Northern Liberties

Frequently called “NoLibs” by Philadelphians, Northern Liberties is no longer referred to as up-and-coming – it is instead just “up” and running. Northern Liberties is just north of Center City, and was once fairly abandoned. Now it has become a haven for city-dwellers, boutiques and restaurants.

The residents of Northern Liberties consist of artists, young professionals, young families and students, as Temple University is just a few blocks away. The houses in the area are a unique combination of old row homes and new lofts; Onion Flats, LEED-H certified and sustainable apartments built by the McDonald Group, have new units in NoLibs, and add a modern appeal both aesthetically and functionally. There are also four public schools, three charter schools, a playground and a local library, making the area family friendly.

NoLibs is quiet during the week since it is set off from the hustle and bustle downtown, but on weekends it has a vibrant nightlife – which should be taken into consideration with younger children. The Piazza is the pinnacle of this nightlife; it features a large, open courtyard with bars, restaurants, shops and a flat screen television. In the summer, group fitness sessions and farmers markets appear in the space in the early morning, and music events occur almost every week. The popularity of the area is even starting to attract chain stores, like the recently opened Superfresh.

The El and the trolley both run to Northern Liberties, but you might have a bit of a walk once you get off public transportation. Overall the area has transformed from run-down and crime-ridden to a desirable place to live. And as with all desirable areas, the rent prices are starting to climb.

Northern Liberties, or NoLibs as it's called by many, is a little bit past the up-and-coming stage in my point of view. The nightlife, dining, shopping and music scenes are all clearly defined, and more and more people are moving into this neighborhood without hesitation. Fishtown is up-and-coming, NoLibs is already there.

The boundaries of NoLibs are roughly Girard Avenue, Callowhill Street, the Delaware River and 6th Street. Within this rectangle you'll find town homes,row homes, apartment buildings, lofts and condos. While the area seems mostly to belong to renters, its evident that buyers will continue to look at NoLibs as the place to purchase.

One of the reasons that many people flock towards Northern Liberties is the Piazza at Schmidts. Recently opened, the Piazza serves as a hub for dining, shopping and live events. When the weather is nice, the Piazza is packed. The bars, restaurants and shops along 2nd Street are also extremely popular.

Because of all the revitalization and rejuvenation of this area, prices are on their way up in terms of cost of living. Northern Liberties has thus become sort of an exclusive place to live. Get in while there are still quality places available!

Northern Liberties is up and coming. A few years ago, half of the neighborhood consisted of empty lots and trash strewn streets. Now, the area is where everyone comes to party.

Home to students, artists, and young professionals, such as designers, Northern Liberties has a new and old vibe to it. Considering the neighborhood is a desirable place for both commercial and residential growth, Northern Liberties is building itself up each day. With the majority of housing being old style brick row homes, recent times have brought along condo and apartment complexes. All the new additions to the neighborhood have caused the property value to jump substantially.

For families with school-age children, there are 2 public K-8 schools, 2 public 9 - 12 schools and 3 charter schools. The neighborhood library is a diverse place for children to study and participate in sponsored activities. There are also two parks within the neighborhood. One of them includes an off-the-leash park for dog owners and the other is a park and playground where kids can hang out.

Transportation is simple with the Market-Frankford El running through the neighborhood. Bus and trolley routes run in and around the area as well. I-95 is right off of Northern Liberties and helps those who drive get to other parts of the city. Parking isn't too bad either. There is a huge parking lot across from the neighborhoods feature attraction - The Piazza - and the parking is free.

Speaking of the Piazza, this is where all the fun it located. With a number of restaurants and bars, outdoor concerts and movie nights on a huge flat screen, the Piazza serves for an awesome experience for the kids and part of Northern Liberties' eventful nightlife. You can go and relax in the Piazza's center on a lawn chair, or take to bar hopping. It's a cool place for families during the day and friends during the evening.

Northern Liberties was once abandoned and forgotten. However, with close attention being made to the neighborhood's growth, this section of Philadelphia has turned around totally 360 and is well worth the trip to check it out.

Where the artists go……here comes the neighborhood! Northern Liberties, as the name suggests, is just north of Center City Philadelphia. As artistic working space became too expensive in other areas artists flocked to the abandoned warehouses and surrounding homes creating a vibrant community block by block. New York developers from Brooklyn’s fabled arts community are “hot” on the area making creative space for chefs who need certified kitchens and textile workers. Not long after the first artists, young families, affordable restaurants and cafes followed.

Originally formed in 1771, Northern Liberties was once home to German Immigrants and housed a community center for nearby residents. Spring Garden Street, its’ southern border, is also known for the residence for Edgar Allen Poe and the place where he wrote “The Raven.” To the north is Girard Avenue, west is Callowhill Street, and east is the Delaware River, a frequent site for outdoor activities in the summer.

Transportation to all parts of the city is easily accessible and it is an easy bike ride or walk to the heart of town, Center City.
There are two public high schools and several middle schools along with a public library.