- Rittenhouse Square: Best Overall
- Fishtown: Best for Young Professionals
- Chestnut Hill: Best for Families
- Society Hill: Most Historic
- Manayunk: Best for Renters
- Graduate Hospital: Best for City Center Access
7. Fairmount: Best for Outdoor Space
Philadelphia is the kind of city where history is never fully forgotten. You can find one block lined with historic row homes and longtime corner bakeries, while the next buzzes with new restaurants, public spaces, and renovated housing.
Virtually every corner of the City of Brotherly Love has a story to tell, and it offers a wide range of neighborhoods that feel like home in very different ways. Regardless of lifestyle, phase of life, or budget, there are plenty of options, whether you’re a young professional, raising a family, or ready to kick back and enjoy retirement.
In this guide, we break down the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia with helpful details like housing costs, commute times, and overall feel.
Philadelphia Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
Before diving into the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, here’s a quick snapshot of things to know before moving to Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia has a population of 1.5 million and more than 150 distinct neighborhoods, ranging from historic districts with cobblestone streets to fast-growing areas full of modern amenities.
- The average rent in Philadelphia is around $1,740 per month.
- Philadelphia’s average home value is roughly $227,453, which makes the city more affordable than many other major East Coast cities.
7 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
For some, the perfect neighborhoods are lined with trees and historic homes. Others might look for walkability, nightlife, or easy access to parks and public transit.
Philadelphia has neighborhoods that check each of those boxes in different ways. Below, we’ve rounded up the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia based on livability, local character, housing options, and overall appeal.
1. Rittenhouse Square: Best Overall
- Average Home Value: $458,322
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,523
- Commute to Center City: Walkable (5–15 minutes)
- Vibe: Urban, upscale, walkable
Many people consider Rittenhouse Square the nicest neighborhood in Philadelphia, especially those who want a classic city experience with modern conveniences. It also happens to be one of the richest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Built around one of William Penn’s original public squares, the neighborhood blends historic architecture with high-rise condos, luxury apartments, and some of the city’s best-known restaurants.
Rittenhouse Square is one of the most walkable areas in the city, and it’s a great area to explore for where to eat in Philadelphia. Dining options are easy to come by, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. For many residents, work, shopping, and everyday errands are within walking distance, and SEPTA buses make it easy to access other parts of the city without owning a car.
2. Fishtown: Best for Young Professionals
- Average Home Value: $368,527
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,276
- Commute to Center City: About 15–20 minutes by car or SEPTA
- Vibe: Energetic, social, creative, nightlife-driven
Fishtown has built a reputation as one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for young professionals, and it continues to attract people in search of a lively social scene. Once an industrial district, the neighborhood evolved into one of the city’s most popular places to live. Here, you’ll find new apartment buildings, renovated rowhomes, and a steady flow of new restaurants and bars.
The neighborhood is especially known for its dining and nightlife. Frankford Avenue is lined with music venues, breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants, allowing residents to grab dinner, catch a show, and meet friends without ever needing to leave the neighborhood.
3. Chestnut Hill: Best for Families
- Average Home Value: $854,672
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,976
- Commute to Center City: About 35–45 minutes by car or regional rail
- Vibe: Quiet, leafy, family-oriented, community-focused
Chestnut Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families, thanks to its quieter atmosphere and suburban feel. Located in the northwestern corner of Philly, the neighborhood is known for its wide streets, historic stone homes, and strong sense of community. It feels noticeably different from denser parts of the city.
Many families choose Chestnut Hill for its quieter setting and more spacious homes than you’ll find in most parts of the city. The area is also home to highly regarded schools and easy access to green spaces like Wissahickon Valley Park.
4. Society Hill: Most Historic
- Average Home Value: $478,490
- Average Monthly Rent: $3,354
- Commute to Center City: Walkable (10–20 minutes)
- Vibe: Historic, peaceful, architecturally rich
Society Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for its history. Known for its preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes, brick sidewalks, and tree-lined streets, the area feels more like a European village than a major American city. Society Hill is a favorite among those who appreciate architecture, history, and a slower pace, while remaining close to everything.
The neighborhood sits just east of Center City, making it easy to walk to work, restaurants, and cultural attractions like Independence Hall and Washington Square. Here, you’ll find a quieter, more residential feel than in nearby Center City.
5. Manayunk: Best for Renters
- Average Home Value: $350,006
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,500
- Commute to Center City: About 25–35 minutes by car or regional rail
- Vibe: Lively, affordable, outdoorsy, walkable
Manayunk is a longtime favorite among renters in Philadelphia, especially those looking for a high-energy neighborhood with more affordable housing options than Center City. Located along the Schuylkill River, the area is known for its mix of apartment buildings, converted rowhomes, and a busy Main Street filled with restaurants, bars, and local shops.
The neighborhood draws a younger crowd thanks to its social vibes and access to the outdoors. The Manayunk Canal Towpath and nearby trails are popular for walking, running, and biking. Manayunk stays lively well after dark thanks to its lively Main Street. Affordable rent prices and a close-knit community feel add to the appeal.
6. Graduate Hospital: Best for City Center Access
- Average Home Value: $544,821
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,623
- Commute to Center City: Walkable or short transit ride (15–25 minutes)
- Vibe: Central, residential, practical, low-key
Graduate Hospital is often considered one of Philadelphia’s best-kept secrets, especially for people who want to live close to all the action without being right in the middle of it. Tucked just south of Center City, the neighborhood provides residents with a mix of newer homes, renovated rowhouses, and quieter streets.
Folks appreciate the walkability and easy access to nearby restaurants, parks, and transit routes. The area has grown steadily in popularity thanks to its central location and neighborhood feel. For many, Graduate Hospital strikes the right balance of urban access and livability, earning its place among the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for retirees and others who enjoy city life but are seeking a quieter, residential feel.
7. Fairmount: Best for Outdoor Space
- Average Home Value: $430,795
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,731
- Commute to Center City: About 10–15 minutes by car or public transit
- Neighborhood Highlights: Green, relaxed, community-oriented
Fairmount is a standout choice for anyone who values outdoor living while staying close to the city. The neighborhood sits alongside Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the country, and offers easy access to walking trails, bike paths, and open spaces that feel far removed from the energy of Center City.
The area is also a great starting point for anyone looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia, thanks to its parks, museums, and free outdoor attractions. In addition to its outdoor appeal, Fairmount offers a relaxed, residential atmosphere with classic rowhomes, local cafés, and cultural attractions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art nearby. Its location makes commuting into Center City simple, while still offering a quieter pace of life.
Finding the Right Philadelphia Neighborhood for You
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods each offer something different. The best choice comes down to how you live, commute, and use your space day-to-day. Taking time to compare neighborhoods will make your move smoother and more intentional.
Once you’ve narrowed down where you want to live, planning the logistics comes next. Whether you’re downsizing, renovating, or waiting to move into your new place, having extra room can make the transition easier. CubeSmart offers Philadelphia self-storage options in a variety of sizes, making it easier to stay organized during every stage of your move. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you to get started.
