7.1 out of 10

Logan Square

Ranked 23rd best neighborhood in Philadelphia
39.9581884602216 -75.1699727306824
Great for
  • Public Transport
  • Internet Access
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Safe & Sound
  • Pest Free
Not great for
  • Parking
  • Lack of Traffic
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

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

"High culture and high-rises - with a high price tag."

Logan Square falls on either side of the Ben Franklin Parkway, running from Broad Street to the Schuylkill River. It is home to a large portion of the Center City Business District, and features corporate offices for top companies. These are housed in impressive skyscrapers, like the Comcast Center and Penn Center, giving the area a feeling reminiscent of downtown Manhattan.

The name “Logan Square” is derived from Logan Circle, a large, open space park along the Parkway. This space is home to Swann Fountain, which was modeled after the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. As you stand at Swann Fountain and look up the Parkway towards the Schuylkill River, you get a frontal view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This stretch of the Parkway, from Logan Circle to the museum, is home to many large-scale outdoor events, like the popular “Welcome America” concert series on the Fourth of July. Other recognized landmarks in the area include the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Moore College of Art and Design and the main branch to the Free Library of Philadelphia.

SEPTA Suburban Station services the area, which is a central hub for all Regional Rail lines and both subway lines. Buses are also very accessible.

Overall the area tends to be a draw for tourists, and can get very loud on weekends. The majority of the housing options are high-rise apartment complexes and condominiums, which are very expensive. There are very few single-family homes, and those that exist lay north of the Vine Street Expressway. These also have a high price tag, so most of the residents of Logan Square are well-off professionals and couples, with few families and students.
Pros
  • Architecture
  • Logan Square Park
  • Museums
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Traffic
  • Lots of noise on weekends
Recommended for
  • Professionals
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Expensive and Exclusive"

Logan Square is one of the most beautiful parts of Philadelphia, thanks in large part to the Swan Fountain in the middle of the park. A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this fountain is the place to dip your feet in and cool off when the weathers hot. On nice days, it's also a popular spot for people of all ages to hang out and meet up with friends.

Logan Square is home to several museums, including the Franklin Institute and The Academy of Natural Science. Walking or driving around this area, you'll most likely see an even mix of tourists and residents. The residential parts of Logan Square can either be found in large apartment/condo buildings or in townhouses a little bit farther away from the square. Most of the housing options seem nice, but not as nice as on Rittenhouse Square. Expect to shell out some serious dough to live in Logan Square without getting much space in return - here you are paying for the privilege of saying that you live on the square!

Parking in Logan Square is generally non-existent, as spots are taken up by those who have zoned residency passes or tourists who are parking for the museums. Traffic is normally chaotic as well, especially during the warmer months when more people are out exploring the city.
Pros
  • Logan Square Park
  • Lots to see and do
  • A lot of history
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Traffic
  • Lots of noise on weekends
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Some call it a circle, some call it a square - beautiful all the same."

Logan Square, also known as Logan Circle, was originally an open space park named after Philadelphia statesman James Logan. The area was a part of William Penn's plans for 5 square shaped parks, however it formed into a circle when the Ben Franklin Parkway was constructed. Hence, why the area technically has two names.

Logan Square features some of Philadelphia's most famous structures. These buildings are home to museums, libraries, schools, and a court. They include, but are not limited to, the Franklin Institute, Moore College of Art & Design, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

New paths have been constructed in and around the park area to make it better accessible to pedestrians. It's a nice place for a walk. Also, within the park portion several fountains make up Logan Square and add a bonus to living in the area. One of the high schools actually has a ritual of jumping into one of the fountains to commemorate the end of the school year. It's really something to see.

There are public and catholic schools that surround the area, but there are only 2 charter schools within the bounds of Logan Square. Also, for higher learning, there are film, art, design and beauty schools. A couple of the art schools actually offer courses to the public at certain times during the year.

Living in Logan Square means dwelling in either a contemporary condo that looks out onto the Square or a modern/contemporary single family home right on the street level. It can be quite expensive considering Logan Square's location in the city.

The nightlife is one that will peek anyone's interest. There are an abundance of taverns, bar & grills, lounges and pubs. The crowds are very diverse so its bound to be an amazing experience.

Considering that Logan Square is at the end of the Ben Franklin Parkway and leads into the city, traffic can be somewhat problematic. The nighttime to early morning hours are the quietest, if you can call it that. Parking is very hard to come by unless you want to pay for it. Most high-rises are equipped with garages though.

This area is happening with the beauty and history during the day and gorgeous lighting and parties at night. Regardless if you call it a square or a circle, the neighborhood is a place to learn something new everyday.
Pros
  • Museums
  • A lot of history
  • Fountains!
  • Logan Square Park
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Traffic
  • Lots of noise on weekends
  • Parking problems
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 1/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
2yrs+

"Logan Circle - Charming"

Logan Circle takes its name from James Logan, a mayor of Philadelphia in the 19th Century. The area is also known as Logan Square from one of William Penn’s four green gardens which served as the four corners of Philadelphia.

Today homes sit alongside of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a flag adorned Parisian-styled Boulevard that reminds many of the Champs d’ Elysees. City Hall anchors one end and the Art Museum anchors the other. The Central Library sits equidistance. The new Barnes Museum will be a part of the museums lining the parkway.

In the center of the parkway is an enormous circle with a large water fountain. Traditional has it that graduates of Hallahan High School, a Catholic School for girls, run through the fountain on the last day of school.

The row homes are charming with window boxes of flowers lining the block. Recently, the Schuylkill River walkway has provided recreation space for runners, bikers, dog walkers, and skaters.
Located in close proximity to University City and Center City, it is a pleasant walk or bike ride.

It is home to the Cherry Street Tavern, the first licensed tavern in Philadelphia in 1905. North of the parkway are the Kite & Key and Sabrina’s Cafe both lovely eating establishments.
Pros
  • Fountains!
  • Logan Square Park
  • Lots to see and do
Cons
  • Parking problems
  • Expensive
  • Traffic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
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
2yrs+

"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 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Crowded but fun"

Logan Circle, also known as Logan Square, is a neighborhood located in the Center City section of Philadelphia. It is bound by the banks of the Schuylkill River to the east, Spring Garden Street to the south, Broad Street to the west and Market Street to the north. The area is named after Logan Square, which is one of five parks that were central to William Penn’s design for the city.
The main draw of Logan Circle is the open-space park that is found at the heart of the neighborhood. The park includes some of the most beautiful and historic fountains found in Philadelphia as well as large pauloenia trees.
Due to Logan Square being an appealing place to live for both families and young professionals, the housing prices in the area are expensive. Logan Circle offers some of the most architecturally beautiful homes in the city including large, historic brick row homes.
It is one of the safer neighborhoods located in Philadelphia and offers a large selection of restaurants, shops and bars. This makes Logan Circle attractive to a younger group of citizens too, including college students. If you like history, Logan Circle is the perfect area for you.
Pros
  • Logan Square Park
  • Lots to see and do
  • Fountains!
Cons
  • Traffic
  • Lots of noise on weekends
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish

Travelling to Logan Square?

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Best Streets in Logan Square

1

Arch St

3.5/5
"Arch Street Where Yesterday Meets Today."
39.9552736195295 -75.1701302711672
2

Race St

3/5
"Almost makes Philly seem like a big city"
39.957148771298 -75.1700887546335

Unranked Streets in Logan Square

"Less of a street More of a Back street"
39.9596426143837 -75.1657098314099

Logan Sq

2.5/5
"Good avenues for enjoyment"
39.9583684678392 -75.1710426895114
"A must see for visitors!"
39.9579186202095 -75.1624527266178

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