Thinking about moving to Philadelphia? The City of Brotherly Love is filled with incredible local restaurants, tons of fun attractions to explore, and affordable housing options that fit every budget. If you’re considering living in Philadelphia, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods to check out!
Bella Vista
Photo via @localphillyliving
- Home Price: $268,021 median purchase price; $1,083 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With budget-friendly apartments and townhomes, quick access to Center City, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops in the area, Bella Vista offers the perfect blend of urban and suburban living. In addition, this Philadelphia neighborhood is home to the popular 9th Street Italian Market, an expansive outdoor Italian-style market where residents can pick up local, fresh ingredients year-round!
Things to Do in Bella Vista
Find upscale casual wear among the premium-made clothing and accessories at boutique P’s & Q’s. Check out Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, an immersive indoor-outdoor art gallery and installation that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Celebrate Bella Vista’s deep Italian roots at the 9th Street Italian Market Festival, which includes live music, delicious food, and even a grease pole contest! Cool down on a hot summer day with a pint of pineapple-flavored water ice from John’s Water Ice. Try a German beer that you won’t be able find anywhere else outside of Germany at Brauhaus Schmitz. Or stop into one of Philly’s best Italian restaurants, Ralph’s Italian, which has been operating since 1900!
East Falls
Photo via @nwlocalpaper
- Home Price: $215,870 median purchase price; $1,010 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Situated in Northwest Philadelphia is East Falls, one of the best neighborhoods in Philly! Not only is this area popular among college students attending local universities like Thomas Jefferson University and Drexel University College of Medicine, but it’s also a favorite among young professionals, families, and retirees looking to purchase an affordable home just outside of the city!
Things to Do in East Falls
Head over to the Wissahickon Bike Trail, where you can ride along 57 miles of trail next to the Wissahickon Creek. Pick up fresh produce, meat, and more from the year-round East Falls Farmers Market. Catch one-act and ensemble plays put on by local actors at Old Academy Players. Find new books, attend language classes, or bring the kids for story time at Falls of Schuylkill Public Library. Round up some friends and try a few beer flights at Wissahickon Brewing Company. Grab a Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza or Philly Cheese Steak Pizza from Slices Pizza. Or schedule date night at In Riva, where you can share a bottle of wine and dig into hearty Italian dishes like Papparadelle or Gnocchi,
Fairmount
Photo via @phillymag
- Home Price: $320,109 median purchase price; $1,289 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to live near Philly’s best museums and attractions? Fairmount is an excellent choice! This central Philadelphia neighborhood is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, The Oval, the famous “Rocky Steps,” and more along Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. And if you’re looking to settle down in a classic brick townhome, modern condo, or an affordable apartment, you’ll find it in Fairmount!
Things to Do in Fairmount
View European paintings, see immersive dance performances, and participate in yoga classes at Perelman Building. Experience a piece of Philadelphia history by touring the abandoned Eastern State Penitetiary, which was once one of the most famous prisons in the world. Attend gardening classes, cooking workshops, and more at community garden The Spring Gardens. Kick-start your morning with a made-to-order egg sandwich and latte from OCF Coffee House. Get a taste of Southern comfort food over at South, where you can enjoy a plate of Cornmeal Dusted Catfish while listening to live jazz. Join the other faithful regulars who meet up for beers and a quick bite at The Bishops Collar. Or watch your favorite teams over at Urban Saloon, where the beer list continues to grow and the burgers always satisfy!
Manayunk
Photo via @keepitrealestatephilly
- Home Price: $244,671 median purchase price; $977 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 86% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Over the years, Manayunk has become one of Philadelphia’s best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. With its trendy rowhouses and Victorian-style houses, fun community events, wide range of local restaurants and bars, and green spaces like Pretzel Park and Fairview Park, this Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood is a hot spot for young adults who want a place to live, work, and play!
Things to Do in Manayunk
Join your neighbors at the annual Manayunk StrEAT Festival to taste food from a few of Philadelphia’s best food trucks and local restaurants. Get in a morning run along the Schuylkill River Trail, which has been recognized by USA Today as a top urban trail. Let your inner bookworm thrive at local bookstore The Spiral Bookcase. Catch shows featuring indie bands or join in for open mic nights at The Grape Room. Try brunch menu staples like Churro Pancakes and Breakfast Tacos at Taqueria Feliz. Order an artisanal pizza like The Godfather or American Pie from The Couch Tomato Cafe. Sample local beers like the Crunch Peanut Butter Porter or the Monk from the ‘Yunk Tripel at Manayunk Brewing Company. Or discover your new favorite whiskey alongside a delicious cheese plate from The Goats Beard.
Whitman
Photo via @liz_laporta
- Home Price: $218,266 median purchase price; $934 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Philadelphia neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re searching for safe, affordable neighborhoods in Philly, Whitman is the perfect choice! This South Philadelphia area is a favorite among families and retirees for its quiet residential vibe, budget-friendly townhomes, availability of green space, and great local schools like George Sharswood School and Mastery Charter Thomas Elementary School.
Things to Do in Whitman
Take the kids to Whitman Public Library to pick up some books, learn about poetry, and attend theater classes. Venture over to a Phillies (MLB) game at Citizens Bank Park, an Eagles (NFL) game at Lincoln Financial Field, or a Sixers (NBA) at Wells Fargo Center. Cool off at the splashpad or have fun at the playground at Mifflin Square Park. See a concert, an amateur fight, and more inside of the 2300 Arena. Show your competitive side with bowling, yard games, and billiards at South Bowl. Quench your thirst with a colorful Fruit Tea or a Pearl Milk Tea from Mr. Wish. Satisfy your appetite with a cheesesteak doused in Cheese Whiz and fried onions at The Original Tony Luke’s. Or visit one of South Philly’s best diners,Oregon Diner, for all-day breakfast dishes like the Western Omelette or the Golden Brown Hot Cakes.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
