Thinking of renting a home in Philadelphia? Residents can enjoy delicious international eats, diverse art galleries and museums, and iconic historical sites in one of America’s oldest cities. Here are the five best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for renting!
Manayunk
- Home Price: $1,648 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 60%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Surrounded by cozy townhomes, unique Rowhouses, and modern apartments along walkable, tree-lined streets, Manayunk offers small-town charm along the banks of the Schuylkill River. In addition to being a recreation-focused area with a strong local shopping district, Manayunk has many community events like Out & About in MNYK and the Manayunk Arts Festival to maintain a close-knit community. With Philly colleges like Thomas Jefferson University and Franklin University, this northwest neighborhood is also popular with those seeking or working in higher education. Plus, because of its reputation as a Philly nightlife haven, Manayunk is one of the best Philly neighborhoods for singles and young professionals.
Things to Do in Manayunk
Attend a community production like the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee during the Shoe Box Short Theatre Festival at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. Wander through Manayunk Main St for countless local eateries and shops like The Little Apple Gift Boutique, The Spiral Bookcase, and the Pet Friendly Dog Bakery—and make sure to attend seasonal events like the Streat Food Festival! Purchase local artists’ paintings, or read their poetry at the Manayunk Roxborough Art Center (MRAC). Find a modern playground, a spacious dog park, and a farmers market in Pretzel Park. Start your day with a Smoked Salmon Panini, Italian Panini, or Volo Toast with canal views at Volo Coffeehouse. Fill up on a Scorpion Dog or Peace, Love & Veggie Burger, then wash it down with the Dark & Stormy cocktail at Lucky’s Last Chance. Try Tibetan dishes like Tsamthuk, traditional Momo Dumplings, and Pingsha at the White Yak. Dine on made-from-scratch gourmet pierogies like the Honey Sriracha Chicken or Loaded Baked Potato at The Pierogi Kitchen. Or spend a night on the town enjoying drinks like The Garnet and Cherry Blossom or sharable meals like the Street Corn Dip at Manayunk Brewing Company.
Northern Liberties
- Home Price: $1,755 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 36%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Northern Liberties (NoLibs) offers some of the best urban living in Philadelphia. In the 90s, NoLibs residents set the stage for the neighborhood to become an economic and cultural hub. Now, the narrow streets of the once-abandoned industrial district are packed with bars, local shops, entertainment, and an eclectic mix of historical rowhouses and brownstones alongside sleek, contemporary apartments! Easily walk or bike to some of the best restaurants in Philly, quickly commute to Center City and Old City, or take advantage of the Septa trolley‘s public transit lines. And with quality Philadelphia high schools like Quadrat Academy, the Career and Academic Development Institute, and Bodine High School for International Affairs, Northern Liberties also has many educational opportunities for families looking to settle down.
Things to Do in Northern Liberties
Plan your plot in the community gardens, let your kids play on the playground, and attend annual events at the privately owned—but community-maintained area—Liberty Lands Park. Attend plant sales, the art summer camp, mural exhibitions, and more from the eco-conscious Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA). See “unparalleled public art” like statues, murals, light displays, and more throughout Northern Liberties while on a self-guided street art tour. Grab Siciliana Breakfast Sandwiches, Cannoli Crepes, and Nutella Lattes at Italian espresso bar, Dolce&Caffe. Try the Deluxe Sashimi Sushi Bar, Shoyu Ramen, and more at Seiko Japanese Restaurant. Order New American dishes like Salmon Cheesesteak, Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak, or a Shrimp Cobb Salad at Bourbon & Branch, a decommissioned church-turned-restaurant. Or chow down on the Wild Mushroom Queso Fundido, Pork Belly Tostada, and Corn Dumplings at Anejo Philadelphia. Enjoy drinks and dancing with regular weekend DJs at beloved local sports bar, The 700.
Old City
- Home Price: $1,311 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 66%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Known for its cobblestone streets and 18th-century charm, Old City is an affordable, family-friendly place to rent in Philadelphia! Located near the Delaware River waterfront, Old City is also near historical sites like the Liberty Bell, Penn’s Landing, the Betsy Ross House, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Those living in this neighborhood can choose from a mixture of modern and historical apartments, rowhouses, and condos—all perfect for families to rent. Plus, residents don’t have to go far to enjoy trendy boutiques, galleries, theaters, and nightlife entertainment!
Things to Do in Old City
Check out American history in Philadelphia by walking through exhibits at popular places like the National Liberty Museum, National Constitution Center, and Museum of the American Revolution. Explore the Philly performing arts scene with plays, musicals, and comedy tours at venues like the Arden Theatre and FringeArts. Take a walk along the Race Street Pier, or go outdoor skating in the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink at the Philadelphia waterfront. Find activities for kids in Philadelphia with exhibits like the Clone Table, Tilted Room, or Beuchet Chair at the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. Try a French Omelet, Eggs Benedict, or French Toast for brunch at the modern eatery, Fork. Order a Steak Sandwich, BBQ Burger, or Pepperoni Pizza Burger at Sonny’s Famous Steaks. Dig into Chinese cuisine like the Spicy Tofu Fish, Pickled Chili Style, or Mapo Tofu at Han Dynasty. Or get sweet treats like a Hot Fudge Sundae, Cotton Candy Ice Cream, or a Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich at The Franklin Fountain.
Rittenhouse Square
- Home Price: $1,469 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 66%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled within Center City, Rittenhouse Square is conveniently close to top-notch restaurants, bars, art galleries, historical sites, and cultural events in Philadelphia. One of the best parts about living in Rittenhouse Square is the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, which attracts over 50,000 visitors annually for its fashion, food, shopping, and live entertainment for the local community! Additionally, Rittenhouse Square is near Philly’s Gayborhood—which offers Philadelphia residents plenty of LGBTQ-focused events for everyone! This highly walkable Philly neighborhood is home to Rittenhouse Square Park—a popular relaxation spot with ornate statues, peaceful fountains, and beautiful flowers. The beauty doesn’t stop there in this inclusive neighborhood, with brownstone apartments and Victorian homes available for residents looking to rent a home in Philadelphia.
Things to Do in Rittenhouse Square
Visit Broad St—also known as as the Avenue of the Arts—a vibrant hub for the performing arts! Catch flicks from local filmmakers alongside classics and independent films, at the Philadelphia Film Center. Or enjoy a night of classical music performances from The Philadelphia Orchestra or the Philadelphia Ballet at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts. On the other side of the neighborhood, examine over 300,000 rare books and documents—including the private letters and works of famous authors like Emily Dickinson—in the historical library at The Rosenbach. Perform your own hilarious routine with Comedy 101 classes, or enjoy local Philly stand-up acts at the Helium Comedy Club. Delve into an international spread of meats, cheeses, coffee, and wine at the gourmet, European-style marketplace Di Bruno Bros. Test out tasty eats like Tortilla Soup and Fried Mahi Mahi, or sample their extensive list of Agave shots at Mission Taqueria. Or sip on drinks like an English Paloma or Rose Mimosa for happy hour at The Dandelion.
University City
- Home Price: $1,012 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 30% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 48%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
This Philadelphia neighborhood is perfect for University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University students—especially young healthcare professionals—as several medical campuses populate the area. Residents can find affordable houses for rent in Philadelphia, including historical Queen Anne and Victorian rowhouses, townhomes, and apartments with Brownstone or Modern out-fittings. University City’s access to some of the most prominent colleges in Philadelphia also comes with having your pick of entertainment, museums, parks and public green spaces, and nightlife! With 30 miles of bike lanes, bus and subway routes, quick drives to Philadelphia suburbs, and flights from the Philadelphia International Airport via Septa’s Regional Rail, University City is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Plus, long-distance travelers can utilize the third-busiest Amtrak station in the U.S. at 30th Street Station!
Things to Do in University City
Enjoy a day outdoors by going for a jog or walk at Drexel Square, a 6.5-acre urban park. Catch the Penn Quakers (NCAA) play at The Palestra—also known as the “Cathedral of College Basketball”—or cheer on the track and football Philadelphia sports teams on the historical, intricately-designed Franklin Field. Spend your lunch break in Warden Garden, enjoy live music during regular Garden Jams, or peruse exhibits like Ancient Egypt & Nubia and Native American Voices collections at the Penn Museum. Try your hand at fencing in all-ages introductory classes at the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia. Share Pork Soup Dumpling, Beef Stuffed Scallion Pancakes, Truffle Edamame Dumpling, and more Cantonese and Shanghai classics at Dim Sum House. Enjoy seasonal dishes like Kennett Square Mushroom Soup, Beet & Arugula Salad, and Spicy Lamb Bolognese featuring ingredients from local, organic farms at White Dog Cafe. Play some trivia, enjoy happy hour specials, and sip on Ireland-imported drafts or cocktails like the Philly Martini and 96oz Mega Mule at New Deck Tavern. Or try craft cocktails like the Blueberry Crush, Cold Brew Martini, or Pink Julep for date night at Renata’s Kitchen.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
