6.7 out of 10

Rittenhouse Square

Ranked 31st best neighborhood in Philadelphia
39.9482533085194 -75.172327934109
Great for
  • Public Transport
  • Eating Out
  • Nightlife
  • Internet Access
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • 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
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Rittenhouse - the center of it all."

Rittenhouse Square is downtown living at its finest – and has the price tag to show it. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, it is bound by Walnut Street, South Street, Broad and 20th. The cost of living is extremely high, and as a result the residents of the area are limited to professionals, wealthy young families and retirees.

The main attraction of the area is a large, open-space park. Green space can be limited in Philadelphia, especially downtown, so this park is a welcome addition. It features stretches of grass, fountains, benches, and pavement pathways for skating, biking and walking. The area is always alive with parents and their children, dog-owners walking their dogs, young artists and hipsters playing music, and professionals lounging on their lunch breaks. The park is bordered by luxury high-rises and condos; as you move away from the central square onto smaller side streets, you’ll find beautifully maintained, upscale homes.

The area is also home to high-end shops and restaurants, making it the pinnacle of shopping in Philadelphia. Stores like Tiffany and Co., Lululemon, Anthropologie and Club Monaco are mixed in with H&M, Urban Outfitters and Gap. There is a restaurant at every turn, which makes Rittenhouse the prime location for the popular Center City Sips, a summer long happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers at the hottest restaurants.

Street parking is extremely limited in the area, and if you are a visitor with a car you will most likely be paying for a parking lot. Public transportation is very accessible via bus, and the Broad Street line is a mere step away. Overall, Rittenhouse is the place to be for shopping, dining and recreation. However, if you choose to live right in the action, you might get sticker shock.
Pros
  • Upscale homes
  • Beautiful park
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
  • Walkability
Cons
  • Limited parking
  • Pricey
  • Sidewalks get crowded
Recommended for
  • Professionals
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • 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 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Expensive - For a Reason!"

Rittenhouse Square is definitely one of the most expensive places to live in the city, but for good reason. This neighborhood is at the center of it all in terms of location, shopping, and dining. If having a well-known address in Philadelphia is important for you, than look no further than the streets surrounding Rittenhouse Square.

Rittenhouse Square is desirable because any abode within this neighborhood is close to theaters, museums, music halls, restaurants and Walnut Street shopping. For those that like to go out at night, Rittenhouse is also close to some of the best bars and clubs in the city.

Around Rittenhouse Square, tall condo and loft buildings with great views of the square and the city house the wealthy. The side streets jutting out from the square feature million dollar (or multi-million dollar) town homes and condos. This is s great neighborhood for families as well, with some of the top private schools in the city also residing in Rittenhouse Square.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
  • Walkability
Cons
  • Lots of traffic
  • Pricey
  • Sidewalks get crowded
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Rittenhouse - For the Rich and Famous"

If you are seeking sophistication and upscale living then Rittenhouse Square might have just what you are looking for. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City it is home to many empty nesters who have left sprawling suburban abodes for the urbane life. Close to theaters, museums, and concert halls, the renewal of Rittenhouse Square has spawned a world-class night life.

Many of the side-streets contain multi-million dollar homes suitable for a single resident. On the Square are high-priced condos with spectacular views and are home to athletes who have brought excitement to the Philly sports scene.

Walnut Street is adjacent to Rittenhouse Square and features up-scale shopping for antiques, jewelry and clothing. Walnut Street is also a direct route to the colleges and universities in University City for either walking or biking.

Many private schools are located in the area but know that there are wait lists. The Greenfield School, a magnet public school, is several blocks away on Chestnut Street. You will also find the more common place venues such as drug stores and camera shops on Chestnut.
In addition the area is home to many churches which feature mid-week services as well as concerts and lectures.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Easily Access Public Transportation
  • Nie houses
  • Walkability
Cons
  • Lots of traffic
  • Pricey
  • Sidewalks get crowded
Recommended for
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • 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 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Where the rich go to play"

Rittenhouse is the beating heart of Philadelphia. Located in Center City, this pretty and pricey neighborhood puts everything the city has to offer right at your fingertips. It is bound by 18th Street to the east, Walnut Street to the north, Rittenhouse Square South and Rittenhouse Square West.
The area is mostly inhabited by professionals and features many high rise residences, gorgeous homes and luxury apartments. It’s also one of the main shopping hubs in Philly and has a Barnes & Noble, Anthropologie and many other high end retailers.
The main draw of Rittenhouse is its park, Rittenhouse Square. This is one of the more historic parks in Philadelphia and is a popular hangout spot for people of all walks of life in the spring and summer seasons. The park offer walking trails, a fountain, and doggie-bag dispensers to help you clean up after your pooch.
Rittenhouse is a very pricy neighborhood and parking is really limited. It can also get noisy during the weekend thanks to the many bars and restaurants in the area. If you would like to experience city life at its best, Rittenhouse might be a good choice for you. Just be prepared to pay lots of bills.
Pros
  • Beautiful park
  • Nie houses
  • Near everything
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Lots of traffic
  • No parking
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • 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
2yrs+

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

"Great place to live in Center City Philadelphia"

16th Street between Pine and Spruce is a WONDERFUL block and area to live. If you love inner-city living - this is the spot. Walking distance to shops, parks, restaurants, museums, schools, art galleries and more with excellent Center City public transit. After 4 years of living on this block, not once did I experience any bad crime first hand. Leaving my bike locked up outside on a lamp post was never a problem. When family or friends would visit, they were always able to find free street parking and their cars were never vandalized.

Although this is a college town, the neighbors and local businesses are very friendly and supportive of the Arts. The buildings are very old (mine was a 4-story row home built in the 1800's) so don't expect high-end or updated appliances in the rentals. Most buildings do not have central air conditioning, and trash pickup can be very noisy.

Overall, I loved living on this street. Center City Philadelphia is a wonderful town and this block is homey, safe and close to everything.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 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
2yrs+

"Historic Square in City of Brotherly Love"

Rittenhouse Square is a beautiful park in the middle of Philadelphia, PA. If you like urban living, this is a wonderful place to live. There are many large apartment buildings in the area. In addition some of the nearby streets are lined with historic townhouses. The Square has a large grassy park in the middle. It's near to the businesses and office buildings of Center City. Museums such as the Philadelphia Art Museum and the Franklin Institute are a short walk away. Several nearby streets have many restaurants and a vibrant night life. It is in the middle of a large city so you have to deal with problems such as noise and traffic. However, if you work in Center City and want to live near a lot of action and cultural institutions, Rittenhouse Square is an excellent choice.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

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Best Streets in Rittenhouse Square

1

Waverly St

4/5
"Secluded street, perfect for those who want privacy."
39.9459425562778 -75.1710328443686
2

Pine St

3.5/5
"Great place to live! Famous for Antiques Row and excellent food and drinks!"
39.9463522977403 -75.1714752853298

Unranked Streets in Rittenhouse Square

"A mediocre pennsylvanian street"
39.9526530000157 -75.1685090002997
"Quiet, strictly residential area."
39.9457844504851 -75.1711831512246
"Very Posh, Older Section of Philly"
39.9474294680709 -75.1745886472179

Latimer St

2.5/5
"Nice couple blocks near Rittenhouse sq"
39.9485801417075 -75.1703351557639

Panama St

2.5/5
"Quiet, beautiful street in the heart of downtown."
39.9470626988459 -75.1737085218927
"Great shortcut, no vibe."
39.952290164183 -75.1709029753504
"A Peaceful Place to eat Lunch"
39.9488570121469 -75.1736104581625
"Artsy and Busy!"
39.9479199047383 -75.1663014370349

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