nod.

The predominantly black neighborhood seems almost forgotten by the rest of the city with its overgrown lots and crumbling architecture. Public transportation still runs through the area, you can take a bus or the trolley. But driving isn’t all that difficult either, there isn’t much to do as far as a night life so parking is ample. I wouldn’t walk around the Belmont and honestly can’t think of a reason why you would need to walk through it.

Belmont has a reputation of having a lot of instances of crime, mostly robberies and assault. Most of my friends who have worked in the area have advised being cautious and not hanging out there when it gets dark, thus I wouldn’t take the chance.
Pros
  • inexpensive
  • parking is easy
Cons
  • run down
  • crime
Recommended for
  • Hipsters
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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
Just now

"Italian pride all around."

One of the first things many people new to Philadelphia may think of when they hear “South Philadelphia” is “Italians”. Of all of the neighborhoods in South Philadelphia few display Italian pride as well as Bella Vista.

The first Philadelphia neighborhood to be settled by Italian immigrants, Bella Vista has annual festivals like the Italian Market festival and Bella Vista festival which celebrate Italian culture. These festivals blocks of the streets and attract crowds. When there are not festivals the Italian Market is still pretty crowded during the day with people shopping for cheap produce and specialty meats and cheeses. So be prepared to get stuck in a few mini traffic jams or change lanes often.

Over all Bella Vista is a nice neighborhood and relatively inexpensive to live in. The more distance you put between your home and the Italian Market the better as far as aesthetics and smell. The area tends to get dirty and in the summer smells terrible because of the leftovers from the Italian Market stands.

Bella Vista is also within walking distance of a lot of other great neighborhoods and public transportation is easy to access. And if you’re driving, aside from the traffic from the market, it’s pretty easy to get around.
Pros
  • affordable
  • Italian Market
  • Great location
Cons
  • smells terrible in the summer
  • dirty from the market
  • traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 1/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Polish pride and robberies"

One of the things I love about Philadelphia is that no matter what reputation a neighborhood has, whether it is good or bad, the people who live there have a great amount of pride about living there. Port Richmond is one of those neighborhoods.

I always dread going there because it seems so far away from the rest of Philadelphia, especially if you don’t have access to a car. Taking public transit to get to Port Richmond takes forever. But even if you have a car parking on a majority of the streets is kind of a nuisance as they were originally designed for horse and buggy transportation.

Port Richmond is a working class neighborhood with many of its residents having grown up there or in the area. It also has a strong Polish background which is kind of obvious with the amount of Polish restaurants and shops in the area.

Much like the other neighborhoods in the Northern section of Philadelphia, Port Richmond has a reputation of being a scary, crime riddled district with crimes ranging from murder to robberies happening regularly. I don’t know anyone personally who has been physically assaulted while in Port Richmond but I know several people who have had their cars broken into.
Pros
  • polish heritage
  • inexpensive
Cons
  • high crime area
  • narrow streets
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Students
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 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Mega mall!"

Do you like to shop? Want to see a movie? Want to eat a ton of food? Then you should probably join the ranks of millions of visitors and hang out at the Franklin Mills mall. Apparently the place is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the state of Pennsylvania. But really how could it not be!?! There are over 200 stores, two food courts and seven themed restaurants that are totally separate from the courts themselves. And let’s not forget the movie theatre that you can access after mall shopping hours.

Franklin Mills is a suburban teenage kid's dream and if I had lived close to it when I was growing up I probably would have hung out in its courts on a regular basis, stealing from Claire’s and flirting with the employees of Hot Topic. But now it’s a once in a while trip because getting to Franklin Mills from other parts of Philadelphia can sometimes be a commute, traffic is unpredictable and I’ve definitely spent an hour or so trying to get home.

There are a few stores that surround Franklin Mills and are completely separate from the mall itself, like Wal-mart and Pathmark. There is also a Bally’s Total Fitness gym so you can work off all of those Auntie Anne’s pretzels you ate. If you’re going bring money, lots and lots of money.
Pros
  • variety of stores
  • variety of food options
Cons
  • traffic
  • makes you hate people
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"Fishtown is moving on up."

Fishtown is really starting to cash in on the hand off from its surrounding neighborhoods like Northern Liberties. Hipsters who can’t afford to live in No. Libs are moving into Fishtown because the working class area is a lot cheaper. It won’t be too long before the renovations of apartments and condos increases rent prices in Fishtown to annoying heights. The warehouse infused district is undergoing a lot of changes to make to attractive businesses and residents.

For the time being though, the area is still pretty gritty and not the safest place to be walking around alone at night. And the night life is what everyone seems to want a piece of. In recent years Fishtown has become the go-to spot for decent live acts. Johnny Brenda’s has been credited with the recent surge of live entertainment that is attracting the masses. The bar has several shows throughout the week.

For the daytime folk Frankford Ave has a selection of boutiques and cafes that are not half bad and worth at least checking out if you’re in the area. Don’t worry about parking, off street parking is pretty easy to come by or you can always take public transportation, there are buses that stop in the area as well as EL.
Pros
  • cheap
  • decent live entertainment regularly
  • easily access public trans
Cons
  • high crime area
  • dirty
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Always compared to the West."

Divided from West Mount Airy by the avenue known as Germantown, East Mount Airy is considered the working class section of the area. Thus, it is more affordable than its western side but still a diverse neighborhood.

Residents of Mount Airy work hard to keep their neighborhood clean, enjoyable and safe. It is almost as though it is in competition with the esteemed West Mount Airy. There are groups like East Mount Airy Neighbors which addresses issues and concerns of the area as well as planning events. There is a news letter and frequent meetings that residents are encouraged to participate in.

Schools are also abundant in this part of Philadelphia. Mount Airy is near many public and private schools like William Penn Charter School, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, as well as colleges and universities like Philadelphia University and La Salle University. All of which can be accessed by car of public transportation.

East Mount Airy does have a reputation of having a higher crime rate than that of West Mount Airy and being the poorer of the two sections. The neighborhood is also not has fancy with more obvious wear and tear to the buildings. The residents in this section also tend to be younger with more students moving to East Mount Airy to attend the neighboring schools.
Pros
  • affordable
  • near schools
  • diverse
Cons
  • higher rate of violent crime than west
  • constantly being compared to West Mt. Airy
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • 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 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
Just now

"Lets hear it for diversity!"

West Mount Airy is considered the more prominent section of Mount Airy as a whole and is praised as being one of the most successfully racially integrated communities in the United States. A liberal community with a large amount of Jewish, lesbian and African American families residing in the area West Mount Airy has become the neighborhood of choice for local politicians.

Many of the homes in West Mount Airy showcase the architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. While it is a predominantly residential area there are still lots to do in the neighborhood. Germantown Ave is pretty much the dividing line between West Mount Airy and East Mount Airy. The avenue is home to a variety of restaurants and shops and every first Friday of the month, much like Old City, the neighborhood establishments showcase the work of local artists and extend their hours.

Mount Airy is relatively easy to get to my car and there is a fair amount of off street parking, some metered and some not. If you don’t want to drive, public transportation is active in the area as well.

Since West Mount Airy is the wealthier half of the district the property value is high, making living there a little on the pricier side. But don’t fret you can always live in East Mount Airy and visit the West often.
Pros
  • diverse
  • beautiful architecture
  • clean
Cons
  • expensive
  • a little removed from the rest of the city
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"More than just museums"

The Fairmount neighborhood is one of the nicest residential sections of Philadelphia with newly renovated row homes. Obviously this makes it one of the most expensive areas to live in; a number of the residents are homeowners. Fairmount is surrounded by amazing architecture like that of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s one of the few neighborhoods, like parts of West Philadelphia that has managed to keep greenery around it. This has a lot to do with the residents of this neighborhood maintaining its appearance.

There is a lot to do around Fairmount as it is close to the Parkway, the hub of museums in Philadelphia but there are also small coffee shops and dining establishments throughout the neighborhood. They are a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the touristy part of the district.

Parking is relatively easy with some sections being limited to a 2 hours. During the Halloween season the neighborhood gets a little hectic with the high volume of traffic attracted by Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls, the annual haunted walkthrough attraction. It brings in thousands of people but those affiliated with the event are great about respecting those who live in the neighborhood.
Overall, Fairmount is great neighborhood to visit all year round if you can’t afford to live there.
Pros
  • clean streets
  • trees
  • close to museums
Cons
  • high traffic
  • expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Steadily improving."

These days Southwark East is commonly referred to as Pennsport, the name changed sometime in the 1970s. Over the last few years the area has started to improve with recent renovations of houses and parks as well as the introduction of new smaller businesses and a farmers market.

As a result of all of these improvements the property value is increasing steadily in the Pennsport area which means rent is going up. The conditions of the area vary block by block but either way most of the streets are littered with trash because that’s just the nature of South Philly.

Pennsport is great if you want easy access to shopping plazas like Whitman and Riverview to name a few. The stores in these plazas are mostly major chain stores like IKEA, Wal-Mart and Target. Parking in the area is easy as there are parking lots for each plaza but traffic is sometimes heavy and confusing as there are several new 4-way stops that the residents still seem to not know how to use. So be prepared to break a lot or flash your headlights.

As for public transportation the neighborhood is a bit of hike from the subway line but there are still plenty of buses for those who don’t want to drive or bike to their destinations.
Overall, Pennsport is quickly improving so if you’re looking to buy a house for cheap in an up and coming neighborhood, this is a good one.
Pros
  • Cheap rent
  • Steadily improving
  • easy parking
Cons
  • Traffic is heavy in certain areas
  • Still south philly, still dirty
  • bit of a hike to subway line
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • 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
Just now

"Loud and dirty- just the way you like it."

When you say South Philadelphia you could be speaking about any number of neighborhoods. South Philadelphia as a whole is pretty broad stretching from east to west but for most people it starts at South Street.

The cost of living varies from place to place with the Italian Market area being a bit pricier. But more money doesn’t mean better quality; the area smells of fish and trash and is usually really crowded and impossible to drive through. The further past Washington you go the rent gets a little cheaper but again it is on a block my block basis and most of the blocks west of Broad street are not appealing and the closer you get to Snyder the dirtier it gets.

Dirty, that’s another thing; the streets of South Philadelphia are riddled with trash. I’m not really sure why we ever bother putting our garbage into bags since it somehow manages to be strewn across the streets from the time you put it out until the trash collector comes.

South Philadelphia is also loud, this is partially because it’s all row homes are and the stadiums are nearby so cheering crowds and traffic are a regular part of life. If you’re not into hearing your neighbors scream, tacky year round Christmas lights and getting hit by trash on windy nights then South Philly is not for you.
Pros
  • most things are within walking distance
  • cheap rent
  • easily access public trans
Cons
  • trash everywhere
  • people are loud
  • really hot in the summer (no trees)
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
Just now

"It's a giant park!"

Fairmount Park is a very popular spot for tourists and residence of Philadelphia. The new folks come to check out the extravagant boathouses along the Schuylkill while the locals jog, bike and skate on the paths located on either side of the park.

Most of the homes in Fairmount Park are historic landmarks and open to the public through various times of the year. You can rent a high-rise apartment in a neighboring area that would give you a great view of the park; otherwise you’re going to be spending a lot of money on a house on one of the winding roads in Fairmount Park.


The roads, like Kelly Drive, should be approached with caution. Drivers rarely acknowledge the speed limit and the curves in the road sometimes arrive without warning. It’s very easy to lose control of your vehicle if you’re not careful. You also risk hitting one of the many Canadian geese that can be found near the park.

That said it’s beneficial to have a car on hand if you’re exploring Fairmount Park as some of the most interesting areas are hidden and can be difficult to get to on foot. And some of the offer amazing views of the Schuylkill; Laurel Hill Cemetery is one such place.
If you’re looking to eat, I’d suggest packing something. It’s a giant park; it doesn’t have a food court.
Pros
  • nature
  • great exercise
  • awesome views
Cons
  • Expensive is you want to live near there
  • high risk if you hang there at night
  • speed limit ignored by drivers
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
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 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"So much charm."

Have you ever watched a television series on the WB network and thought “Where is this neighborhood? Neighborhoods this cute do not exist.” Chestnut Hill is one of those neighborhoods. The homes are immaculate, the architecture is amazing. There are a variety of posh boutiques, restaurants and taverns that have been owned and operated by families for generations. And the residents are polite and friendly.
It is those charms that make Chestnut Hill appealing but it is also part of the reason that it is an expensive area to live in. It is definitely a neighborhood for wealthier families who prefer a quieter lifestyle and want their children to attend nearby private schools.

Public transportation in Chestnut Hill is not as easily accessible as other parts of Philadelphia so having a car in this neighborhood is worthwhile. Parking has been a known complaint by many residents but the neighborhood has worked to resolve that issue with parking lots.

Even if you can’t afford to live in Chestnut Hill it is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are into horticultural. It is home to the Morris Arboretum where you can see the Hamilton Fernery—the only greenhouse of this style in the United States. That alone will make you feel like you’re in a television series.
Pros
  • gardens and trees
  • quiet
  • beautiful archtecture
Cons
  • Expensive
  • parking is minimal
  • have to own a car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
1/5 rating details
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
Just now

"Stray Cat Central"

Grays Ferry is another one of those neighborhoods that you just pass through and avoid getting out the car if you can. It has a history of racial tension and a reputation of being of a crime riddled area. On more than one occasion friends of mine have been chased or threatened while passing through on their bikes.
Though there has been a recent surge in renovations, with many people moving in from the Graduate Hospital area, most of the buildings are still very run down or abandoned. And a majority of residents are considered lower class or below the poverty line.
If you like cats Grays Ferry would be the place for you, the streets are overrun with strays But if you’re not into seeing dead cats then avoid the area at all cost, every time I pass through I see at least one in the streets.
The Schuylkill Expressway runs right through the neighborhood so it’s also pretty noisy with traffic during peak times. As far as public transportation there are a few bus routes that stop at designated areas. If you’re looking to shop or eat out your options are Pathmark, corner stores or The McDonald’s where rap superstar Ol’ Dirty Bastard was arrested in late 2000. Other than that I suggest you go elsewhere.
Pros
  • quick access to the expressway/I-76
  • cheap rent
Cons
  • High Crime
  • strays cats
  • houses are falling apart
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"Where owls rule the school."

The neighborhood of Temple University is dominated by, well, Temple University which is an extremely large school with over 30,000 students. Everything that you really need in this area is on the campus, venturing any further in either direction is ill advised as North Philadelphia is not the safest part of the city.
Most of the residents in the neighborhood are college students so expect the local establishments to be filled with them as well. Really, if you are not attending school here you are probably not going to want to live in this neighborhood. If you do plan to attend school or just visit, Temple University has a lot of live events at Liacouras Center; the university’s theatre program also holds performances throughout the season. And the Wagner Free Institute of Science is also located on the campus as well
Any parking that is available is usually snatched up pretty quickly by students and faculty of Temple but the Broad street line runs directly to the University as do several buses. It is also relatively easy to bike through if you don’t want to take public transportation.
Outside of activities that are not related to Temple University there is not much going on. The school has everything cornered in this area and as an alumnus of the school I can say there is enough there to consume you, you just have to look.
Pros
  • Good school
  • Lots of school related activities
Cons
  • Not much outside of the school
  • No parking
Recommended for
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • 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
Just now

"Urban wildlife for the win!"

There were three things about Cedar Park that made we want to move there from Passyunk, number one was the nature. There are so many trees, wildlife and yards that are not made of cement. Number 2 is the people, West Philadelphia in general is home to an eccentric group of people and a majority of them are very friendly from a quick smile to small talk while standing in line at the local coffee shop. The third reason is its dog friendly. Every other person in Cedar Park has a dog and there are dog parks within walking distance, where canines run around freely while their owners chat like old friends.

Those are not the only things that make Cedar Park great, it’s also a growing neighborhood with houses consistently being renovated. Most of the houses are Victorian style with large open porches. Now the recent renovations and more people moving further West is increasing the property value so the rent is not as cheap as it used to be.

Getting around by car, bike, public or foot is really easy as well. Potholes are of course an issue but that is pretty common in most neighborhoods. My only major complaint about Cedar Park is safety at night; it has a bit of reputation for muggings. So it’s advised to not walk alone at night.
Pros
  • Parks!
  • Lots of dogs
  • People are interesting
Cons
  • Rent is going up
  • Increase in muggings
  • Not within walking distance to major grocery stores
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"College Student Central"

The name of the neighborhood kind of gives away what it is all about. Students, students and more students inhabit University City as they attend Penn or Drexel whose campuses are located there.
Most of the houses in the main part of University City are inhabited by college students so if you are a looking to live with several people in large house this is the place to go. Rent varies from place to place but there are always co-shares and subleases posted on campus and websites so it is relatively easy to find a place that fits your needs.

Public transportation is really accessible in University City and driving is not too difficult either you just have to be cautious of students jumping out in front of you. And watch the potholes; they sneak up on you in this area. It’s also a little safer than other parts of West Philadelphia as it has many security officers patrolling the neighborhood.

The best time of the year in University City is at the end of a semester, this is what some people refer to as “Penn Christmas” because students who are leaving throw out some great stuff because they can’t or don’t want to take it with them. Their trash can end up being your treasure, if you don’t mind digging through dumpsters.
Pros
  • Public Transportation
  • Great Schools
  • Penn Christmass
Cons
  • Potholes
  • Student traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 2/5
Just now

"A Taste of Chinatown"

If you are looking for a sensory overload Chinatown can provide it for you. Everything from ducks hanging in the window to Asian souvenirs falling off the shelves, you are bound to find more than one thing that catches your eye.
There are loads of dining options with eat in and take out restaurants on every street, as well as Asian supermarkets for those who like to cook at home. It’s not all food though, you can also hit up karaoke bars like Yakatori Boy or see a concert at Trocadero.
The neighborhood is loud and crowded with people darting in out of the streets, so driving through Chinatown is a nightmare. If you’re not yelling at the pedestrians you are cursing at the cars around you. People double park, stop abruptly in front of you and cut you off and this can happen within a one block radius. So give yourself plenty of time if you are driving through the area because what should take 3 minutes often takes 20.
You want to avoid driving and parking— another test of patience, Chinatown is easy to get to via public transportation. The neighborhood also has its own bus system which will take you to and from Chinatown New York for $20 round trip.
Pros
  • Variety of dining options
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
Cons
  • Traffic
  • Parking can be tough
  • Loud
Recommended for
  • Tourists
2/5 rating details
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
Just now

"Danger Zone"

Kensington is one of those neighbors when you hear its name you think “I am not going.” Once, a major part of the textile industry the neighborhood is now considered one of the poorest. Today many of the buildings are abandoned or just in terrible shape.
The area is inexpensive, partially because the houses are in bad shape, you are likely to rent from a slumlord and also because it is a dangerous neighborhood to live in. The crime rate is high in Kensington with assaults and murders making headlines at an alarming rate, with the most recent news of the “Kensington Strangler” sending residents into a panic. Drug use and dealing is ramped with a corner in the neighborhood recently listed as number one on the “top ten list of recreational drug corners.”
Illegal activity is the only thing that ever stands out about Kensington. If there is a positive nightlife I have to hear about it. Sadly, there seems to be more reason to move out of Kensington than there is to move to Kensington. I wish I could say something good about the neighborhood but every time I have been there I have left as quickly as possible.
Pros
  • Cheap rent
Cons
  • High Crime
  • Dirty
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"It doesn't feel like Philadelphia"

Manayunk feels more like its own town than an extension of Philadelphia. And if you are new to the area the locals can usually tell. The small town feel also has a San Francisco vibe to it as well. This has a lot to do with the steep streets of the neighborhoods. They look intimidating when you are driving up them in a small car, but going down can be fun, especially if you are taking part in the soap box derby that takes place annually.

It is ideal to have a car or bike if you are going to live in Manayunk as taking public transportation can be overwhelming and time consuming if you are traveling to other parts of the city. Those who live in the neighborhood stay close. And you can’t really blame them. The pubs, cute boutiques, coffee shops and dining establishments all have a welcoming, at home vibe.

The downside of Manayunk is that during less than favorable weather the area can become next to impossible to leave or enter. Heavy snow tends to keep cars stuck in their parking spots and the Schuylkill River sometimes overflows causing flooding during heavy rainfall. This doesn’t deter people from buying a home because the pros outweigh the cons.
Pros
  • small town vibe
  • clean
Cons
  • flooding
  • steep hills
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"Something Old, Something New"

If you are looking for a neighborhood with a rich history Old City is by far the richest. If you cannot tell by the cobblestone streets or the breath taking architecture then perhaps visiting Independence Hall or the Betsy Ross House will help fill you in.
The narrow streets were originally designed for horse drawn carriages and can be a little frustrating for motorists. Parking, which is time limited, can be slightly difficult as well depending on what time of day you are in the area. Weekend nights you are better off taking public transportation, the shops and restaurants are all within walking distance from each other so it makes it easy. Not interested in walking? You can travel bike in time on horse drawn carriage ride down the cobblestone streets.
Not only is Old City popular with tourists seeking history lessons but it is also popular with those looking for an active night out on the town. There are a plethora of dive bars and clubs in the neighborhood whose crowds fill the streets after last call. First Fridays, in which galleries in Old City showcase the work of local artists also draws huge crowds. The sidewalks can get claustrophobic at times, so if crowds are not your thing, you may want to stay away.
Pros
  • Rich history
  • Arts
  • amazing architecture
Cons
  • streets are bumpy to drive/ride down
  • sidewalks get really crowded
  • drunk people everywhere at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5
Just now

"Where the cool kids are."

Northern Liberties is by far one of the hippest neighborhoods in Philadelphia with residents ranging from students to young professionals. The area underwent extreme gentrification with the addition of the Piazza at the Schmidts. The Piazza, with its large open space attracts crowds of people for concerts and movie screenings. If you are looking for more than live entertainment there are plenty of boutiques and arts studios in any of the three buildings that surround Piazza.
Looking for some late night bowling? Or drinks? You can get both at the neighborhood bowling alley, North Bowl. Or you can walk on past to the foodery and grab a selection of beers to drink at home. That is if you can afford it after paying rent. the property value of Northern Liberties has gone up considerably in recent years with businesses and renovations. Apartments are expensive though you may be able to find a row home with roommates for a decent price.
If you can’t afford to live there, Northern Liberties is a great neighborhood to visit and relatively easy to get to by public transportation. Driving in the neighborhood is pretty easy as well, the traffic moves smoothly and parking is not that difficult to find.
Pros
  • Easy parking
  • live events
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Hipsters
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
Just now

"Big City Living For Big City Prices"

Rittenhouse is the place to be if you want to bump into young professionals. The sidewalks are crowded with them walking to and from work and then to happy hour. The heavily trafficked area is not worth driving through because you are only going to get frustrated. And parking is next to impossible. Your best bet is to take public transportation; the Broad Street line drops you off right in the middle of all of the action. You can also conveniently hail a cab on any corner.
This active neighborhood is definitely a hotspot for people watching, especially in the gorgeous Rittenhouse Square Park, which is often filled with lots of interesting characters. It is also a hub for the arts and not just the street performers you will find on the corners. The University of the Arts and Curtis Institute of Music are both nearby.
Rittenhouse is excellent if you want that big city feel for a big city price, rent is not cheap. But there are lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance and transit is easy to access. And the nightlife is pretty bumping too so you can stumble home easily after a night out on the town.
Pros
  • Walkability
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
  • The Park is awesome.
Cons
  • So much traffic
  • Sidewalks get crowded
  • People are rude
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
Just now

"A Quiet Avenue Gets Hip."

Once upon a time General George Washington’s soldiers lived on Federal Street in what is now one of the hippest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Passyunk has a rich history that many of the younger residence probably do not consider as they’re walking down Passyunk Ave.
Spanning from Washington to Tasker Avenues and from Sixth to Broad streets, the neighborhood has become an attractive area for young couples and new families to purchase their first row home. It conveniently located near grocery stores, pharmacies and quaint boutiques.
In addition to its establishments, Passyunk has many events throughout the year; such has Flavors of the Avenue which highlights the eating establishments locating in the neighborhood and Second Saturday, where artists display their work in various small exhibits.
During warmer weather live performances are held around the fountain. When live activities like street festivals and farmers markets are not taking place, the fountain can be heard playing a variety of recorded music that locals can enjoy while sitting on benches that surround the sculpture.
Whether you’re looking for a close knit neighborhood to live or just pleasant area to visit, Passyunk has all of the charms of a small town placed nicely in South Philadelphia
Pros
  • Everything is within reach
  • Decent bar selection
  • 24 hour CVS and Dunkin Donuts
Cons
  • Small town feel means everyone is in your business
  • The popularity is making it more expensive to live there
  • No nature, all sidewalk
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish

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