8 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is an American city that is as soulful they come. Philly’s reputation precedes itself, with spirited residents, historical and pop culture landmarks, and plenty of unique characteristics that make this city unlike any other. Here are 8 of the best neighborhoods to live in Philadelphia.
Living in Philadelphia: Quick Facts
Community: There rarely any cities where the residents are prouder than they are in Philly. Philadelphians love their home and with good reason! But what truly makes the city special is how strong the community is. No matter what neighborhood you settle down in, you’ll find a group of neighbors who are committed to making it better and better.
History: Philadelphia is one of the most historical cities in the entire United States and you can feel it as you walk around! Cobblestone streets, buildings over a century old, and plenty of museums to explore, you’ll start to feel like you’re a part of history, too!
Affordability: As far as United States housing goes, Philadelphia is more affordable than other cities. House and rent prices are generally cheaper, but the actual cost of living is on par with most other major U.S cities. So, if you’re looking for a smokin’ deal on a house, Philly may be the place for you!
Common Questions About Philadelphia
What is the population of Philadelphia?
There are over 1.6 million people living in Philly.
What time zone is Philly in?
Philadelphia is in the Eastern time zone, so it’s usually 2-3 hours ahead of West coast cities.
Where is Philadelphia located?
Philadelphia is a city in Pennsylvania. It’s about 2 hours east of the state’s capital of Harrisburg. It’s also about a 2-hour drive from some other East coast beaches, like the Jersey Shore!
Is Philadelphia safe?
Philadelphia is about as safe as most other U.S. cities, but most people recommend settling down in South Philly rather than North Philly, as there is a lower crime rate.
Top 8 Neighborhoods in Philly
Chestnut Hill
Median Rent: $1,972
Median Home Value: $702K
Known as the Garden District of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill gets this title with its abundance of green spaces, the Morris Arboretum, and flowers lining the streets. You haven’t seen the best of Philly until you walk down Germantown Avenue! Here you’ll find classic architecture along with some of Philadelphia’s hottest bars and restaurants. And with Pastorius Park at the center of the neighborhood, you’ll always find families and children running around.
Only a 25-minute drive Northwest of the Center City, Chestnut Hill offers a small-town vibe, complete with a close-knit community, 20th century architecture, and natural landscapes. If you’re looking to settle down in a peaceful community with plenty of nature to enjoy, consider looking into Chestnut Hill.
Fishtown
Median Rent: $1,868
Median Home Value: $400K
Fishtown might sound like a silly name, but it comes from the area’s long history of shad fishing. Nowadays, this riverfront neighborhood has become a hotspot for young professionals looking to kickstart their career, but you’ll still notice little fish signs decorating the front of homes.
Fishtown’s layout is unique too, with a blend of residential and retail buildings. This means that everything you’d ever really need is right in the neighborhood! You’ll come to find that residents of Fishtown like to keep things local, and once you experience it for yourself, you’ll get it too.
Fishtown is definitely where the young professionals of Philly live, with less families and more single homes. Due to this, there are plenty of great bars, restaurants, and boutiques to explore.
Old City
Median Rent: $2,048
Median Home Value: $379K
Commonly known as America’s most historic square mile, Old City can feel like taking a walk back in time. And with close proximity to historic landmarks like Independence Mall, Penn’s Landing and the Liberty Bell, you’ll be able to see the roots of American history firsthand.
On top of that, Old City is a great place to shop, eat, and enjoy public events all year-round. There’s a great blend of local and chain businesses, great schools, and affordable housing, making Old City a great choice for families, professionals, and everyone in between.
Passyunk Square
Median Rent: $1,470
Median Home Value: $437K
If you consider yourself a foodie, then you’ll surely fall in love with Passyunk Square! This affordable neighborhood is widely popular with younger residents and these proud community members work to enhance the quality of life there. And with so many shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities within the neighborhood, you’ll rarely have to travel outside it to find what you need.
With diverse culture, great food, and close-knit community, Passyunk Square is the perfect spot for those looking to build strong bonds with their neighbors, snag a bite to eat, and enjoy the best Philly has to offer. But if you’re looking for a park or other green spaces, you may have to travel to other neighborhoods.
Manayunk
Median Rent: $1,823
Median Home Value: $400K
Living in Manayunk is kind of like living inside the setting of a movie: there are rolling hills surrounding a river, quaint rowhomes, parks, and church steeples. There’s always a buzz around the city, with locals walking around in the mornings and enjoying the fantastic restaurants in the evening.
This riverside neighborhood is popular with college-age students, with plenty of nightlife opportunities to explore. Especially on Main Street, you’re sure to find plenty to do, eat, drink, and explore. For example, the unique Pretzel Park showcases the strong Polish roots in Philly, complete with a little pretzel statue to admire.
Fairmount
Median Rent: $1,659
Median Home Value: $421K
The free-spirited artists will love Fairmount, and you may have already seen some of it already. In fact, Fairmount is the home of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the famous stair scene in Rocky was filmed. This neighborhood is also very close to higher education institutions like Philadelphia Community College and Girard College, giving Fairmount more of a college town vibe. While this neighborhood is only about 1 square mile, there is so much packed in there! But this growing hotspot also means that rent and house prices are on the rise.
Wissahickon
Median Rent: $1,633
Median Home Value: $345K
Nature lovers may not immediately think of Philadelphia when brainstorming for a new place to live. But in Wissahickon Valley, you’ll have an entire 1,800-acre of wilderness in your backyard! This makes Wissahickon Valley Park a great place for biking, hiking, or even horseback riding and birdwatching. This quiet neighborhood is great for families and nature-lovers, especially when looking for affordable housing prices.
Cedar Park
Median Rent: $1,374
Median Home Value: $470K
You can tell that Cedar Park was built specifically for commuters. This neighborhood has long been a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city, located only 3.5 miles away from the action. And on top of that, there are plenty of public transit options for you too! From the electric trolley to the subway, to the bus system, you’ll barely need a car to get around.
Most of the action in Cedar Park is down Baltimore Avenue, where most bars, restaurants, and stores are found. There are also plenty of playgrounds, walking paths, and even the largest weekly farmers market in the Philly area! But for the most part, Cedar Park is a true neighborhood, with plenty of houses for growing families to move into.
Moving to Philly with U-Box
When you move to Philly, you’ll have a community of neighbors that are ready to become family. Ready to live life in the city of Brotherly Love? U-Box by U-Haul is here to help you get there! All you have to do is pack up your belongings in however many U-Box containers you need, and we can handle the rest. The best part? You can get an instant quote today!