Fitler Square: Rittenhouse Square’s other half, making up the Rittenhouse-Filter historic district, also known as “Ritt-Fit”
The lovely Fitler Square neighborhood is the perfect place to reside if you are looking for old-world charm, a quiet residential community, and an easy walk to some of Philly’s best shopping, restaurants, and nightlife in its neighboring Rittenhouse Square. Residents relish in its being family-friendly, social, and close to the spectacular Schuylkill River Trail.
The Fitler Square area encompasses South Street to Market Street (north to south) and Schuylkill River Banks to 21st Street (west to east). It prizes its own half-acre name-sake park at Pine Street, between 23 and 24th Streets, where it is commonplace to see residents picnicking, participating in an evening yoga class on the green, or just appreciating the tranquility and calm after a long day of work. The highly-desired luxurious homes that make up Fitler Square are truly special, with historically decorated brownstones, converted stable homes, apartments, condos, and townhouses,
If Fitler’s your first choice, the luxury realtors at Maxwell Realty are in the know and can make this neighborhood home.
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What Luxury Residency Feels Like in Philadelphia’s Fitler Square Neighborhood
The pristine Fitler Square neighborhood offers many luxurious real estate choices, including Victorian-era 19th and 20th century awe-inspiring historical homes, condos, and luxury apartments that overlook the Schuylkill River and its trail. What’s there not to be impressed about?
If the Fitler Square neighborhood is where you are looking, you won’t want to miss the superior residences Maxwell Realty has to offer. Take a look at Maxwell Realty’s Fitler Square collection, where luxury encapsulates an urban gem.
What Does the Fitler Square Neighborhood Have to Offer Its Residents?
Well that’s a loaded question because we can counter it with what does it not have to offer? You really have some of the superior dining, shopping, schools, recreation, and homes in Philadelphia in this close-knit, secured neighborhood. The European charm of this diverse neighborhood is a host to families, working professionals, students and retirees. Everything you can desire is steps away, as its next door neighborhoods are the posh Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital.
According to walkscore.com, “People in Fitler Square can walk to an average of 24 restaurants, bars and coffee shops in 5 minutes.” And for the cherry on top — while you are in your travels, satisfy your gratitude for the ease of access to Fitler Square and its neighbors’ decorated green spaces.
Where Are Some of Fitler Square’s Best Eats?
You will find some of the most intimate, privately owned gems in this neighborhood. Diversity and unique, Fitler Square does not disappoint or fall short. A foodie would be thrilled to reside here, and oh, they do.
Your Morning Start or Late Afternoon Pick-Me-Up (and Some)
Rowhouse Coffee: Headliner of the Pine Street entrance to the Schuylkill River park, this intimate coffeehouse delivers lattes and cappuccinos, and killer soft pretzel breakfast sandwiches. Rest assured: you’ve got the Schuylkill River trail to work off those calories.
Café Lutecia: Sidewalk tables decorated with French croque madames and croissants: how Parisian. go here. Weekday lunches of French inspired salads, sandwiches, and soups…you will feel like you have discovered a French hidden gem. And you have!
Midday Eats, Take-Home Meal Planning and Quick Groceries
Bacchus Market: Is a neighborhood go-to for grab-and-good food and drinks. Great for family dinners: weekly rotating menus of take-and-heat sheet pan meals or individual entrees, salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Pizzata: Is Fitler’s newest pizza takeout only spot that offers great salads and open-faced toasts, in addition to its fantastic pizza. Locals love to enjoy a pizza in Fitler Square Park, picnicking with their personal libation of choice.
Dining in Fitler Square
Sally: This amazing Fitler Square addition hosts a wine shop and a menu of light, crisp, sourdough pizza selections, along with small plates for pairings. What a perfect neighborhood essential!
Trattoria Carina: This Italian restaurant is a sister restaurant to Pub & Kitchen and it offers a seasonally changing menu, boasting home-made pastas and Italian-American dishes. We adore the charred octopus! You can purchase your beverage of choice here, or BYOB. Great for date night, entertaining family or friends.
Cotoletta: An Italian restaurant situated at the top of Fitler Square Park, perfect to take-in all of the surroundings. It is prized for their many versions of the chicken cutlet – just ask food critic Craig LaBan. Great seafood, pastas and salad. Dine el fresco onlooking Fitler Square Park.
Ambrosia: BYOB Italian homemade pasta connoisseur. Appetizers, entrees and sides are all seasonal and thoughtful…they are so committed to their process that pasta is even offered for brunch! We could not be happier to have them.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: A staple in Fitler Square. Beautiful ambiance, with an eight course seasonal tasting menu. “Complex flavor and precision paired with luxury ingredients.” For a less committed visit, venture to the bar for drop-in options.
Where Do Locals Shop In and Around Fitler Square?
There are many boutiques, grocery shops, and private businesses that decorate the cobblestone streets of the Fitler Square neighborhood. Luxury living is appropriately surrounded by all the comforts you would need…rest assured, Ritt-Fit’s got your back.
Fitler Square residents have plenty of boutique, clothing and accessory shopping in Ritt-Fit.
With trendy Rittenhouse Square’s style, you are bound to come home with many finds.
- Boyds Philadlephia
- Lunachick Rittenhouse
- The Pleasure Chest
- Theory
- Bloomingdale’s Outlet
- Anthropologie
- Joan Shepp
- Hughes Kiki
- DFTI Boutique
- Nordstrom Rack
- MAC
- The Shops at Liberty Place
- Athlete
- Blue Mercury
Nearby Services and Personal Care
- Fitler Club – luxury fitness club and so much more!
- Massage Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
- Heads and Tails Beauty Boutique
- DVINTI Skincare Design
- MI CUMBIA Nail Boutique and Waxing Spa
- The Summit at Rittenhouse – gym and personal training
Grocery Shopping
- GIANT headquarters mega-store
- GIANT Heirloom Market
- South Square Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Di Bruno Bros.
- Rittenhouse Market
- Fitler Square’s weekly Farmer’s Market
- Rittenhouse Square’s weekly Farmer’s Market
What Schools and Universities Are In and Close By the Fitler Square Neighborhood?
Fitler Square is a wonderful place for children to grow up, and for university students to reside who are in pursuit of their education. An accredited and reputable education is offered in many capacities, and close to home.
Universities Near the Fitler Square Neighborhood
- University of Pennsylvania
- Drexel University
- The Wharton School
- University of the Arts
- Pierce College
Elementary Schools Near the Fitler Square Neighborhood
- The Philadelphia School (very well regarded, checkout the reviews on Trulia.com)
- Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School (locals regard it as “Greenfield”)
- Clementine Montessori School
- Independence Charter School
- Friend Select School
What Is It Like Getting Around Town For a Fitler Square Resident?
Walkable, yes! Bike trails? yes! Nearby local bus transport? yes! Trains? yes – Philadelphia’s major train station, 30th Street Station is just a ten minute walk and can be navigated for shortcuts using the Schuylkill River commuter walking/biking/running trail. Residents get around on foot and biking is very popular as a means of commuting amongst locals in Fitler Square. Philadelphia’s grid system makes navigating the city a breeze.
SEPTA Regional Rail Lines are available at Suburban Station (where you can connect to 30th Street Station). It is about a ten-minute walk from Rittenhouse Square, accessible at 17th and JFK Blvd. 30th Street Station makes connections to New York and D.C., to name a few.
The New Jersey PATCO is accessible at 16th and Locust Streets, just two blocks from Rittenhouse Square.
The SEPTA subway systems are accessible at 19th and Market (west and eastbound) or Broad and Locust (north and southbound), or at 30th Street Station.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a beautiful place to walk, run, or bike, should you choose to access at nearby 30th Street Station.
Fitler Square is the Recreation Lover’s Paradise
The Fitler Square community gets a small amount of tourist traffic and although Philadelphia loves its tourists, residents are able to enjoy this feature as it preserves the quiet charm amongst Fitler’s cobblestone streets. Residents take pride in their green spaces and it shows in their property flower boxes and green maintenance. Green spaces are adorn here, and the prized favorites are Fitler Square Park, Taney Park, and the Schuylkill River Banks.
Fitler Square Park
Built on the grounds of what was a former brickyard, as its neighborhood was inhabited by shipbuilders and bricklayers in the early 1800’s.
In 1896 it was dedicated to commemorate Philadelphia’s former mayor Edwin H. Fitler: “Fitler was the Republican Presidential elector for Pennsylvania in 1876, vice-president of the Manufacturer’s Club (then located at 1407 Walnut Street) an active member of the Philadelphia Club (then located at 1301 Walnut Street), and an active member of the Art Club of Philadelphia (then located at 222 South Broad Street).”
Descendants of Edwin H. Fitler are still connected to this community. They have provided support to the efforts to maintain and improve the Square.
The Fitler Square Neighborhood Association is very involved in the community, supporting its businesses, managing an event calendar, and preserving the Fitler Square legacy.
Every Saturday, locals are loyal to the Farmer’s Market that the park houses.
Green gardens inhabit the space, along with adorn statues and a Victorian iron-clad fountain.
Taney Park
Taney Park is situated at the foot of the Schuylkill River Banks trail and is considered a recreational oasis of playground for children, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a dog park.
The park houses the Markwood Rec center that offers after school programs and summer camps.
Schuylkill River Banks
The Schuylkill River trail was named one of the top three river trails by USA Today’s 10 Best Riverwalks. It offers beautiful skyline views of Philadelphia.
Spanning 30 miles of beautiful waterfront, the extended trail covers approximately 120 miles. Bikers, joggers, pedestrians and dog walkers regularly use the trail.
Centrally located, close to every mode of transportation, neighboring a recreational hub, steps away from the hustle and bustle of Rittenhouse, yet holding its own to ensure intimacy, the luxurious Fitler Square neighborhood is Philly’s precious hidden gem.
Maxwell Realty has over 50 years servicing the Fitler Square neighborhood. We can make your Fitler dreams come true for your ideal luxury residence in this prime real estate location — contact us should you be entertains the idea of Fitler Square as home!
