Philadelphia is known for many things; its neighborhoods are one of them. From cobblestoned historical districts where our nation’s beginnings took place to one of the best hipster neighborhoods in the country, Philadelphia’s diverse hoods might surprise you. Before you move to Philly, explore our nine picks for the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
1. Bella Vista
The best neighborhood to experience Italian culture
- Population in Bella Vista: 5,898
- Average annual salary in Bella Vista: $155,402
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bella Vista: $1,475 per month
You can thank the Italians for this one; Bella Vista was the first Philly neighborhood to be settled by Italian immigrants. To this day, the community sticks to its roots and houses plenty of Italian restaurants, shops, and the Ninth Street Italian Market — the oldest open-air outdoor market in the United States.
Around Philly, it’s known as “Little Italy,” and that’s exactly the atmosphere you can expect here. It’s home to a museum celebrating famous opera singer Mario Lanza, a Philly local; classic Italian restaurants, like La Famiglia Ristorante, where you can have a romantic meal; and handmade pasta shops like DaMo Pasta Lab. Lovers of Italian culture shouldn’t pass up Bella Vista as one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
2. Fairmount
The best neighborhood for professionals
- Population in Fairmount: 9,261
- Average annual salary in Fairmount: $88,858
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fairmount: $1,725 per month
Professionals and those looking for a great place to raise a family will love all the Fairmount neighborhood offers. It’s close to several high-class art museums, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, and Barnes Foundation. You can easily get around by bike, and the SEPTA also drops off riders on the eastern border of this bustling neighborhood. Add some French culture to your life by attending the Bastille Day Festival hosted by Eastern State Penitentiary each year.
Craft beer lovers will find several great bars nearby, and if you’re more into coffee, this neighborhood has you covered too. Stop by Brown Street Coffee for good vibes and hot brews. You’re also not far from the Philadelphia Zoo and the plethora of things to do at East Fairmount Park, which are only a few more reasons Fairmount is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
3. Fishtown
The best neighborhood for walkability
- Population in Fishtown: 16,307
- Average annual salary in Fishtown: $78,362
- Annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fishtown: $1,975 per month
Bordered by Cooper’s Poynt, East Kensington, Northern Liberties, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Richmond, and West Kensington, you’ll have easy access to just about anywhere you want to go in the city when you choose to move to Fishtown. This very walkable community allows residents to live and work nearby. This feature has recently attracted a younger generation to put down roots here. With tons of diverse restaurants that are also easy to get to, you can enjoy life without leaving Fishtown.
You’re sure to want to try Lebanese cuisine at Suraya, which is more than just an ethnic restaurant. You can try your luck at the Rivers Casino, which has live entertainment and events that make life in Fishtown more exciting. No matter what you’re interested in, you can find it in and around Fishtown.
4. Northern Liberties
The best neighborhood for hipsters and creatives
- Population in Northern Liberties: 17,793
- Average annual salary in Northern Liberties: $106,137
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Northern Liberties: $1,799 per month
Take a step into the Northern Liberties neighborhood and enter hipster heaven. In the last decade, this neighborhood north of the city center has undergone quite a transformation. Forbes recently named it one of America’s Best Hipster Neighborhoods. What was once a manufacturing and warehouse district has evolved into an enclave for artists, young professionals, and everyone in between. The mixed-use Schmidt’s Commons provides shopping and dining options, art galleries, an outdoor theater, and a stage area that hosts free movie screenings and festivals.
5. Old City
The best neighborhood for Philadelphia history
- Population in Old City: 6,751
- Average annual salary in Old City: $148,114
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Old City: $1,562 per month
You can’t walk far in this neighborhood without getting immersed in our nation’s history. Technically part of the Center City neighborhood, it’s bordered on its west by Independence Mall — where our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence — and is home to the Betsy Ross house, where our first American flag took shape.
Old City also features a booming restaurant scene and hosts the annual Old City Eats summer event. During this activity, local spots offer half-priced appetizers and drinks Thursday nights from 5-8 p.m. Imagine grabbing drinks and dinner next to Independence Mall! The neighborhood also has Friday art walks, fashion boutique shops, and modern art galleries. Take a stroll down Old City’s cobblestone streets, and you’ll see why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for locals and visitors alike.
6. Passyunk Square
The best neighborhood for cuisine
- Population in Passyunk Square: 38,809
- Average annual salary in Passyunk Square: $86,147
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Passyunk Square: $1,495 per month
As one of the few neighborhoods in Philadelphia to have a diagonal intersection, you can tell right away that Passyunk Square stands out from the crowd. It’s a high-class neighborhood with several eateries that have made it on Food and Wine’s list of 10 Best Foodie Streets in America. On East Passyunk, you’ll find an abundance of fun indie boutiques, restaurants, and more lining the way. Spend your days relaxing as you walk this historic roadway.
If you get tired, sit near the Singing Fountain and listen to tunes from the past and present. It’s the perfect way to rest up. Don’t forget to attend one of the seasonal events that always take place in Passyunk Square.
7. Rittenhouse Square
The best neighborhood to experience local events
- Population in Rittenhouse Square: 21,582
- Average annual salary in Rittenhouse Square: $130,963
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rittenhouse Square: $1,785 per month
Rittenhouse Square is a historic and highly livable neighborhood, walkable, public transit-friendly, and perfect for cyclists. Sidewalk cafes and restaurants, like Parc, encapsulate the city’s energy, and its collection of bars makes it a fun spot to go out, day or night. Events like the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival bring the community together to experience local food, fashion, and the arts.
Rittenhouse Square is another one of the five original public spaces designated by William Penn, and it features plenty of greenery, walking paths, and a reflective pool. It also hosts farmers markets and events throughout the year, so you can always find something fun happening around here. This diversity of activities is one of the many reasons this community topped our list of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The area is known for its many hotels, making it perfect for visitors, but it also means that locals can enjoy all the conveniences and amenities travelers want.
8. University City
The best neighborhood for students
- Population in University City: 21,228
- Average annual salary in University City: $52,480
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in University City: $1,608 per month
Get ready to be surrounded by an energetic college vibe in University City. Home to Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, it’s no surprise that this neighborhood supports art galleries, performance venues, and cultural centers. University City has one of Philadelphia’s best arts and culture scenes.
Restaurants and bars add to the eclectic atmosphere, giving you dining options that include everything from a Montreal-style bagel to a Greek gyro. Plus, there are plenty of green spaces throughout the district. Bartram’s Garden, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, is a 45-acre National Historic Landmark located at the southern edge of the hood, while Drexel Park is where you’ll find students relaxing on a sunny day. If you’re a college student, this Philadelphia neighborhood is for you.
9. Washington Square West
The best neighborhood for culture and diversity
- Population in Washington Square West: 15,076
- Average annual salary in Washington Square West: $98,237
- Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Washington Square West: $1,625 per month
Explore perhaps the most diverse neighborhood in Philadelphia. Washington Square West is the type of place you can go for just about anything your heart desires and then some. It’s home to a large LGBTQ population and was even coined the “Gayborhood” of Philadelphia in the early 1990s. It features one of Philly’s five original public parks and appeals to residents of all incomes, races, genders, and origins.
Just a skip, hop, and a jump away from Independence Mall, you’ll find Washington Square Park, which offers shady, bench-filled sidewalks, a memorial to Philadelphia, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. Street signs decorated with rainbow flags lead visitors and locals through the cobblestone streets and alleys on their way to comedy clubs, local bars, artist clubs, and nightlife spots. Date-night restaurants dot the streets of this quaint neighborhood, too. If you enjoy experiencing diversity, there isn’t much you can’t find in this conveniently located hood, which is why it’s so sought-after.
Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia offers several family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Chestnut Hill, Graduate Hospital, and Queen Village are popular choices for families due to their safe environment, good schools, and proximity to family-oriented amenities.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and East Passyunk offer a range of housing options at relatively lower prices compared to other parts of the city.
Philadelphia has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses, subway lines, and regional rail services. Neighborhoods like University City, Old City, and Fairmount have excellent access to public transportation, making commuting around the city convenient and efficient.
If you’re seeking a lively nightlife scene, areas like Rittenhouse Square, Fishtown, and Old City are known for their vibrant bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Philadelphia boasts an impressive park system, with Fairmount Park being one of the largest urban park systems in the country. Neighborhoods like Fairmount, University City, and Chestnut Hill have excellent access to green spaces, offering opportunities for outdoor activities, picnics, and leisurely walks.
If you want to be in close proximity to major attractions, neighborhoods like Old City, Society Hill, and Center City offer convenient access to landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These neighborhoods allow you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
These are some of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those looking to move to the city to explore. Whether you want a diverse group of neighbors or a place with easy access to events, restaurants, and green spaces, one of these options is sure to offer everything you need. You’ll find a neighborhood to suit you in this vibrant city, from the historical to the modern.
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