Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Where to Call Home?

There are so many neighborhoods in Philadelphia. If you’re new to the city or looking to move here, it’s overwhelming to figure out where you’re best suited to make a home. Our I Love Philly Homes team agents — Michael Meehan, Navid Aberg, Emily Downs, Peter Garcia and Gordon Stein— break down some highlights of living in each neighborhood to help guide you through our city.

Fairmount

Fairmount is an excellent place to call home if you’re seeking a quaint, residential neighborhood. Known for its gorgeous rowhomes, tree-lined streets, and of course, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount is a neighborhood ideal for young professionals and families. Just outside of Center City, Fairmount allows you to easily navigate to all parts of Philadelphia with quick access to public transportation, Broad Street, I-76 and I-95. With so much to offer, Fairmount grants you a city life without sacrificing a strong sense of small-town community.

Must try: Walks down Fairmount Ave to checkout OCF Coffee House, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Art Museum, Kelly Drive, Boathouse Row

FISHTOWN- Download our Free Guide

Cool Fishtown is where Philly's culinary, art and music trends take off. This former working-class neighborhood, so named due to its history as an epicenter for the commercial shad-fishing industry, is a magnet for hipsters and creative types. The first Friday of the month is celebrated by opening the galleries and studios along Frankford Avenue to the public. The vibrant nightlife includes hip bistros, beer gardens, dining, and landmarks. An exception to the city’s gridded urban rule, this neighborhood consists of narrow streets decorated with modest row homes and small businesses.

Must try: First Friday on Frankford Ave, Johnny Brenda’s, Frankford Hall, Mulherin’s Sons, La Colombe, Rivers Casino, Suraya, Pizza Brain

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE FISHTOWN GUIDE HERE

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

This former industrial area, revitalized by artists in the 1990s, is now a hipster hotspot pulsing with art galleries and trendy boutiques. Built on the site of an old brewery, The Piazza is a shopping and dining complex located under luxury apartments. Locals head to North 2nd Street for global restaurants, craft beer halls and dance clubs, or to the Liberties Walk pedestrian mall for bike paths and unique shops.

Must try: The Piazza, Yards Brewing Company, Standard Tap, 2nd Street Festival, Silk City, North Bowl

Brewerytown

Brewerytown is a rapidly evolving neighborhood located in North Central Philadelphia. With more and more new businesses setting up shop on Girard Avenue, Brewerytown has become the new, hip neighborhood perfect for young professionals, renters and first time home buyers. Along with the growing community, Brewerytown also has easy access to public transportation along Girard Avenue and is less than a mile from I-76. 

Must try: Hops Brewerytown, Green Eggs Café, Crime and Punishment Brewery, Rybrew, Philadelphia Zoo

Francisville

Francisville is a small neighborhood nestled between Broad Street and Fairmount. Being close to Center City and public transportation, Francisville has become a hot neighborhood for new real estate development. With new construction homes, apartment buildings and commercial space on the rise, Francisville is an ideal neighborhood for young professionals, renters and first time home buyers. To get a feel for the Francisville community, all you have to do is walk up Ridge Avenue and explore the new shops and cafes beginning to emerge. Cool side note: If you enjoy music, you’ll also love to know Francisville is home the new Philadelphia Met Theater! 

Must try: The Met, Vineyard Café, The Lorraine, Bar Hygge, Jimmy G’s Steaks

University City

As hinted in the neighborhood’s name, University City is a perfect neighborhood to live in for students and young professionals. Located just over the Market Street bridge beyond 30th Street Station, University City consists of many old and architecturally inspiring row homes only found in West Philadelphia. Being surrounded by Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania, there is no shortage of places to explore and local events to attend!

Must try:  Relaxing in Drexel Park, a walk through tree-lined Powelton Village, Han Dynasty, Pod Sushi, Sabrina’s Café, City Tap House

Port Richmond

Port Richmond is a growing, Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood located just beyond Fishtown as you travel North up the I-95 corridor. As real estate development continues to push out from the heart of Fishtown, Port Richmond is beginning to experience its own burst of construction as well. With many new construction and newly renovated homes hitting the market, Port Richmond is becoming an excellent neighborhood for first time home buyers and real estate investors! 

Must try: Taccoelli’s Pizza, Nemi Mexican Restaurant + Bar, Hinge Café, River Wards Café, 

Girard Estates

Girard Estates allows you to live in the city while enjoying a quiet atmosphere in twin home, allowing you more space and privacy than you would have in a row home. And though it’s so quiet and in it’s own pocket, you go a few blocks and have the Oregon shopping Center with Staples, Home Depot, ShopRite, and a plethora of other stores. You practically don’t even have to ever go to the city, though if you do, you are blocks away from the Broad Street Line as well as 76 if you’re travelling by car.

Must try: Taproom on 19th for great food and beers — half-priced burgers all day Mondays! (including beet burgers!)

Melrose

Melrose boasts a plethora of South Philly food staples. You have Cacia’s pizza, Mi Pal’s Deli, Primo’s Hoagies the notorious Melrose Diner,  all within blocks of each other. You can also find world cuisines like Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian within those same few blocks. East Passyunk is slowly making its way across Broad, so hip joints like Taproom on 19th and The Thirsty Soul have been popping up over the last few years. Besides the decadent food options, you also have easy access to the Oregon and Snyder stations on the Broad Street line for a quick commute to Center City.

Must try: Mi Pal’s deli for a great cheesesteak or hoagie.

Lower Moyamensing: LoMo

Lower Moyamensing is a great place to live if you want an easy commute to the city, or if you’re a Philly sports fan! You can take a quick walk to the subway, or even walk to the Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park to see a game or concert. If you want some more exercise, FDR park is also not far from Lower Moyamensing. You’re also a quick walk to bustling East Passyunk if you’d like to hit the nighttime scene with food and drinks.

Must try: Frida Cantina, a family-run Mexican bar and restaurant with great atmosphere, prices, and food.

East Falls

East Falls is a great place to enjoy a peaceful neighborhood with many amenities. You have Fairmount Park bordering the northwest of the neighborhood, with Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill bordering the southwest (this makes for an easy drive into Center City!). There are many big, beautiful, surburban-esque houses, with a chic little “downtown” area by the river featuring restaurants, shops and rowhomes. Thomas Jefferson University also has a campus in this neighborhood.

Must try: Taking a walk, jog or bike along Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill, down to boathouse row and the art museum.

Manayunk

Manayunk is probably the “hippest” neighborhood of Northwest Philly. There are tons of bars and restaurants along Main Street, as well as a movie theater, all along the Schuylkill. It is a happening place during evenings and weekends. It’s also a popular stopping-point and home for bicyclists, as you have Kelly Drive directly to the west and Fairmount Park directly opposite. Rowhomes line the hills through this rollercoaster of a neighborhood.

Must try: A walk along Main Street to pick whatever great bar or restaurant appeals to you — and then walk back along the river walk.

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is a quaint, artsy town with a lot of historic, beautiful homes. You’ll find all sorts of treasures on Germantown Ave., from specialty art supplies to unique childrens apparel to funky furniture. There’s a slew of excellent eateries along the cobblestone main road as well. Home to many events and a co-op grocery store, you’ll always find inspiration in Chestnut Hill.

Must try: Artist Craftsman & Supply for niche art supplies and a friendly atmosphere. Walking along Germantown ave and enjoying all the shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Mt. Airy

Mt. Airy is a community-conscious neighborhood with its very own identity. This neighborhood is home to the iconic Trolley Car Diner, Weavers Way Co-op grocery store, historic mansions, and a handful of eclectic bookstores. It’s entire length is bordered by Fairmount Park, giving folks with dogs, families, or a penchant for nature and recreation the perfect outlet. There are also plenty of regional rail lines throughout this section of the city for an easy commute to Center City or the suburbs.

Must try: EVO Pizzeria, everything they make is of super high quality, and the service is just as good.

Germantown

Germantown is an excellent place to live if you like trees, open space and a community atmosphere. There’s a nice balance between traditional Philly rowhomes and beautiful historic mansions. You’re just minutes from recreation at Fairmount Park, as well as access to Route 1. You also have several regional rail lines through the neighborhood — making getting to Center City or the suburbs easy. 

Must try: Germantown Espresso Bar, a contemporary neighborhood meeting spot hidden in the old, charming jughandle of Maplewood Mall

Old Kensington/South Kensington

Old/South Kensington is one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia right now, steps away from booming Fishtown. This area is quickly evolving with redevelopment both residentially and commercially. Because it is so close to Fishtown, there are a variety of bars, coffee shops and restaurants as well as retail shops in close proximity. Public transportation is easily accessible. The Market Frankfort Line Subway and numerous bus routes are available. This neighborhood has a lot to offer while maintaining its charm.

Must try: New Liberty Distillery, ReAnimator Coffee, Helm, Crane Arts LLC

Point Breeze

Point Breeze is the hidden gem of South Philly. While being so close to Rittenhouse Square and Center City, Point Breeze keeps its South Philly cred. It is a booming area with breweries and coffee shops (Or even a brewery and a coffee shop in one!) popping up throughout the neighborhood. There are beautiful new construction homes with roof decks that provide city vista views. Some of the best new development is happening in Point Breeze. There is an abundance of bus transit, but Broad Street, Passyunk Square, Rittenhouse Square and Center City are just a short bike ride or walk away.

Must try: On Point Bistro, Dock Street Brewery, American Sardine Bar, Tuck Bare Yoga, Cafe Ynez

Graduate Hospital

Graduate Hospital is the quaint and charming neighborhood between Rittenhouse Square and South Philadelphia. This area is so convenient. Residing in Graduate Hospital means you will be walking distance from both Center City and Rittenhouse Square. South Street runs through Graduate Hospital. One this block of South Street you can expect to see numerous restaurants, coffee shops and convenient stores. Graduate Hospital is a quiet neighborhood with beautiful tree lined streets and your classic row homes of Philadelphia. Everything you need is within reach… or just a short skip, hop or jump away!

Must try: Honey’s Sit N’ Eat, The Sidecar Bar and Grille, Kei Sushi, Raja Yoga and Meditation