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Located in the uppermost part of Northeast Philadelphia, Byberry is a neighborhood situated between Bucks and Montgomery Counties. This Philadelphia neighborhood is most well known for being the location of Philadelphia State Hospital, a former mental institution. Aside from the negative connotation that this gives the community, it is actually a safe and pleasant working class neighborhood.

The infamous Philadelphia State Hospital was located off of Roosevelt Boulevard, and shut down in 1990. The abandoned mental institution became a breeding ground for vandalism, rumors and an unsafe environment. Eventually the building was torn down, and the lot of over 100 acres became the location of modern townhouses, condos and commercial buildings. Regardless, many urban legends about the hospital live on, and the community has had trouble shedding the dark stories surrounding it.

Despite the legends, the area is well developed, and becoming more and more gentrified. Even though the cost of living is rising, there is a strong working class presence and pride in the community, as demonstrated by active residential associations and groups.

Benjamin Rush State Park offers abundant green space to residents. However, there is not a lot of other development, so nightlife is limited. The area is also very far from Center City. Public transportation is not conveniently located, so most residents have at least one car.

Overall, Byberry is becoming a desirable place to live, if you can get past the uncertainties instilled by the rumor mill.

Crestmont Farms is located in the upper section of Northeast Philadelphia. It is bordered by Bucks County, with Poquessing Creek serving as the dividing line between Philadelphia and Bucks. The community was established in the early 1900s as a 40-acre farm with 70 homes. Today, it is an upper-class neighborhood with single-family houses, lush yards and cul-de-sacs.

Many residents are homeowners in this affluent area, but there are some modern apartment complexes and condos that attract well-off renters. Whether you are buying or renting, real estate prices are high. There are few shops and restaurants, and no real nightlife. For this reason, there are very few young residents in Crestmont Farms; the area draws mostly families, empty nesters and retirees.

Overall, Crestmont Farms is a great suburban (borderline rural) option for those that are looking to settle down and buy, or those who no longer have children living and home and want to downsize. Unfortunately, it is a 30-minute commute from Center City and not easily accessible by public transportation - but if a calm, quiet life is what you seek and you are willing to pay for it, Crestmont Farms is a safe and pleasant place to be.

Oxford Circle is a neighborhood in the Lower Northeast. The area used to be well maintained with strong community bonds, but in recent years Section 8 low-income housing has moved into the area, causing former owners to leave for the suburbs, and low-income renters to replace them. This shift has marked an increase in crime, violence and litter.

Like much of the Lower Northeast, Section 8 has put a large strain on the community. Oxford Circle is no longer an area you want to walk alone at night – and is also not ideal for raising families. The majority of homes are Victorian style multi-family homes, with both singles and families renting the spaces. There are pockets of Oxford Circle that still have proud homeowners that continuously attempt to revitalize the community, however these people are becoming hard to find.

A unique feature of Oxford Circle is that it is home to three creeks: Wissinoming, Pennypack and Tacony. These add a serene feel to the otherwise urban area; however, litter and distress has found its way to these bodies of water as well. Oxford Circle could benefit greatly from gentrification, yet has not yet been touched by it.

Located in the Far Northeast, Bustleton is a quiet, family-friendly, residential neighborhood. The majority of the homes are single-family or twin, although there are apartment complexes, duplexes and condominiums in the area. The population is made up primarily of white, middle-class professionals and families, with a large portion that commute into Center City or the surrounding suburbs.

Four public schools, operated by the School District of Philadelphia, are in Bustleton. Pennypack Park and Fox Chase Farm lay to the south of the area, making for abundant green space and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are numerous family medical practices and mom-and-pop shops, but if you are seeking larger, commercial areas, Roosevelt Boulevard, Bustleton Avenue and Red Lion Road are all nearby. These major highways feature large department stores and grocery stores, like Ross and Shop-Rite. Unfortunately, the heavy traffic on these roads has been a cause for many car accidents.

Public transportation is sparse, so most residents have at least one car. There are a few SEPTA buses that service the area, and for those who would prefer commute via train, the SEPTA Regional Rail West Trenton Line and Fox Chase Line run through neighboring communities like Fox Chase and Somerton. Overall, this small Philadelphia subset is a great option for city workers who want a quieter home life for themselves and their families, and don’t mind a commute into the city.

Wissinoming is a Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood located along the Delaware River. Much like the neighboring communities of Tacony and Mayfair, crime is on the rise. This has caused major tension amongst homeowners and renters in the community.

Most houses are single-family, one-story homes. There is a large population of owners, but Section 8 was recently approved in the area, so low-income renters are starting to move in. According to the permanent residents, these renters are cause for much stress in the neighborhood. Gun crime, drug usage and prostitution have become an issue. Although some homes are well maintained, trash litters many blocks and public spaces. As a result, residents formed a Wissinoming Town Watch in 2012, with the hopes of revitalizing the area. They have not yet been successful.

Apart from the crime, Wissinoming has a number of good qualities. There is the expansive Wissinoming Park, two playgrounds, and the School District of Philadelphia operates three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. And although public transportation is not very accessible, there is easy access to I-95.

Overall, the rise in crime has caused Wissinoming to transform into one of the least desirable areas to live in the Northeast. The active Town Watch team may be able to combat the crime and filth, but it looks like it will take a while to put the neighborhood back on its feet.

Located between North Philadelphia and the Lower Northeast, Kensington is an older Philadelphia neighborhood offering very low rent prices – primarily because it is not a desirable area to live in.

The population is a mix of Caucasians, Hispanics and African Americans. Typical Philadelphia row homes line the streets, but many are in poor condition or abandoned. A handful of homeowners frequently attempt to revitalize the area and keep their blocks clean; unfortunately most do not, which contributes to the unkempt appearance of the neighborhood.

SEPTA services the area via the Market-Frankford Line and numerous bus routes; however it is not a place you wish to walk alone at night. Crime rates are extremely high, and the corner of Kensington Avenue and Somerset Street has been listed as one of the top recreational drug corners in the city.

Overall, Kensington is in need of major revitalization and gentrification, which has not yet reached the area. If low real estate prices are what you seek, there are many other areas that are safer, accessible and have better schools, all at comparable costs.

Girard Estate is a South Philadelphia neighborhood bound by Passyunk Avenue, Oregon Avenue and 17th and 25th Streets. Like much of South Philadelphia, this area is predominantly Italian American. While most of Philadelphia is recognized for its brick row homes, Girard Estate is marked by varied architecture, including prairie homes and bungalows. These unique home fronts allow for suburban curb appeal, without leaving Philadelphia’s boundaries.

Homeowners are required to preserve the aesthetics of their homes as dictated by the Historical Association. Additionally, neighborhood associations are extremely prominent, and all fall under GENA (Girard Estate Neighborhood Associations). Community bonds are strong, and residents are dedicated to beautification and safety. The School District of Philadelphia operates numerous schools, and the Free Library of Philadelphia operates a branch in Girard Estate.

Residents have access to a variety of green space, since Marconi Plaza and FDR Park both border the area. There are also a variety of chain and grocery stores, such as Home Depot and ShopRite. While the subway is accessible with a stop at Oregon Avenue, many residents have cars, and driveways to park them in. Buses also run through the area.

Overall, the dedicated residents of Girard Estate make for an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment. This makes the area ideal for families who want access to Center City, but enough distance from the “city action” to raise children, with parks, good schools and peace and quiet. It is best suited for families, older professionals and retirees.

Pennsport is a South Philadelphia neighborhood located just east of Bella Vista, which spans down to the Delaware River waterfront. The area is home to a large Irish American population, brought together by the local Pennsport Civic Association. Pennsport is also home to one of the most well known groups in Philadelphia: the Mummers.

The Mummers are one of Philadelphia’s livelier groups, known for ringing in the New Year. Since 1901, the Mummers Parade is hosted on January 1st on Broad Street, featuring elaborate costumes and jovial music. There are four types of Mummers: comics, fancies, string bands and fancy brigades. Pennsport is where the Mummers assemble, managing various clubhouses and The Mummers Museum, located at 2nd and Washington. There are a variety of Irish pubs and corner bars where Mummers and other residents congregate on nights and weekends.

Pennsport has easy access to Columbus Boulevard, where you will find many big chains like Target, Walmart, IKEA and Home Depot. However, these stores result in heavy traffic, even on residential streets. The area is not close to the subway, but buses are very accessible. Most Pennsport residents are older, established families, with very fewer renters. Real estate prices are very reasonable. If you are looking for a low-key area to settle with strong community roots, Pennsport is a good choice.

Like the neighboring Manayunk and Roxborough, East Falls is a charming town right outside of Philadelphia, with a combination of city energy and residential appeal. . It borders the Schuylkill River, featuring a gorgeous running and biking trail up to Fairmount Park. The area is very up-and-coming, as the local East Falls Community Council is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents and making it as much of a desired location as Manayunk.

Philadelphia University, known for its architecture program, is located in East Falls, which contributes to its increasing popularity. The university draws a crowd of students, resulting in a significant amount of renters and high noise levels on weekends. These students opt to live in the smaller townhomes near main drags with corner bars and restaurants; one of these high-traffic streets is Ridge Avenue. However as you move away from Ridge the area becomes more residential, with larger, single-family homes for young professionals, couples and families.

There is one public school, several private schools, a number of fitness centers, day cares and recreation centers in East Falls, making the area desirable for families with young children. Public transportation is very accessible, with two train stations that provide a 20-minute commute to Center City; this is ideal for the parent that work in the city but does not want to raise their children downtown; it is also appealing to young professionals that are transitioning out of the city post-college.

Although public transit is convenient, it can be time-consuming. Many residents still choose to have a car, but like Manayunk, East Falls is very hilly, making parking difficult and flooding an issue.

Real estate prices are beginning to rise in East Falls as it becomes the next “hot-spot”. However, you will find more space for your money than you will with the apartments and row homes in Center City. East Falls is not only a great transition town for students and post-grads; it is a good place for young families to settle without giving up the Philadelphia lifestyle.

Passyunk Square has Philly pride written all over it. Located east of Broad Street between Tasker and Washington, Passyunk Square is named for Passyunk Avenue, a street that runs diagonally amongst the Philadelphia grid.

The area has a very heavy Caucasian population, the majority of which are Italian. There are strong neighborhood bonds, and the community is kept close by the Passyunk Square Civic Association. Many of the streets are lined with privately owned shops and corner groceries, all of which have an “everybody knows your name” sort of vibe.

Passyunk Avenue is known for its hipster dive bars, like Stogie Joe’s and Pub On Passyunk East (or POPE, as the regulars call it). Another big draw to the area are the well known, battling cheesesteak joints: Pat’s and Geno’s. There is nothing more “Philly” than a cheesesteak, and these two shops both claim to be the best. Located at 11th and Federal, Pat’s and Geno’s face each other from opposing corners, and have long lines of locals and tourists at all hours of the day.

Congested areas, like those surrounding Pat’s and Geno’s, making parking very difficult, so you are better served walking or biking. Luckily public transportation is very accessible; it is a quick walk to the Broad Street Line and numerous buses service the area. Real estate prices have risen slightly in the past few years, but they are still very reasonable. You will find many more settled families then renters, which adds to the strong neighborhood bonds.

Washington Square West is the best of both worlds. Named after Washington Square Park, which is located at 6th and Walnut, this neighborhood is an eclectic combination of both buyers and renters, open green space and urban charm.

Washington Square West is home to a strong LGBT pride and presence, and is often referred to as the “Gayborhood” by residents. Visitors will see rainbow flags on over 30 street signs, permanent fixtures dedicated to the diversity and inclusiveness of the neighborhood by former city Mayor, John Street.

Each street is lined with restaurants, bars and coffee shops, many of which feature outdoor seating and brightly colored storefronts. Fitness centers and yoga studios are also very prominent in the area. What makes the area extremely unique is that part of Jefferson University Hospital’s campus extends into the neighborhood; this gives the area a young, post-grad vibe, mixed with older professionals and settled couples.

Unfortunately there is always pedestrian and automotive traffic, and congested one-way streets means metered parking that is hard to come by. Yet what the area lacks in parking is made up for in housing options; there is a range of luxury condos and small, converted apartments in charming row homes. As a result, the residential makeup of the area is extremely diverse. Sale and rent prices are high, but it is possible to find cozy apartments for reasonable rates after some searching. Overall, the area is in high-demand due to its safety, eclectic culture, diversity and nightlife.

University City, whose name is coined for the many universities and colleges in the area, is located in the eastern-most section of West Philadelphia. Home to well-known academic institutions like Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences, University City is home to students, recent grads and professors.

The University district has become a hub for arts and culture; the campuses have transformed the urban space by incorporating green space, quads and large art installations, making the area aesthetically pleasing and lively. The student body is extremely diverse, and shops, restaurants and bars make for a great nightlife. Once you step off the main streets, blocks are lined with old, Victorian houses. However, many of these houses have been converted into apartments and are rented to large groups of college students, making for rowdy blocks and poorly maintained streets.

The area is very accessible by subway, bus and train. 30th Street Station, the main railroad station in Philadelphia, services Regional Rail and Amtrak trains; it is an easy way to travel to the suburbs, New York and other stops along the Northeast Corridor. University City is also home to numerous public and private schools, as well as top medical facilities like CHOP, the top children’s hospital in the country.

Overall, the area is affordable and fairly safe. However, as you move farther away from campuses and student housing, crime rates rise. The safety issue and the loud nightlife are not ideal for families with young children, but is a good option for college students and grads looking for a lively social life.

The strong historic roots of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, come to life in Old City. Old City, located along the Delaware River between Front and 6th streets, is home to the historic district, arts and culture, and an energetic nightlife.

The Independence National Historical Park is Old City’s main attraction, which contains Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Constitution Center and the Betsy Ross House. These notable landmarks celebrate the founding of our nation, and as a result the area draws crowds of tourists from around the globe. It is also home to the oldest inhabited residential street in the country, Elfreth’s Alley. This street, along with many others, is comprised of quaint row homes and cobblestone and blocks of green space. The area is safe and clean, making it a desirable location, but rent and sale prices are extremely high. As a result, residents of the area are older professionals, retirees and wealthy families.

Old City is the backdrop to Philadelphia’s First Friday – on the first Friday of every month, numerous art galleries, museums and shops open their doors free to the public, as artists and street vendors line the sidewalks selling their work. After 10pm, the streets fill with college students and young professionals, who are drawn to a variety of bars and clubs around 2nd and Market. The bars cause the area to get extremely loud on Friday and Saturday nights year-round. Pizzerias, sandwich shops and eateries are open into the night, serving partygoers as late as 2am.

The constant crowd makes parking difficult, but public transportation is extremely accessible. The SEPTA Market-Frankford line and buses make it easy to get to Center City, which is also within walking distance. Old City’s combination of history, culture and nightlife make it is busy at all hours of the day, with something for everyone.

Open air markets. Fresh, affordable produce. The smell of meats, cheese and wine in the air. This is what you will find in Bella Vista, located between 11th and 6th streets, just south of South Street. Bella Vista means “beautiful sight” in Italian, named for the Italian immigrants that were the first to settle in the area. Italian pride still runs deep and strong, and Bella Vista is home to the famous Italian Market. The market runs up 9th street, where vendors line the sidewalks and foot traffic is heavy with tourists and locals alike. Specialty shops are open year-round, including DiBruno Brothers, known for their cheese, meats, and friendly service.

The area is also home to one of the best meals of the day – brunch. Top brunch spots include Sabrina’s Café, Fitzwater Café and Hawthornes; they all feature gourmet dishes, eclectic menus and fresh ingredients. The lines are always long at these hot spots on weekends, but are well worth the wait.

Residential rent and sales prices are very reasonable for the row homes in the area. While it can be loud near the Italian Market, as you travel away from 9th Street it becomes peaceful and neighborly. There are many small parks, like Bardascino and Cianfrani Parks, which are the perfect location for dog walking or having a picnic. There is access to three elementary schools and one high school in the School District of Philadelphia, and the Free Library of Philadelphia has a branch in Bella Vista. This quaint, cultural pocket is ideal for families and young professionals that want a quieter alternative to downtown, but is still within walking distance of Center City.

If you are looking for a hub of culture, delicious food and a sense of community, Chinatown is the place to go. Tucked away on the border Center City, Chinatown is a friendly melding of all Asian cultures. Restaurants and shops combine a variety of dialects and authentic cuisines, ranging from Vietnamese and Chinese to Thai, Korean, Cantonese, and many more. The streets are wrought with vendors selling meat, produce and small souvenirs.

Chinatown is in a very central location, and is within walking distance of Old City and Center City East. The nightlife is vibrant, featuring lively bars and music venues. The popular Trocadero is in the heart of Chinatown, which is a hot stop for touring artists from around the world. Many of the bars are known for their karaoke and friendly environment, like the infamous Yakatori Boy.

The culture of Chinatown is a huge draw for tourists. As a result, there are always crowds. This is one of the reasons that parking is near impossible – luckily public transportation is very accessible. The Chinatown Station at 8th and Vine provides access to all parts of the city, and the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford line are both within walking distance. The Chinatown bus is also a convenient way to get to New York City and Baltimore.

There are a number of inexpensive studios and small apartments above shops and restaurants, making Chinatown a great location for students and young professionals looking for a vibrant place to live. For older professionals, there are many condos and luxury apartments – these different housing options draw even more diverse crowds to the already diverse area.

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.