Home to charming colonial streets, an array of world-class cultural institutions, and some of the best restaurants on the East Coast, there’s lots to love about living in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania’s largest city also happens to be one of the most affordable trendy cities in America according to Realtor.com. Known for its unique combination of history, creativity, grit, and intelligentsia, Philly makes a great home for those looking for a large city on the eastern seaboard that isn’t NYC or Boston.
Whether you’re a professional, a family, or a retiree looking for a new place to call home, Philadelphia neighborhoods have something for everyone, from apartment rentals in vibrant urban areas to single family homes on quiet, tree-lined streets. Before your move, explore a variety of Philadelphia’s safe neighborhoods, including Fairmount, Chestnut Hill, Roxborough, Rittenhouse Square, and Fox Chase. You’ll discover why these neighborhoods in the City of Brotherly Love are perfect for your new home.
Fairmount
Fairmount, also known as “Art Museum Area”, is a beloved Philadelphia neighborhood known for its history, culture, and a plethora of urban amenities. Largely a residential neighborhood, Fairmount’s streets are lined with historic row houses and mansions. Fairmount offers plenty of options in terms of real estate, whether you’re looking to rent or buy. Most of the homes in this area are row houses, creating a dense, urban feeling in a historic setting.
Despite Fairmount’s quiet reputation, it’s also filled with some of the city’s top restaurants, ample greenspace, and many cultural institutions, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and Rodin Museum. This family-friendly neighborhood offers the ideal mix of serene public spaces and abundant cultural activities. Residents of all ages love Fairmount Park, which stretches along the Schuylkill River. Bike, walk, or jog along the river and through the park’s many beautiful paths. Fairmount is one of the most pedestrian friendly areas of Philly, making it easy to get around without a car or commute into City Center. With so much foot traffic, it’s a safe neighborhood, with 60% less crime than other neighborhoods in the city.
- Median rent: $1,800
- Median cost of a home: $455,000
- Walkability score: 91
- School quality: B+
- Great for: young professionals, young families, retirees, arts and culture, food, walkability
Chestnut Hill
Originally a weekend retreat for Philadelphians in eras gone by, Chestnut Hill is nestled on the highest point in Philly, a stone’s throw from the peaceful wilderness of the Wissahickon Valley. Wander through the neighborhood and you’ll find sprawling historic homes, luxury townhouses, cobblestone streets, and plenty of green space, including Morris Arboretum and Gardens. There’s a reason this neighborhood is known fondly as Philly’s garden district. But don’t let the suburban streets fool you; there’s still plenty to do in Chestnut Hill.
Bringing small-town charm to the big city, Germantown Avenue is home to the neighborhood’s vibrant shopping district and countless restaurants. Chestnut Hill residents are known to “keep it on the hill”, supporting local shops, restaurants, and bars that cater to every budget. And, for those commuting or looking for a bit more of Philadelphia’s characteristic grit, a quick 30-minute train ride on SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill East and West Line will take you right into Center City.
Sitting just 10 miles northwest of Philadelphia’s Center City district, Chestnut Hill offers the best of suburban living. Real estate in this area offers something for everyone, too, whether you’re in the market for a modest row home or a grander home on multiple acres. This neighborhood is home to a variety of public and private schools, with excellent options for every age. There’s no neighborhood safer than Chestnut Hill in Philly, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area for families and retirees. If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood with abundant green space and plenty to do, you’ll be charmed by Chestnut Hill.
- Median rent: $1,810
- Median cost of a home: $1,325,000
- Walkability score: 65
- School quality: B
- Great for: access to nature, easy commute, families, school age children, retirees, safety
Roxborough
If you’re looking for tranquil, tree-lined streets and an affordable family-friendly neighborhood, look no further than Roxborough. From abundant outdoor spaces to the lively independent businesses on Ridge Avenue, there are plenty of amenities in Roxborough. On evenings and weekends, residents flock to the Schuylkill Nature Center, live music performances at Gorgas Park, and the annual family-friendly Roxtoberfest. Fondly known as “A Place with Roots”, Roxborough is filled with well-established families and expecting parents alike. It’s not uncommon to find neighbors chatting on porches in this neighborhood. Take a walk through the leafy streets and you’ll find Victorian homes, 1950s split levels, and row houses with children playing on neat lawns.
There’s an undeniable small-town feel to Roxborough, despite its proximity to downtown. Located in the northwest area of the city, this Philadelphia neighborhood is less than a 30 minute commute from City Center by train, offering an excellent mix of comfortable living and quick access to the city. Lower housing costs and a variety of schooling options draw families to the area, as well as its reputation for safety. Property crimes are 50% lower in Roxborough than other neighborhoods in Philadelphia, so you can feel comfortable knowing your loved ones are safe here.
- Median rent: $1,580
- Median cost of a home: $399,000
- Walkability score: 52
- School quality: C
- Great for: families, access to nature, small town charm, easy commute
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s most popular neighborhoods, boasting the city’s top restaurants, luxury shopping, a celebrated theater scene, and buzzy nightlight. Just a 20 minute walk to Center City, Rittenhouse Square is in the hub of action. Home to some of Philadelphia’s most beautiful streets, a stroll through Rittenhouse will take you past stately brownstones, towering trees, and lamplit Addison Street. Look closely and you’ll find historic markers on plenty of the buildings, many of which date back to the 1800s.
This neighborhood appeals to young professionals and retirees looking for a walkable lifestyle, a dense urban setting, and a variety of things to do, day to night. Home to some of the best schools in Philadelphia, you’ll also find plenty of families in Rittenhouse Square. With some of the highest rents in the city, there are a plethora of upscale offerings in this area, whether you’re searching for an apartment to rent or a forever home. In the heart of the neighborhood, Rittenhouse Square Park offers a reprieve from the urban landscape, with leafy paths, and bubbling fountains. The park was designed by William Penn when Philadelphia was founded, calling back to the city’s rich history. On a crisp fall afternoon, the park overflows with picnickers and tourists, buzzing with undeniable vibrancy.
- Median rent: $1,690
- Median cost of a home: $722,450
- Walkability score: 99
- School quality: A
- Great for: young professionals, food and dining, nightlife, walkable lifestyle, great schools
Fox Chase
Like many of our favorite Philadelphia neighborhoods, Fox Chase is filled with magnificent historic homes that reflect the city’s colonial roots. With the development of the railroad, Philadelphia’s elite families built mansions in pastoral Fox Chase and flocked to its lush landscape during weekends and summers. Today, glimpses of that past remain. The Verree House, Knowlton Mansion, Ryerss Mansion are just a few of the remaining mansions that add character to the neighborhood. A few of these mansions can be found in Pennypack Park, where history and nature meet. Visitors to the park have been known to find arrowheads and stone tools, remnants of the indigenous communities that lived in the area far before colonial settlers.
Homes in this zip code cost less than some other areas in Philadelphia, attracting young families looking for more space and ample access to nature in a safe neighborhood. More of the area’s rural roots can be felt at Fox Chase Farm, one of Philadelphia’s few remaining working farms. Fox Chase residents are known to swing by the farm stand for fresh produce and eggs, or participate in one of their many community programs. Beyond unrivaled access to nature, Fox Chase’s other amenities don’t disappoint. Try out the Quaker Diner for some of Philly’s finest milkshakes and french toast, or Macaroni’s famous pasta in nearby Bustleton. Located in the “green heart” of northeast Philly, Fox Chase is ideal for families and retirees looking for suburban lifestyle commuting distance to City Center.
- Median rent: $1,195
- Median cost of a home: $316,000
- Walkability score: 54
- School quality: C
- Great for: families, retirees, access to nature, easy commute
Benefits of Self-Storage in Philadelphia
It can take time to explore real estate in different areas and search for the ideal home for you and your family in Philadelphia. While you’re at it, self-storage offers a convenient way to store your belongings and keep your possessions safe. With flexible rental terms and various size options, self-storage facilities offer a convenient solution for those between leases, waiting for their new home to be ready, or downsizing. Click here to explore our storage options and reserve your storage unit!
