Considering buying a home in Philadelphia? With fun events, top-rated schools, convenient transportation options, and diverse housing styles, it’s easy to see why people enjoy living in Philadelphia. If you’re not sure where to settle down, take a look at these five great places to buy a house in Philly!
Bella Vista
- Home Price: $268,021 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for a great Philly neighborhood that’s welcoming to all types of people, Bella Vista may be for you! Known for its Italian roots, Philadelphia residents flock to Bella Vista every spring for the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival to celebrate Italian culture, food, art, music, and more. Bella Vista even translates to “beautiful view” in Italian, and delivers on that promise with tree-lined streets filled with charming rowhouses, townhouses, condos, and brownstones. You’ll also find a number of great amenities—including diverse restaurant options, bars, vintage stores like Anastacia’s Antiques, quaint parks, and schools like William M. Meredith School and Academy at Palumbo. This melting pot neighborhood is a particularly great place for artists, with hip galleries and programs offered through the Da Vinci Art Alliance and Partners and Son. Plus, Center City is only ten minutes away, giving residents easy access to top Philadelphia attractions like the Rocky Steps and the Liberty Bell!
Things to Do in Bella Vista
Walk through the mixed media art labyrinth, attend events like Twilight in the Gardens, and see rotating art exhibitions like After the Flowers Pass: Works by Amir Khadar at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Walk your dog, bring your kids to play with the provided toys, or attend Love Your Park events at Cianfrani Park. Visit the oldest outdoor market of its kind in the country to shop almost 200 businesses for produce, housewares, gifts, and more at the South 9th Street Italian Market. Head to the northern border of Bella Vista to eat at unique restaurants such as Brauhaus Schmitz, browse cool shops like Atomic City Comics, and experience fun nightlife and art along South Street. Savor authentic Italian food in Philadelphia with rotating menu items like Fluke Crudo, Tonnarelli, and Lemon Torta Caprese at Fiorella. Try modern French fare such as Shrimp Croquettes and Steak Tartare with a Martini Maille at The Good King Tavern. Order the Grandma Pie, White Pizza, or Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak from Angelo’s Pizzeria. And pick up desserts like Classic Cannolis, an Italian Rum Cake, or Pizzelles at Isgro Pastries.
Chestnut Hill
- Home Price: $485,075 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Known as the city’s Garden District and listed on the National Register of Historic Districts, Chestnut Hill is a quieter area to buy a home in Philadelphia—from large estate-style and Victorian homes to townhouses and condos. It’s also one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families, partially because of the selection of highly-rated private schools like Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and The Crefeld School, along with higher education opportunities at Chestnut Hill College! Additionally, this family and community-centered neighborhood boasts a small-town feel, many dog-friendly businesses, and multiple annual events, including Chestnut Hill on Ice, Petapalooza, and Halloween on the Hill. On top of all that, the neighborhood’s extremely high safety ratings, shopping destinations along brick-paved Germantown Ave, and the beautiful hikes and views of Wissahickon Valley are major selling points for Chestnut Hill!
Things to Do in Chestnut Hill
Take the Garden Highlights Tour, go out on a limb with the Tree Canopy Walk, and visit areas like English Park and the Long Fountain at Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Become a member of one of the oldest country clubs in the U.S. to play cricket, squash, golf, and pickleball at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Go ice skating, play hockey, or take lessons for both at Wissahickon Skating Club. Admire exhibitions such as La Cresta: A Land-Sculpting Installation, see collections of acrylic paintings, and attend jazz concerts and family events at Woodmere Art Museum. Bring a date to dine on Chinese food with a French twist, including Angel Hair and Shrimp, Sizzling Triple Delight, and Chocolate Souffle at CinCin Restaurant. Sample Mexican bites like Chicken Tinga Tacos, Vegetable Fajitas, and Yucca Fries at El Poquito. Munch on the iconic Schmitter Sandwich or a Cheesesteak Hoagie with a Smithwicks Irish Ale at McNally’s Tavern. Or gather in the beer garden for house-made brews such as the Fiddler pilsner or Corn Maize ale paired with a Trenton Napoli Pizza at Chestnut Hill Brewing Company.
Fishtown
- Home Price: $321,841 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Want to live in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Philly where there’s always something happening? Fishtown is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for young professionals due to its low unemployment rate and array of vintage shops, music venues, bars, and other nightlife! Plus, getting around Fishtown is easy since it’s very walkable and bikeable, and has stations for buses, the Route 15 Trolley, and the Market-Frankford Line—also known as “The El.” Families love this neighborhood too, thanks to top-notch Philadelphia schools such as Fishtown Montessori and Adaire Elementary School. Rowhouses, brownstones, and condos are the most common housing types in Fishtown—and new homeowners looking to connect with their community will find plenty of opportunities in this hip, artistic area with events like Philly First Fridays, as well as local spots like Konrad Square and Graffiti Pier.
Things to Do in Fishtown
Throw a ball for your dog, push your kids on the swings, and catch exciting events year-round—like the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration in October—at Penn Treaty Park. Go climbing with friends, take a climbing class, or sign the kids up for youth classes at Philadelphia Rock Gyms – Fishtown. Attend emo and country music nights or dance along to live bands performing rock, alternative, and metal songs at Kung Fu Necktie. Check out the many bars throughout The Fillmore Philadelphia while watching shows by huge names such as The Decemberists, Trixie Mattel, and Busta Rhymes. Make a reservation for Thai specialties like Kanom Jeeb Nok, Sua Rong Hai, and Nua Pad King at Kalaya. Indulge in the Broccoli and Lemon, Vegan, or Angry Pizza with a Love City Lager to drink at Pizzeria Beddia. Snag a seat in the German-style beer garden to fill up on Weisswurst or The Kanzler Burger paired with a Sion kolsch or Hofbrau lager at Frankford Hall. Or enjoy Italian dishes in an Irish pub—like the Involtini Di Melanzane and Pasta Aum Aum—along with a Blood Orange Cosmo at Murph’s Bar.
Grays Ferry
- Home Price: $165,333 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
An up-and-coming neighborhood in Philadelphia, Grays Ferry continues to grow and improve! This friendly neighborhood is popular with house flippers, meaning you can get a renovated home in a more affordable area, or flip a house yourself. Grays Ferry offers rowhouses, townhouses, condos, and more in a combined urban and suburban area filled with playgrounds, green spaces, coffee shops, and bars! Seniors, in particular, can take advantage of affordable housing opportunities at St. John Neumann Place. Living in this diverse neighborhood also means you’ll be close to bustling districts with tons of job opportunities and interesting things to do, including Center City and University City. And residents also have quick access to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, both of which are about ten minutes away!
Things to Do in Grays Ferry
Swim in the pool, gather with family for a picnic, or run around the playground at Stinger Square Park. Ride your bike along the trail, practice your heelflip in the skate park, and go fishing at Grays Ferry Crescent Trail Park. Play basketball, level up your gaming skills in the arcade, and use the computer center for work or fun at Vare Recreation Center. Join an adult soccer league or youth program, play virtual reality games, and relax in the lounge with snacks at Revolution Field House. Start your day with a Coffee Milan, Red Velvet Coffee, or Thai Tea from Grays Ferry Coffee. Catch the taco truck around town, or grab Sweet Soy Garlic Wings, Churros, and a Watermelon Agua Fresca for takeout at Korea Taqueria. Order Curry or Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, and Steamed Shrimp with Bulla for dessert at Mr. Jerk. Or drop by a classic Philadelphia bar to catch up with friends over a beer, cider, or the Sandwich of the Day at Dean’s Bar.
Roxborough
- Home Price: $249,267 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Roxborough in Northwest Philadelphia has a suburban, historic feel but still offers excitement thanks to its bars, restaurants, and unique shops. This is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods to buy a house because of all the lovely trees and greenery, the Schuylkill River bordering the west side, and the nice blend of housing options—from Victorian and Mid-Century Modern homes to rowhouses and townhouses. If you love bike riding, Roxborough is full of people enjoying leisurely rides or cycling to work on bike lanes and bike paths around the neighborhood. And if you’re university student or have college-aged kids who want stay close to home, Thomas Jefferson University’s East Falls Campus is just outside the neighborhood and Saint Joseph University’s Hawk Hill Campus is only 20 minutes away!
Things to Do in Roxborough
Hike over three miles of trails, stroll through the Sensory Garden, and explore the Environmental Art Gallery at The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Have a picnic, throw a frisbee, and catch an outdoor concert during the summer at Gorgas Park. Take horseback riding lessons or tour the facility and learn about equine health on Barn Days at Courtesy Stable. Hit baseballs in the batting cages, play volleyball, and let your kids climb and jump through the Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course at Elite Sports Factory. Enjoy photo-worthy brunch dishes like the Nova Lox Platter, Banana Boat, or Gyoza at Taylor’s Cafe. Looking for the best cheesesteak in Philly? Try the Cheese Steak, Chicken Steak, or Imported Ham Hoagie at Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies. Switch it up for dinner with Tibetan food like Tsamthuk, Beef Momo, and Tibetan Satay at White Yak. Or taste Polish favorites like Haluski, Philly Jawn Pierogies, or Kielbasa Zapiekanka at The Pierogie Kitchen.
***
Moving to Philly? Extra Space Storage has convenient self storage facilities located throughout the City of Brotherly Love to help make your transition smoother. Find Philadelphia storage units near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
