Your Guide to Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Who Is Bella Vista For?

The largest demographic in Bella Vista is the 25-34 age group. The population is evenly split among those who are unmarried and those who are married, and 37% of residents have children.

Affordability

Bella Vista’s housing costs are 36% higher than the national average. Here, the median purchase price for a home is $268,021, while the median monthly rent is $1,083.

Crime Rate

If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Philly, Bella Vista might be the place for you. The area is safer than 82% of Philadelphia neighborhoods and 62% safer than cities in Pennsylvania.

Things to Do

View creative urban trash-to-treasure art at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Get your kids active on the basketball court or involved in athletic programs at the Palumbo Recreation Center. Immerse yourself in Bella Vista’s historic Italian roots with arts and crafts, live music, delicious food, and more at the 9th Street Italian Market Festival. Appreciate art made by community members at Fleisher Art Memorial. Warm up with a fresh cup of espresso, latte, and drip coffee at Function Coffee Labs. Munch on Lentil Soup, Chicken Kebabs, and Lamb Chops at Isot Turkish Cuisine. Enjoy refreshing lemon, cherry, and lime flavored ice from April to October at John’s Water Ice. Or visit Isgro Pastries, where you can get a Classic Cannoli or Fresh Strawberry Shortcake.

Why You’ll Love It

Located a few minutes outside of Center City, Bella Vista is a budget-friendly, walkable Philadelphia neighborhood full of culture. With its open-air Italian market and green spaces like Cianfrani Park, residents will have plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Additionally, the neighborhood offers a variety of apartments, townhomes, and condos for rent and for sale.

Who Is Fairmount For?

Residents of Fairmount are primarily young adults between the ages of 25-34. This Philadelphia neighborhood’s median age is 35.3, and the majority of its residents are unmarried.

Affordability

Housing costs in Fairmount tend to be more expensive. They’re 62% higher than the national average with a median purchase price at $320,109 and median monthly rent at $1,289.

Crime Rate

Fairmount is one of the safest places to live in Philadelphia. It’s safer than 75% of neighborhoods in Philly and 56% safer than other cities in Pennsylvania.

Things to Do

Learn about history and pop culture through interactive exhibits like The Franklin Air Show, The Giant Heart, and the Amazing Machine at The Franklin Institute. Visit Eastern State Penitentiary, one of America’s most historic prisons, where you can tour Al Capone’s Cell and see the Murals of the Chaplin Office. Embark on a street art tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia. Sip on hot chocolate, lattes, and tea at Coffee Cream & Dreams. Grab dishes like French Onion Soup, a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and an Impossible Burger at Urban Saloon. Munch on the Santa Monica Sandwich, San Diego Panini, and the Austin Salad at Rybrew. Or check out live jazz performances while digging into Blue Crab Toast or Buttermilk Fried Chicken at SOUTH.

Why You’ll Love It

Nestled along the Schuylkill River, Fairmount offers tons of green space and outdoor activities with local parks like The Oval. As the city’s hub for the fine arts, Fairmount is also home to concert hall The Met Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (where you can see the famous Rocky steps). Housing options in the area include classic brick townhomes and modern condos.

Who Is Fishtown For?

Fishtown residents tend to be younger, with the largest demographic being the 25-34 age group. While there are some young families in the area, many locals are unmarried with no children.

Affordability

The cost of housing in Fishtown is 24% higher than the national average. Here, you’ll find homes with a median purchase price of $254,839 and a median monthly rental price of $866.

Crime Rate

Fishtown is a safe place to live in Philly. The neighborhood is 46% safer than other Philadelphia neighborhoods and 35% safer than other cities in Pennsylvania.

Things to Do

Take part in community events like Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Penn Treaty Park. Catch touring music acts like Softcult, The Mary Wallopers, and Magnolia Park at The Fillmore Philadelphia. See comedians like Roy Wood Jr., Wellie Jackson, and more at Punch Line Philly. Attend shows featuring artists like The Clairvoyants and The Ohio Players at The Event Center or dine at one of the six restaurants available at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Start your morning off with a Yogurt Parfait or a hot cup of Americano at La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Fill up on Buttermilk Pancakes, Apple Fritters, and Spicy Bauernwurst at Frankford Hall. Listen to live music while you enjoy dishes like the Italian Style Fried Chicken Sandwich at Johnny Brendas. Or grab a slice of pizza with fresh toppings like calabrian cream and roasted brussel sprouts at Pizzeria Beddia.

Why You’ll Love It

With renovated warehouse lofts, rowhouses, and apartments, Fishtown is a hot spot for renters looking for homes with character. This Philadelphia neighborhood along the Delaware River is a favorite among creative types, young professionals, and college students, thanks to its great arts scene, foodie culture, trendy nightlife, and quick commutes to Center City.

Who Is Manayunk For?

While a majority of Manayunk residents are unmarried and between the ages of 25-34, the area is becoming more popular among young families with children, thanks to its safety and affordability.

Affordability

Though housing costs are 24% higher than the national average, Manayunk is more affordable than comparable neighborhoods. The median home price is $244,671 and median rent is $977.

Crime Rate

Considered safer than 86% of Philadelphia neighborhoods and 65% of cities in Pennsylvania overall, Manayunk is one of the safest neighborhoods in Philadelphia.

Things to Do

Go for a walk and get some fresh air on the Schuylkill River Trail. Watch concerts, shop for artwork and jewelry, and sample food from local vendors at the annual Manayunk Arts Festival. Tickle your funny bone or take the stage yourself at an open mic night at The Grape Room. Pick up unique home goods and gifts at The Little Apple Gift Boutique. Order Winnie’s Signature Sandwich, Avocado Toast, or Three Eggs Your Way for breakfast at Winnie’s. Satisfy your cravings with a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla, Rum Coconut Shrimp, and a Black Bean Burger at The Couch Tomato. Munch on a Scorpion Dog hot dog or a PB & Bacon burger at Lucky’s Last Chance. Or dig into seafood dishes like the Seared Ahi Tuna or Lobster Ravioli at Somo Manayunk.

Why You’ll Love It

One of the big reasons to love Manayunk is its housing options. Because this Philly neighborhood is about 20 minutes outside of Center City, it’s easier to find spacious and budget-friendly brick townhouses for sale and modern apartments available for rent. While this area is more residential, it does offer great walkability and tons of things to do within the neighborhood itself.

Who Is Rittenhouse Square For?

Because of its urban setting, Rittenhouse Square is popular among unmarried residents ages 25-34. However, the neighborhood does have people of all ages and lifestyles among its population.

Affordability

Homes in Rittenhouse Square can be pricey, with housing costs 116% higher than the national average. Here, the median home purchase price is $446,456 and median monthly rent is $1,469.

Crime Rate

Despite being in the heart of the city, Rittenhouse Square is 21% safer compared to other Philadelphia neighborhoods and 17% safer compared to other Pennsylvania cities.

Things to Do

Watch great films like Spirited Away and King Kong with The Philadelphia Film Society. Attend concerts featuring music composed by Beethoven and Bach with Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Take a deep dive into classic literature by going on Behind the Bookcase tours or view rare manuscripts at The Rosenbach. Catch live performances from touring comedians or enroll in comedy classes yourself at Helium Comedy Club. Satisfy your appetite with dishes like Burrata Toast, Roast Duck Salad, and Chocolate Torte at Tria Cafe Rittenhouse. Order Jewish comfort food staples like Parker House Challah Rolls, Lamb Tzimmes, and Macaroon Cake at Abe Fisher. Devour Cheddar Cheese Straws, a Pint of Prawns, and Bangers & Mash at The Dandelion. Or fill up on Carnitas, Wild Shrimp, and Chicken Mole tacos at Mission Taqueria.

Why You’ll Love It

Rittenhouse Square is by far the most walkable neighborhood in Philadelphia, making it the perfect home for anyone who wants an urban live-work-play experience. One of the major features of the neighborhood is its namesake park—Rittenhouse Square Park—which features ornate statues, peaceful fountains, and year-round community events for residents to enjoy.

Best Restaurants

• Center City
• China Town
• West Philadelphia

Best Nightlife & Entertainment

• Center City
• Fishtown
• Old City