Philadelphia is called the “city of neighborhoods,” or, “the city of homes.” At Maxwell Realty, we’ve helped countless clients find the right neighborhood and home, for over 50 years
Each Philly neighborhood has its own distinct personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, growing family, young professional, or looking to downsize, choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the right house.
Understanding Your Priorities
Before diving into specific neighborhoods, take time to identify what matters most to you:
Lifestyle Factors
- Do you prefer bustling energy or quiet residential streets?
- How important is walkability and access to public transportation?
- Are you looking for nightlife and restaurants, or family-friendly parks and schools?
Practical Considerations
- What’s your budget for housing and monthly expenses?
- How long are you willing to commute to work?
- Do you need parking, outdoor space, or specific home features?
Future Planning
- Are you planning to start or expand a family?
- How long do you plan to stay in this home?
- What’s your investment timeline and goals?
Each Philadelphia neighborhood has something different to offer you, and it’s important to consider the factors that matter most in your life.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse became the Philadelphia’s most fashionable place to live in the mid-19th century, as Philly’s Victorian aristocracy flocked to the neighborhood and lined the streets with mansions. Today, still Rittenhouse Square represents the pinnacle of Philadelphia living. The neighborhood offers high-rise luxury living, world-class dining, and high-end shopping all within walking distance. Rittenhouse is centered around the beautiful, tree-filled Rittenhouse Square Park, hence the name.
Best for: Luxury seekers, urban sophistication enthusiasts, professionals who want prestige
Highlights:
- One of William Penn’s original five squares with historic park
- Home to James Beard award-winning restaurants
- Luxury shopping and boutiques
- Easy access to cultural attractions on the Parkway
- Strong property values and prestige
- Boutique fitness and luxury gyms
Consider if: You want shopping, proximity to City Hall and corporate hubs. You don’t mind premium pricing and love being in the heart of city life.
Old City: America’s Most Historic Square Mile
Cobblestone streets, historic sites, and converted warehouses create a unique neighborhood where you can walk from Independence Hall to trendy galleries and restaurants. Old City was one of the first neighborhoods that formed when William Penn and his Quaker community came to the area. Today, Old City is a popular place for tourists and artists alike.
Best for: History lovers, young professionals, those wanting walkable urban living
Highlights:
- Walkable to major historic attractions like Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
- Thriving arts scene with galleries and cultural venues
- Diverse dining and nightlife options
- Mix of historic buildings and modern conversions
- Strong sense of community
Consider if: You love American history and prefer walkable neighborhoods with character.
Northern Liberties
Best for: Young professionals, artists, creative types, nightlife enthusiasts
Once a manufacturing center, Northern Liberties has transformed into one of Philadelphia’s hottest neighborhoods. “NoLibs” is filled with converted buildings and attractions. The area attracts artists, young professionals, and anyone drawn to its vibrant dining scene and creative energy.
Highlights:
- Excellent breweries like Yards Brewing Company
- Liberty Lands Park and one of the city’s best dog parks
- Thriving restaurant and nightlife scene
Consider if: You’re drawn to artistic communities, love great food and nightlife, and want to be part of an energetic, evolving neighborhood.
Washington Square
Best for: Professionals wanting urban convenience with residential feel, history enthusiasts
Washington Square is perfectly central to the Center City neighborhoods. The neighborhood surrounds another of William Penn’s original squares. It features beautiful, historic homes, with quick access to the Gayborhood, Center City, and Old City.
Highlights:
- Historic Washington Square Park
- Tree-lined residential streets
- Close proximity to both Rittenhouse Square and Old City
- Mix of historic townhouses and modern residences
- Professional, established community
Consider if: You want urban convenience without the hustle and bustle and appreciate historic charm.
Society Hill
Best for: History buffs, established professionals, those wanting prestigious historic living
Society Hill is synonymous with colonial Philadelphia, featuring beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. This prestigious neighborhood offers some of the city’s most desirable historic properties.
Highlights:
- Outstanding collection of colonial and Federal architecture
- Cobblestone streets and historic charm
- Close to Independence Hall and other historic sites
- Prestigious address with strong property values
- Quiet residential atmosphere
Consider if: You love historic architecture, want a prestigious address, and prefer quiet, established neighborhoods with significant character.
Fairmount/Art Museum
Fairmount is a residential neighborhood filled with trees, young families and charming shops. Also known as the “Art Museum Area,” Fairmount includes Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum.
Best for: Young families, museum lovers, reverse commuters, crew enthusiasts
Highlights:
- Walking distance to Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute
- Beautiful tree-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River Trail
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Mann Center for live entertainment
Consider if: You want to remain inside Philadelphia with highly walkable neighborhoods, charming homes, and a number of schools.
Logan Square
Logan Square sits along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, known as Philadelphia’s “Champs-Élysées.” Reidents here are within walking distance of world-class museums and cultural institutions, but also close to every part of the city. Take a stroll under the flags of the world on the Parkway, first installed for the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration.
Best for: Professionals wanting central location and museum lovers
Highlights:
- Walking distance to Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute
- Beautiful tree-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Mix of historic and modern high-rise living
- Central location with excellent transportation
- Growing dining and entertainment scene
Consider if: You love culture and museums, want to be centrally located, and appreciate both historic character and modern amenities.
Center City
Best for: Young professionals, urban lifestyle devotees, those wanting convenience
Center City encompasses Philadelphia’s downtown core, offering high-rise living with everything at your doorstep. From luxury condos to converted lofts, you’ll find sophisticated urban living options.
Highlights:
- Walking distance to work, shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Excellent public transportation hub
- Diverse housing options from condos to lofts
- 24/7 urban energy and convenience
- Strong rental and resale markets
Consider if: You thrive on urban energy, prefer walking to most destinations, and want the ultimate in city convenience.
Graduate Hospital
Graduate Hospital gets its name from a hospital that’s not actually in the neighborhood, perched between Lombard and South streets on 18th Street. Graduate Hospital provides easy access to hospitals, both Center City and University City medical facilities.
Highlights:
- Close proximity to major medical institutions
- Mix of new construction and renovated properties
- Growing restaurant scene along South Street
- Easy access to Rittenhouse Square and Center City
- Popular with medical professionals and graduate students
Best for: Healthcare professionals, young professionals
Consider if: You work in healthcare, want modern amenities with urban convenience, and prefer a neighborhood with ongoing development.
South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia is what many people think of when they imagine Philadelphia: sports complexes, great food, and tight community. This area encompasses some of the city’s most authentic and rapidly evolving neighborhoods, including Point Breeze, East Passyunk, and Pennsport. This area offers genuine neighborhood character, incredible food scenes, and strong community bonds at more accessible price points.
Highlights:
- East Passyunk Avenue – Award-winning restaurant corridor with nationally recognized dining
- Point Breeze – Rapidly developing area with strong appreciation potential and emerging arts scene
- Pennsport – Traditional South Philly charm with tree-lined streets and close-knit community
- Authentic South Philadelphia culture and traditions
- Easy access to Center City via Broad Street Line
- More affordable housing with strong investment potential
- Famous Italian Market on 9th Street
- Strong neighborhood pride and community events
Best for: First-time homebuyers, young families, food lovers, investors, authentic community seekers
Consider if: You want authentic neighborhood character, love incredible food scenes, are budget-conscious, and appreciate strong community bonds.
Spring Garden
Spring Garden blends historic brownstones with contemporary living, offering residents a distinctive mix of old and new in a conveniently located neighborhood.
Best for: Young professionals, those wanting neighborhood character with city access
Highlights:
- Beautiful historic architecture alongside modern development
- Green spaces and parks for urban respite
- Growing dining and cultural scene
- Good transportation connections
- Active community organizations
Consider if: You appreciate architectural diversity, want neighborhood character with modern conveniences, and value community involvement.
Making Your Decision
Visit at Different Times Experience neighborhoods during weekdays, evenings, and weekends to get a complete picture of each area’s rhythm and energy.
Talk to Locals Strike up conversations with residents, shop owners, and people walking dogs. They’ll give you insider perspectives you can’t get from online research.
Consider Your Commute Test your potential commute during actual work hours. What seems reasonable on paper might be challenging in practice.
Think Long-Term Consider how your needs might change over the next 5-10 years and whether the neighborhood can grow with you.
Trust Your Instincts Beyond practical considerations, pay attention to how you feel in different areas. The right neighborhood should feel like home.
Your Next Steps
At Maxwell Realty, we understand that finding the right neighborhood is personal. Our experienced agents have been living and working throughout Philadelphia for over 50 years and can provide insider knowledge about schools, commute options, local culture, and market trends.
With over $3 billion in sales and 10,000+ transactions, we know Philadelphia’s neighborhoods like no one else.
Whether you’re looking for luxury living in Rittenhouse Square, historic charm in Society Hill, or up-and-coming value in Point Breeze, we’ll help you find your perfect Philadelphia home.
Ready to explore Philadelphia’s neighborhoods? Contact Maxwell Realty today to schedule neighborhood tours and discover where your Philadelphia story begins.
Contact Us:
- Phone: 215.546.6000
- Email: nancyalperin@maxwellrealty.com
- Address: 1736 Pine Street, Suite 100, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Website: MaxwellRealty.com
Maxwell Realty – Philadelphia’s Premier Luxury Real Estate Company Since 1970
This guide provides general information about Philadelphia neighborhoods. Real estate markets change frequently, and individual experiences may vary. Contact Maxwell Realty for current market conditions, specific property information, and personalized neighborhood recommendations based on our 50+ years of Philadelphia expertise.