Marconi Plaza / Packer Park

Packer Park and Marconi Plaza are the two neighborhoods bordering the Philadelphia Sports Complexes to the north and south. Like much of South Philadelphia, the area has a large Italian-American population. The close proximity to the sports complexes makes the area a source of Philadelphia pride, uniting local Philadelphians and outside tourists.

The neighborhoods have access to the subway, but only one stop services a very wide area. As a result, the majority of residents have cars; both I-95 and I-76 are conveniently located for those traveling outside the city.

The area is extremely residential, and houses break the typical mold; luxury townhomes are placed in cul-de-sacs, a stark difference from the parallel grid of Philadelphia. Packer Park is broken into communities, named The Reserve, Siena Place and Stella Maris Homes. Civic associations are prominent, forming a tight-knit, neighborly community.

The area is also known for FDR Park, providing abundant green space along the Delaware River. There are roadways and walking paths, as well as picnic areas and natural land ponds. This park is a nice alternative to the street and concrete of the city, giving an escape to city-dwellers. Packer Park also encompasses the Philadelphia Naval Yard, a 1,200 acre urban development dedicated to research, sustainability and growth. The development is home to a variety of companies, ranging from the Philadelphia Water Department to URBN, parent company of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People. The Naval campus consists of historical buildings and technologically advanced construction, providing for an interesting mix of aesthetics.

The demographic makeup of Packer Park and Marconi Plaza is primarily working, white-collar couples and families, skewing towards older professionals. Real Estate prices are high, but remain more reasonable than other expensive areas of the city like Rittenhouse Square. The School District of Philadelphia and numerous parks, which are ideal for raising families, service the area. If you are looking to be right in the city action, Packer Park and Marconi Plaza are not the right choice; however, if you want a residential escape at the very end of Broad Street, this area is can deliver.