A Dive into the Neighborhoods of Center City

The Bustling City is Calling You – Come to Center City

For those new to Philadelphia, let’s get you started on the right foot. Our downtown area is called Center City. If you want to fit in, replace any mention of “downtown” with “Center City.” Then it will be a little less obvious you aren’t a native. Now that that’s out of the way…

Center City! A superb area of the city great for just about anyone ready to spend a minimum of $400,000. Square footage averages around 1,100, with $332 per square foot being the lowest you are most likely going to find. But the amenities are worth it. Center City has become a hub of culture, architecture, nightlife, great food, diverse entertainment, and stand out work places. If this is your market, than get to know more about your options.

Old City

• Considered America’s “most historic square mile” with points of interest including:
  • Elfreth’s Alley
  • Penn’s Landing
  • Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
  • Liberty Bell
  • Independence Hall
  • And the list goes on…
• Hosts a First Friday every month to celebrate the arts and urban nightlife in the area
• Publishes an annual “State of Old City” report, which is certain to give a prospective homeowner a pulse on the neighborhood

Rittenhouse

• A personal take on why Rittenhouse is Philly’s best neighborhood, especially if you like corgis
• Named after the first paper-maker in Philadelphia
• Rittenhouse Square, the defining feature of the neighborhood, is considered one of the finest urban public spaces in the United States

Society Hill

• Home to the oldest farmer’s market in Philadelphia, held every Sunday May through December at Headhouse Square
• Named after the 18th Century Free Society of Traders, which had its offices on a hill in the area
• Once a slum neighborhood, the area is now highly sought after, many thanks to the 1950’s urban renewal effort led by Edmund Bacon (Kevin Bacon’s father)

Washington Square West

• A jewelry lover’s mecca, with nearly 300 diamond and jewelry merchants
• A sycamore moon tree in the square, planted in 1975, was grown from seeds that had been carried to the moon by astronaut Stuart Roosa on the Apollo 14 mission.
• The inspiration for the song “Washington Square Park” from the pop-punk group, The Wonder Years – take a listen here

Logan Square

• Home to the iconic Love statue, although it is temporary residing at Dilworth Park while Love Park undergoes renovations
• This neighborhood is bursting with cultural destinations, including:
  • The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
  • The Franklin Institute,
  • The Barnes Foundation
  • Free Library of Philadelphia
  • Rodin Museum, the Ruth and
  • Raymond G. Perelman Building
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Newly renovated in 2012, those with young children will appreciate Sister Cities Park, an urban oasis perfect for cooling off on hot days

To take a deep dive into Center City neighborhoods, check out the Center City District and Central Philadelphia Development Corporation’s website with sections devoted to each neighborhood.

Moving on to real estate. I’ll let the numbers do the talking:

Interested in buying or selling in Center City? Give us a call at (267) 765-2080 to get started today.

*Note – Center City East/Chinatown was not included due to lack of data. With just 17 residential sales in the past 6 months, it was difficult to present aggregated data. One of our agents would be happy to discuss options here as well, so give us a call.