Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods: there are as many as 150 different neighborhoods within the City of Brotherly Love, as well as over 100 suburbs close by. Each has its own culture, history, and advantages, whether that is a bustling nightlife or a downtempo, peaceful feel. In this article, we will highlight some of the most vibrant and attractive areas of Philadelphia to purchase a condominium or full home, looking at different factors that may influence your decision.
Rittenhouse Square: Right Next to the Action
Rittenhouse Square is part of the Main Line Region, a selection of affluent Philadelphia neighborhoods and suburbs that grew up around the Philadelphia Main Line railroad; these extend all the way out to the Valley Forge region, following the original railroad path.
Of these, Rittenhouse Square is one of the closest to Center City, surrounding one of five public greens that William Penn designed for Philadelphia. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods, officially founded in 1683 and the former home of Pennsylvania luminaries like department store founder John Wanamaker, Pennsylvania Railroad president Alexander Cassatt, and actor Kevin Bacon.
With such a venerable history, it’s no wonder that Rittenhouse Square condos are some of the most highly sought-after in the city – as well as some of the most expensive. For those who want that added touch of luxury and convenience, though, this makes a perfect home base to explore Philadelphia
Fishtown: Excellent for Creative Types
Quirky Fishtown is named thanks to the many fishermen who made their homes here in the early days of Philadelphia; it was a hardscrabble working-class neighborhood close to City Center. Now, though, Fishtown has become a vibrant art community, filled with gorgeous street murals and with live music drifting through the streets on any given night.
For those who want to be surrounded by inspiration, this tight-knit neighborhood is perfect. You’ll be close to the best galleries, boutiques, and live music available, all within a short commute to downtown Philadelphia proper. Don’t miss the first Friday of every month, when the local galleries open to the public so that you can see what your creative neighbors have been keeping under wraps.
Fishtown is also a haven for excellent cuisine, including Pizza Brain, which has the world’s first museum of pizza culture on site!
Penn Wynne: Peaceful, Leafy Suburb
Penn Wynne is one of the closest and wealthiest Philadelphia suburbs, considered one of the top ten places to live in all of America. Located in Wynnewood, this neighborhood is known for being quiet, safe, and filled with great outdoor activities, thanks to the nearby Schuylkill River.
A number of different demographics might find that Penn Wynne is their little slice of heaven. Retirees will appreciate that they have easy access to the entertainment options in Philadelphia but also a calm place to retreat to after a day in the city, while parents will appreciate the top-notch schools in the area and the low crime rate. It is also a great option for those who work downtown and can’t fathom an hour-long commute after a day in the office.
Because this is such a prestigious area, it’s critical that residents think carefully about things like maintaining a beautiful garden; there are only about 6,000 citizens in Penn Wynne, all of whom are very house-proud.
Passylunk Square: Affordable for Foodies
Passylunk Square is known for two closely related things: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, located opposite one another on East Passylunk Avenue. This neighborhood is the cheesesteak epicenter of Philadelphia, filled day and night with intrepid foodies, but there are many other delicious local options, which include South Philly Barbacoa and Ratchada Thai & Laos Cuisine.
If you don’t mind passing by many hungry tourists on your way to and from work, Passylunk Square offers close access to Center City – your commute would be about 13 minutes – and a crime rate lower than even many more expensive areas. Housing is pretty affordable, with the average home costing around $385,000. This, in addition to the excellent dining options and the energetic atmosphere, makes it a top contender for those wanting somewhere with a more authentic Philly culture.
Picking the Right Neighborhood for Your Needs
Understanding the different cultures of each neighborhood is crucial to finding the right property for you. While it’s possible to develop a happy home life anywhere in Philadelphia, finding a neighborhood that better matches your own needs will make a huge difference in whether you want to stay long-term.
For example, Fishtown may not be the right choice for those with young children: the fantastic music pumping from the live bars could make it a challenge to get your kids to bed on time. Similarly, Penn Wynne lacks the fast-paced, down-to-earth culture of Passylunk Square that you might crave.
As such, working with a realtor is an essential element of finding your perfect match. Explain exactly what you’re looking for in a neighborhood first so that they can direct you to the right areas to look first. Try to stay in the neighborhood for a few nights, both on a weekday and a weekend, to see whether the residents are early to bed or staying up all evening.
Finally, stay open to other options, and don’t hesitate to take your time. With so many different neighborhoods and suburbs in this dynamic city, you’re sure to find home sweet home.
Photo by Kelly : https://www.pexels.com/photo/contemporary-architecture-of-megapolis-with-skyscrapers-4642403/
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