Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square is downtown living at its finest – and has the price tag to show it. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, it is bound by Walnut Street, South Street, Broad and 20th. The cost of living is extremely high, and as a result the residents of the area are limited to professionals, wealthy young families and retirees.

The main attraction of the area is a large, open-space park. Green space can be limited in Philadelphia, especially downtown, so this park is a welcome addition. It features stretches of grass, fountains, benches, and pavement pathways for skating, biking and walking. The area is always alive with parents and their children, dog-owners walking their dogs, young artists and hipsters playing music, and professionals lounging on their lunch breaks. The park is bordered by luxury high-rises and condos; as you move away from the central square onto smaller side streets, you’ll find beautifully maintained, upscale homes.

The area is also home to high-end shops and restaurants, making it the pinnacle of shopping in Philadelphia. Stores like Tiffany and Co., Lululemon, Anthropologie and Club Monaco are mixed in with H&M, Urban Outfitters and Gap. There is a restaurant at every turn, which makes Rittenhouse the prime location for the popular Center City Sips, a summer long happy hour with discounted drinks and appetizers at the hottest restaurants.

Street parking is extremely limited in the area, and if you are a visitor with a car you will most likely be paying for a parking lot. Public transportation is very accessible via bus, and the Broad Street line is a mere step away. Overall, Rittenhouse is the place to be for shopping, dining and recreation. However, if you choose to live right in the action, you might get sticker shock.

Rittenhouse Square is definitely one of the most expensive places to live in the city, but for good reason. This neighborhood is at the center of it all in terms of location, shopping, and dining. If having a well-known address in Philadelphia is important for you, than look no further than the streets surrounding Rittenhouse Square.

Rittenhouse Square is desirable because any abode within this neighborhood is close to theaters, museums, music halls, restaurants and Walnut Street shopping. For those that like to go out at night, Rittenhouse is also close to some of the best bars and clubs in the city.

Around Rittenhouse Square, tall condo and loft buildings with great views of the square and the city house the wealthy. The side streets jutting out from the square feature million dollar (or multi-million dollar) town homes and condos. This is s great neighborhood for families as well, with some of the top private schools in the city also residing in Rittenhouse Square.

If you are seeking sophistication and upscale living then Rittenhouse Square might have just what you are looking for. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City it is home to many empty nesters who have left sprawling suburban abodes for the urbane life. Close to theaters, museums, and concert halls, the renewal of Rittenhouse Square has spawned a world-class night life.

Many of the side-streets contain multi-million dollar homes suitable for a single resident. On the Square are high-priced condos with spectacular views and are home to athletes who have brought excitement to the Philly sports scene.

Walnut Street is adjacent to Rittenhouse Square and features up-scale shopping for antiques, jewelry and clothing. Walnut Street is also a direct route to the colleges and universities in University City for either walking or biking.

Many private schools are located in the area but know that there are wait lists. The Greenfield School, a magnet public school, is several blocks away on Chestnut Street. You will also find the more common place venues such as drug stores and camera shops on Chestnut.
In addition the area is home to many churches which feature mid-week services as well as concerts and lectures.

16th Street between Pine and Spruce is a WONDERFUL block and area to live. If you love inner-city living - this is the spot. Walking distance to shops, parks, restaurants, museums, schools, art galleries and more with excellent Center City public transit. After 4 years of living on this block, not once did I experience any bad crime first hand. Leaving my bike locked up outside on a lamp post was never a problem. When family or friends would visit, they were always able to find free street parking and their cars were never vandalized.

Although this is a college town, the neighbors and local businesses are very friendly and supportive of the Arts. The buildings are very old (mine was a 4-story row home built in the 1800's) so don't expect high-end or updated appliances in the rentals. Most buildings do not have central air conditioning, and trash pickup can be very noisy.

Overall, I loved living on this street. Center City Philadelphia is a wonderful town and this block is homey, safe and close to everything.