Our Neighborhoods!
Avenue of the Arts
Officially, the Avenue of the Arts begins at Broad Street and Glenwood Avenue, north of Temple University, and turns south on Broad to Washington Avenue. It houses many of the city's esteemed concert halls and theatres, among them the Kimmel Center, Merriam Theater, Wilma Theater, Academy of Music and the brand new Suzanne Roberts Theater. The University of the Arts' campus is intersped with the various theatres and restaurants along this stretch of Broad Street. Avenue of the Arts South is widely regarded as one of the most affluent sections of Philadelphia. It is home to PAFA, America's oldest Art school and museum, founded in 1805. Several transportation services provided by SEPTA make the Avenue of the Arts highly accessible to the whole of Philadelphia.
Bella Vista
Its name in Italian means "beautiful view", because of its views of Center City. It is bound approximately by South Street to the north, Washington Avenue to the south, 6th street to the east, and 11th street to the west. From the century-old Italian Market to the surprising Romanesque sanctuary of the Fleisher Art Memorial, Bella Vista packs a wealth of treasures into its cozy streets.
Elfreth's Alley
The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country, dating back to the early 1700's. Named for Jeremiah Elfreth, the street was home to tradesmen and their families. The Georgian and Federal style houses were common in Philadelphia in this time. The alley is an endearing tourist attraction and a rare surviving example of 18th-century working class housing stock.
Fitler Square
Named after late 19th century mayor Edwin Henry Fitler it is located five blocks east of the Schuylkill River, this half-acre park lies on the edge of the Center City shopping district, and just a few blocks southwest of Rittenhouse Square. Fitler Square neighborhood is an easy walk from one of the city's most lively commercial areas, a glance west along Pine Street, the Square's southern border, reveals the silver ribbon of the Schuylkill River and the brooding red brick towers of the University of Pennsylvania campus beyond. The Square is nearly encircled by single-family homes, and provides the focal point for many fine restaurants and small businesses. The magnificent foliage and unique statues accounts for the family-friendly hospitality and charm.
Graduate Hospital
It is rich in history, architectural landmarks, and charming nineteenth-century row homes. A transitional area between Center City and Point Breeze, it is home to several community service organizations, many churches, a few retail establishments and light industry. In recent years the area has experienced exponential growth and gentrification with hundreds of single family homes and condominium units and dozens of new retail establishments. Easy access to the square and the shopping areas make the Graduate Hospital area a real attraction to condo and townhome buyers alike.
Logan Square
Logan Circle, also known as Logan Square, is an open-space park in Center City Philadelphia's northwest quadrant and one of the five original planned squares laid out on the city grid. The circle itself exists within the original bounds of the square; the names Logan Square and Logan Circle are used interchangeably when referring to the park. In 1825, it was named Logan Square after Philadelphia mayor, James Logan. The park is the focal point of the eponymous neighborhood distinguished by its circle, constructed in the 1930s as a segment of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and centered around picturesque Swann Fountain. The area contains much of Philadelphia's Central Business District. Among the sites in its immediate vicinity are the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, the Penn Center and the Roman Catholic Cathedral-Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Old City
Sometimes spelled Olde City, this area is located near the Delaware River where William Penn & the Quakers first settled. To tourist it is best known as the site of Elfreth's Alley, Betsy Ross Home, Liberty Bell Center and many other historic Philadelphia sites. Today Old City has become the hip neighborhood that is much in demand. A place of unique people, significant history, charming shops, intriguing night life. Condos and lofts in the area are many and varied, From studios to oversized spaces, the historic and unique visuals make Old City a popular buying destination for Philadelphia's residential condo buyers.
Queen Village
South of Society Hill and East of Bella Vista lay the little neighborhood showcasing over 3 centuries of American history and architecture. Each block tells a story. Charming 18th century homes, fancy 19th century Victorians, distinctive 20th century bay window facades, and sleek 21st century architecture are evident in the urban streetscape. It is ideally situated adjacent to internationally famous historic sites (Independence Hall), the region’s business center, and sits along the Delaware River. Neighborhood development has always been tied to the river and it figures prominently in the future of Queen Village. Demand for residential riverfront development will accelerate during the next few years as new high-rise residential towers, townhouses, boat marinas, and landscaped public walkways transform the waterfront.
Rittenhouse Square
One of the original 5 open-park spaces planned by William Penn & Thomas Holme in Philadelphia. Originally called Southwest Square, Rittenhouse was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse. Today, the tree-filled park is surrounded with trendy shops, world renowned fine restaurants, luxury apartments, and five star hotels. The green grasses of the park are popular lunch time destinations for Philadelphia's Center City workers, while its lion & goat statues are popular gathering spots for small children and their parents. Offering a wide assortment of townhouses, lofts, and high-rise condos, Rittenhouse Square is one the most premier and sought after residential address for Center City home buyers.
Society Hill
The district in named after the 18th century Society of Free Traders. Its streets contain not only the largest concentration of 18th and early 19th century buildings in the country, but also illustrate the course of mid-20th century urban design. A broad spectrum of architectural styles-ranging from modest colonial dwellings, elegant Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival houses and also modern high-rise buildings-reflect the history of diverse ethic groups, religions and institutions in the churches and synagogues, hospitals, and workplaces of the neighborhood. Located close to both the river and Philadelphia's civic buildings, including the Independence Hall, the gracious and tranquil neighborhood with its charming cobblestone streets is one of the city's most popular areas among residential townhome and condo buyers.
University City
Its name reflects the proximity of several institutions of higher learning, including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. The eastern area of University City is home to these universities as well as several prominent medical institutions including the highly regarded Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), independent centers of scientific research, 30th Street Station, and the Cira Centre. The western area, with its Victorian and early 20th century housing stock, is primarily residential and is home to a diverse population. With its funky vibe and unique spirit, University City is one of Philadelphia's most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Located on the west side of downtown Philadelphia, the area is a hotbed of education, science, medicine and research. This dynamic, close-knit community is home to college students, artists, and families who coexist amid world-class universities, dining, nightlife and cultural offerings.
Washington Square West
The neighborhood takes its name from Washington Square, the urban park on its eastern boundary. It follows William Penn's original grid layout for the city, its physical makeup consists of 3 to 4 story rowhouses intersped with larger elevator apartments and offices with ground floor retail. Was West consists many sights of cultural and historical importance. The Sketch Club & Plastic Club founded in the 1800's continues to operate today. The area is home to the city's Antique Row and several hospitals, including the nation's oldest Pennsylvania Hospital, and that of Thomas Jefferson University.
