Located in the heart of Philadelphia is the historical, diverse neighborhood of Bella Vista. The name "Bella Vista" means "beautiful view" in Italian, and the neighborhood is known for its charming streets, vibrant community, and close proximity to some of the city's best attractions.
If you're a homebuyer looking for a lively yet relaxed neighborhood with a rich history and plenty of amenities, Bella Vista could be the perfect fit. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about living in Bella Vista, including the housing market, transportation, local attractions, and more.
Bella Vista was first settled by early immigrants in the early 1800s, and has been shaped by waves of immigrants from various parts of the world opting to call this area home - notably, Italian immigrants began settling here in large numbers during the late 1800s. Today, Bella Vista (also referred to as the Italian Market neighborhood) is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Philadelphia, with a mix of old and new residents from a variety of backgrounds.
If you're interested in buying a home in Bella Vista, you'll find a mix of historic row homes, newer condos and apartments, and some larger single-family homes. Philadelphia’s housing stock is older than most, and many 700-800 square foot homes still exist throughout this storied neighborhood. Many, though not all homes have a small (cement) backyard space.
The housing market in Bella Vista is not too competitive right now, with only 12% of homes selling above list price after spending an average of 70 days on market. According to Redfin, the median sale price for a home in this area is currently $425,000.
Bella Vista is an affordable alternative to nearby Society Hill, Graduate Hospital, and Old City. Although you'll pay more to live here than Passyunk or Dickinson Narrows, you're also a lot closer to the city center. There are still opportunities for first-time homebuyers to find affordable homes in the neighborhood, especially if they're open to fixer-uppers or homes with smaller square footage.
Resource: Closing Costs in PA: What Home Buyers Need to Know
Having an idea of what problems you might encounter during the home inspection can help you understand whether this neighborhood is a good fit for your budget and plans. Here are some of the most common issues that people encounter during the inspection process when buying a home in Bella Vista:
To avoid these issues, work with a reputable home inspector who can thoroughly evaluate the property and identify any potential problems. It's also a good idea to work with areal estate agent who is familiar with the neighborhood and can help guide you through the homebuying process.
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Resource: What Do Home Inspectors Look For? Expert Realtors Weigh In
One of the biggest draws of living in Bella Vista is the neighborhood's proximity to some of the best attractions in Philadelphia. The neighborhood is located just south of Center City, Philadelphia's bustling downtown area, and is within walking distance of many popular museums, theaters, and restaurants. Some of the top attractions in Bella Vista include:
If you're moving here with kids, you'll be happy to know that the neighborhood is home to several excellent schools. Some of the top schools in Bella Vista include:
If you need to get around the city or commute, Bella Vista is served by several bus routes and is within walking distance of several subway stations. The Broad Street Line runs through the western edge of the neighborhood, providing easy access to Center City and other parts of the city. Residents with cars rely on street parking (and opt for parking permits that make the task easier).
Bella Vista is a very walkable neighborhood, with most amenities within easy walking distance. Acme and Whole Foods serve as easy-access grocery stores, while a number of local bakeries - like Sarcone's and Isgro Pastries - provide a gluten fix for anyone who needs it. Chapterhouse Cafe, Fitzwater Cafe, and Function Coffee Labs are there to provide both morning coffee and a place to work outside the home.
For those interested in exploring beyond the neighborhood, Passyunk, Society Hill, and Washington Square West (the Gayborhood) are all within a 15-minute walk and offer even more options for eating, exploring, and entertainment.
Bella Vista is a very bike-friendly neighborhood, with bike lanes and designated bike routes on many streets. The neighborhood is also located near several major bike trails, including the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail.
Bella Vista is home to several beautiful parks and public spaces, including:
In addition to these parks, Bella Vista is also located near several larger public spaces, including Franklin Square and Washington Square.
Bella Vista is known for its vibrant restaurant scene, with a wide variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. Like many neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Bella Vista has an unusually large number of BYOB eateries - so bring your favorite bottle of merlot and order an appetizer to match.
Some of the top restaurants in the neighborhood include:
And many more.
Bella Vista is also home to several bars and nightlife venues, including 10 Steps Down and Hawthornes. On warm days, the 9th Street Bottle Shop opens a street-side stand and residents can have a drink at the outdoor Piazza DiBruno next door (perhaps with a slice of pizza from Nannie Franco's Pizza next door).
Bella Vista is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood with a rich history and plenty of amenities. If you're a first-time homebuyer looking for a cozy neighborhood with a diverse community and easy access to some of the city's best attractions, Bella Vista might be the perfect fit. With its historic flavor, iconic outdoor market, proximity to Center City, and convenient public transportation options, Bella Vista offers everything you need to enjoy the best of city living.
All in all, it's easy to see why some residents firmly believe this is the best neighborhood in Philadelphia.
Have any questions about Bella Vista? We're happy to get you in touch with a local agent who can answer them.
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