DaniMasi

If there is one neighborhood to be noted for its parks and green space in Philadelphia, it is Burholme. Located in the Northeast, just thirty minutes from Center City, Burholme is an excellent area for families and children.

Burholme is the location of Burholme Park, which is a large, public park that contains baseball, soccer and football fields. It features a playground and large hills, which are a popular sledding attraction in the winter. Additionally, the park is home to the Woods at Burholme, a forested section great for hiking and wildlife. The park often hosts various festivals and events. In addition to the great outdoor activities offered in Burholme Park, the bordering community, Cheltenham, is home to the Melrose Country Club, which also features abundant green space and things to do.

Residents of Burholme are ethnically diverse, but primarily middle to upper class. There are row homes, single-family homes and apartment complexes; most of these are inhabited by owners, with few renters in the area. Burholme is a draw for families due to the presence of Northeast High School, one of the largest public schools in the city. Manor College, a small two-year school, is also in the vicinity.

Restaurants, bars and music venues offer a casual nightlife to locals. If you do want to travel into Center City for the weekend or an evening, the SEPTA Regional Rail services Burholme via the Fox Chase Line. However, other public transportation is limited, so having a car is practically necessary for commuters.

Overall, Burholme is a desirable location due to green space, restaurants and good schools. It is ideal for families, and many happily establish their roots there. However, it is a bit expensive, and it as the area remains popular, prices will only rise - so now is a good time to buy.

Bridesburg is located along the lower border of Northeast Philadelphia, just north of Port Richmond and southeast of Frankford. Historically, the area has had a large German and Irish population, but as Port Richmond expanded in the late 1900s, the Polish population grew. Residents of Bridesburg have strong roots, living there for years after their parents and grandparents made a home for them.

The majority of properties are row homes with small front and/or backyards. It is located along the Delaware River, which allows for beautiful waterfront views. Frankford Creek also runs throughout the neighborhood. Community bonds are strong, and neighbors come together frequently at the many churches; for being such a small community, there is an impressive number of churches, the majority of which are catholic. Small restaurants and delis are also common, which act as yet another cozy meeting place for neighbors and friends.

Large, Philly-based companies enjoy having their headquarters in Bridesburg due to the quiet nature of the area, yet close proximity to Center City; some of these companies include Dow Chemical Company and the Dietz and Watson Plant.

For commuters, I-95 and the Betsy Ross Bridge are both accessible, and SEPTA services the area via the Trenton Regional Rail Line; however, other forms of public transportation are limited. It is best to have a car, but street parking is hard to come by.

Bridesburg is an affordable place to live, with spacious row homes at low costs. It is ideal for empty nesters, retirees and people looking to establish roots in a friendly community; it is not great for a younger crowd, and a long hike from Center City.

Port Richmond is known for its community pride and generational bonds. Located along the lower edge of the Northeast, directly above Fishtown and Kensington, the area is home to a large blue-collar population. The majority of residents are of Polish descent, and many residents have parents and grandparents that have lived or still live there. Although the area has seen an influx of Albanian, Italian and Irish representation over the years, Polish pride still runs deep, which is reflected in the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

The majority of houses are row homes, situated along narrow, tree-lined streets. These streets are charming, but their narrow nature makes parking scarce and difficult. Many residents don’t own a car, and instead opt to take the accessible buses, train and trolley. For those that do have a car, I-95 runs parallel to the area.

Port Richmond is close to Columbus Boulevard, which features large chains like Target and Home Depot. In addition to these affordable superstores, there are many quaint mom-and-pop shops, restaurants and drinking establishments. These all reflect the Polish roots in the community, with many Polish delis and cultural hot spots where everybody knows your name.

Port Richmond is family-friendly, with numerous schools, churches and community organizations. It is also extremely safe. Even with all of these benefits, sale and rent prices remain low, because it is a bit of a trek from Center City. However, Port Richmond is growing extremely popular as Center City prices climb, and offers a safe and quaint option for couples, families and young professionals that are ready to settle.

Located in the Far Northeast, Academy Gardens is a middle-class neighborhood bordered by Pennypack Park. The area is alive with green space, country clubs and community pride.

Most homes are detached, single-families, inhabited by long-term owners; renters are few and far between. The population skews towards Caucasian professionals that work in Center City or the surrounding suburbs; since the area has a high commuter population, there are also many drivers. Public transportation is not easily accessible, but I-95 is conveniently located.

In addition to the spacious and green Pennypack Park, Academy Gardens is close to Fox Chase Farms. These two spaces give residents access to a number of outdoor activities, 4H clubs, ponds and recreational sports. Additionally, there are many country clubs within Academy Gardens’ boundaries, such as the John F. Byrne Golf Club and Torresdale-Frankford Country Club. There are also youth sports organizations, like Penn-Academy and Crispin Gardens. Access to these types of organizations makes the area ideal to raise children.

Overall, Academy Gardens is a great place for couples and families to settle; however, it is far from Center City and a bit of a commute. If access to an urban cityscape is not on your list of priorities, Academy Gardens is ideal. The area is suited for those who want a suburban life – and a desirable one at that. The desirability of the area has caused sale and rent prices to rise in recent years, and will continue to do so.

Fox Chase is located in Northeast Philadelphia, and is a great place for suburban dwellers and farm lovers, even though it falls within Philadelphia’s boundaries. Bordered by Montgomery County, Fox Chase contains sprawling green space and detached homes. The population of the area is primarily white and middle-class, with many singles and couples.

The types of homes vary from single-family homes to townhouses and apartment complexes. Homeowners and renters are divided 50/50 – the large renter population also means a lack of children. The homes are generally older, but well maintained. Most residents have at least one car per person/couple; however, those who wish to commute into the city have access to the Fox Chase Line on the SEPTA Regional Rail. This commute can be lengthy at over 30 minutes, but is a sustainable and cost-effective option.

Fox Chase is most well known for the Fox Chase Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute that has won many awards. It is the largest employer in the area, creating a strong economy and healthcare network. Fox Chase is also known for parks and farmland; this includes Pennypack Park, which features bike trails, hiking paths, playgrounds and paths for horseback riding. Additionally, Fox Chase Farm is one of the few functioning farms that still exists within Philadelphia County; this acts as a classroom for the School District of Philadelphia and 4H clubs. The Fox Chase Golf Club is a public course that draws in locals and visitors alike.

Overall, this small Philadelphia subset is a great option for city workers who love nature and don’t mind a commute into the city, or professionals who are employed in bordering suburbs. It is not ideal for children, but suited for young professionals, single or coupled.

Located in Northwest Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill resembles a suburb more than a city. Unlike most of Philadelphia County, it features large, single-family homes with yards, and serves as a commuter town. Chestnut Hill is the ideal location to raise a family, but real estate costs are extremely high – they are only second to the expensive Rittenhouse Square area.

The majority of Chestnut Hill residents are homeowners. The few renters are students at Chestnut Hill College, a small, Roman Catholic college with only 900 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students. In addition to the college, there are two schools operated by the School District of Philadelphia; however, most residents opt to send their children to private schools, like the well-known Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School.

Green space and suburban charm are aplenty. Chestnut Hill is home to Pastorious Park, a 16-acre park maintained by the Fairmount Park Conservancy. It features a small pond and an amphitheater, which showcases evening concerts in summer months. It also overlooks Wissahickon Creek, a body of water that runs 23 miles throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Small, open-air markets and indoor farmer’s markets are popular amongst residents, while privately owned businesses line high-traffic streets.

Chestnut Hill features two lines on the SEPTA Regional Rail: Chestnut Hill East and Chestnut Hill West. These trains see high traffic during the week, with many business professionals commuting into Center City; however, most residents also own cars.

Overall, Chestnut Hill is a safe, green and friendly community. However, it is very expensive to buy and rent in the area. The residential makeup is primarily business professionals and wealthy families. It is a great suburban option, even though it is still in Philadelphia County.

A part of the Lower Northeast, Mayfair offers more space for your money than centrally located Philadelphia neighborhoods. This predominantly white, Irish American neighborhood is bordered by a number of other Northeast locations, including Holmesburg, Tacony, Wissinoming, Pennypack Park and Oxford Circle.

The majority of the homes in Mayfair are townhomes, which frequently feature front yards. Many of these residents are natives of the area, with very few renters. Mayfair, and most Northeast locations, is not easily accessible by public transportation, so many homeowners also own cars and driveways to park them in.

Roosevelt Boulevard is a short drive away, which features large plazas with numerous department stores and services. There are also four schools operated by the School District of Philadelphia within the area’s bounds.

Mayfair has many community organizations, like the Mayfair Civic Association and Mayfair Community Development Corporation. These organizations are dedicated to improving the neighborhood and safety in the area; however, even with these measures in place, crime rates are still on the rise. As a result it is not a great place to raise children. Yet, the crime rates have kept rent prices on the low end, making Mayfair an affordable option.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth century, the Welsh colonist Powel family established Powelton Village, which encompassed rolling estates and industrial leaders. Now, Powelton Village is a national historic district known for its unique Victorian and twin homes, with trees and community gardens adding aesthetic appeal. Located in West Philadelphia near University City, the area is home to long-time, politically active residents united by the Powelton Village Civic Associations, as well as local college students.

With large universities nearby, like Drexel and University of Pennsylvania, students add vibrancy to the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Many students, primarily from Drexel, live in the row homes and apartments in Powelton Village. While it adds diversity to the area, it is also a source of conflict; the Powelton Village Civic Association has voiced complaints to authorities and criticized local landlords, as they find students to be loud, rambunctious and dirty. However, the university drives a lot of commercial activity in the area, causing views on the issue to be spilt 50/50.

The majority of shops, restaurants and retail stores are concentrated on Lancaster Avenue. Local businesses and chains alike line the street, with constant activity from local residents and college students.

Powelton Village is accessible by subway, train, trolley and car. There are two subway stops on the Market-Frankford Line, at 34th and Market and 40th and Market. 30th Street Station is a few additional blocks away, which services both Regional Rail and Amtrak trains, allowing for easy trips to the suburbs, New York and other stops along the Northeast Corridor. The trolley runs along 36th Street and Lancaster Avenue. For those traveling outside the city by car, I-76 is conveniently located.

Overall, Powelton Village is a unique combination of liveliness and down-home comfort due to the two distinct sets of inhabitants: settled residents and college students. Although there is a struggle between these two groups, they overall live together nicely in this safe West Philadelphia community.

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.

South Philadelphia is a fairly residential part of the city, but the excitement of Center City is a quick subway or bus ride away. The area has a primarily Italian makeup, but there is a smaller, diverse population of Irish, African American, Asian, Hispanic and Caucasian representation. Historically, South Philadelphia is a mixed-income area, and as a result crime has always been a bit of an issue. However, many blocks have been revitalized to date.

Most residences are single-family row homes. Community bonds are strong, and neighbors enjoy socializing; block parties are a frequent occurrence. There is a portion of renters, but the majority of residents have been settled in the area for years.

Family-owned businesses appear on busy streets and corners, ranging from bars and restaurants to groceries and novelty stores. Larger chain stores are accessible on Columbus Boulevard, where shops like Target, Walmart, IKEA and Home Depot are featured.

The biggest draw of South Philly is the Philadelphia Sports Stadiums, where local teams like the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers host home games, and touring artists have large-scale concerts. The sports complex is a source of Philadelphia pride, uniting local Philadelphians and outside visitors. There is a dedicated subway station at Broad and Pattison, and bus lines also run to the complexes. In addition to buses and the subway, I-95 and I-76 are easy to get to, making for quick trips to the Philadelphia International Airport or surrounding suburbs.

South Philadelphia High School is located at Broad and Snyder, and there are also a number of public elementary schools. Overall, South Philadelphia has a tight-knit, neighborly feel, with easy access to all parts of the city and suburbs. However, crime rates are still high in certain areas, which should be taken into consideration when searching for properties.

Logan Square falls on either side of the Ben Franklin Parkway, running from Broad Street to the Schuylkill River. It is home to a large portion of the Center City Business District, and features corporate offices for top companies. These are housed in impressive skyscrapers, like the Comcast Center and Penn Center, giving the area a feeling reminiscent of downtown Manhattan.

The name “Logan Square” is derived from Logan Circle, a large, open space park along the Parkway. This space is home to Swann Fountain, which was modeled after the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France. As you stand at Swann Fountain and look up the Parkway towards the Schuylkill River, you get a frontal view of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This stretch of the Parkway, from Logan Circle to the museum, is home to many large-scale outdoor events, like the popular “Welcome America” concert series on the Fourth of July. Other recognized landmarks in the area include the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, Moore College of Art and Design and the main branch to the Free Library of Philadelphia.

SEPTA Suburban Station services the area, which is a central hub for all Regional Rail lines and both subway lines. Buses are also very accessible.

Overall the area tends to be a draw for tourists, and can get very loud on weekends. The majority of the housing options are high-rise apartment complexes and condominiums, which are very expensive. There are very few single-family homes, and those that exist lay north of the Vine Street Expressway. These also have a high price tag, so most of the residents of Logan Square are well-off professionals and couples, with few families and students.

The Fairmount/Art Museum area is one of the greener, more expensive areas in Philadelphia, filled with settled homeowners and renters. It is named for the bordering Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is one of the largest art museums in the country. The area reflects the surrounding arts and culture in both aesthetic appeal and lifestyle.

Aside from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, other cultural landmarks include the Rodin Museum, the Perelman Building and the beautiful Boathouse Row, which has been featured in a variety of paintings and photographs since its construction in the early 19th century. It is home to 15 boathouses, where rowing and social clubs practice and mingle. Another draw is Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that is open for tours year-round, and is converted into a large-scale haunted house for a few months leading up to Halloween.

All of these attractions draw a large crowd of tourists, however since residential streets are set off from the main drag, foot traffic is not an issue. The residential areas do still see an active nightlife; popular nightspots include Fairmount Avenue, which features corner coffee shops and bars, like Bishop’s Collar and Urban Saloon. These places tend to draw a professional crowd, ranging from mid twenties to mid forties.

Most of the homes are row homes with historic architectural details, and some have small front yards and gardens – something very hard to come by in the city. The area is well maintained since buyers outnumber renters. These buyers are typically people who work downtown but don’t want to be surrounded by the extreme hustle and bustle of Center City.

Parking is easy to find, but traffic can be an issue on weekends due to the close proximity to the museum district. The area is safe, but as you head out of bounds towards North Broad Street, you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Overall, the area is a highly populated nook of Philadelphia, known for culture and artistic relevance.

Just south of Center City, Queen Village is a quaint neighborhood bordering Society Hill. This area is a bit pricey, but full of diverse shops and strong community bonds.

Queen Village has a heavy Caucasian population, but some African American and Asian families have recently moved into the area. Residents include young professionals, independent artists, business owners, and young families. Many families opt to reside in Queen Village because community is held in high regard; there are two elementary schools, numerous playgrounds, two Free Library of Philadelphia branches and many art and music studios for children. The properties are typically three story row homes, and very well kept. The Queen Village Neighbors Association is a tight-knit group that focuses on the quality of life in the area and maintaining the streets, making for a very aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

There is always something to do, primarily because South Street, which is known for a vibrant nightlife, borders the northern edge of the neighborhood. Shops, restaurants, cafés and bars line the street, the majority of which are privately owned. Many touring artists find their way through the area at the hole-in-the-wall music venue, the Theater of the Living Arts, located at 3rd and South. The famous Fabric Row runs through the neighborhood up 4th street, with numerous fabric and novelty shops for the frequent crafter or curious tourist. Thrift shops are aplenty, including Aids Thrift and Retrospect, known for selling vintage clothing, housewares and used arcade games.

Parking can be difficult, especially the closer you get to South Street. SEPTA buses service Queen Village, but the Broad Street Line is at least a ten-block walk. Overall, the area is full of fun for all ages, and very safe; although it is expensive, it is a cheaper alternative to the nearby Society Hill.

Just north of Center City between Northern Liberties and Kensington, Fishtown is a new up-and-coming neighborhood in Philadelphia. It was formally a working-class neighborhood dependent on the fishing industry and manufacturing, but 2011 marked a turning point when young artists moved into the area. Now, Fishtown is a haven for students, young professionals and hipsters.

Fishtown features many friendly corner bars and dance clubs. Popular dance spots include the Barbary and the 700, where hipsters congregate. Barcade, a bar featuring classic arcade games and large outdoor space, is also a hit amongst a variety of crowds. In 2010 the SugarHouse casino opened its doors, the first casino to surface in Philadelphia. To this day, it is a point of controversy for Philadelphians; debate continues to ensue over whether the casino is a positive source of new jobs and income, or a curse of gambling addiction and rowdiness. Ultimately, the SugarHouse has surged positive income into the community.

The Market-Frankford Line and trolley both run into Fishtown, but many residents opt to drive cars. There are three public schools servicing the area, and many dog parks and playgrounds. Overall, Fishtown is still on the way up, and parts are still in need of major revitalization. As a result, it is a cheaper alternative to the bordering Northern Liberties, and a great starter neighborhood for students and recent grads.

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.

Point Breeze is in South Philadelphia, between Washington and Mifflin Streets to the north and south, and Broad and 25th Streets to the east and west. This area offers big spaces for low rent prices, but mostly because the area is not the most desirable to live in.

Time has taken a toll on the area, and many of the homes are in need of an upgrade. Fortunately, many of the houses are beginning to be purchased and revitalized – but as with any neighborhood beginning to be touched by gentrification, it is moving slowly. Although the area is run down, neighborhood bonds are strong. Neighborhood associations and proud homeowners in the area demonstrate that many of the residents care about revitalizing the neighborhood; unfortunately, some do not.

Like residents, restaurateurs and bar owners see hope for the neighborhood as well; many young, hipster bars have recently opened, such as the American Sardine Bar and South Philadelphia Tap Room. These hot spots draw in a young crowd, giving the area vibrancy. Public transportation is accessible, with two subway stops on the Broad Street Line and a number of buses.

Unfortunately, this area is not yet a “hot spot,” and not a place you want to walk alone at night. If South Philadelphia is where you want to be, you are better served residing in Passyunk Square to the east or the Graduate Hospital to the north – and chances are within the next decade, Point Breeze will have the same appeal.

Society Hill earns its name – this expensive neighborhood bordering Old City is modern day “high society.” If you are looking for charm, you’ve found it. Old brick row houses, cobblestone streets and tastefully maintained homes and blocks are the crux of this sought-after area.

Although Society Hill is known for its 18th and 19th-century historical architecture, a lot of modern high-rises and lofts have recently cropped up. However the original architecture is maintained surrounding these buildings, including the old cobblestone streets; these streets are aesthetically pleasing, but not so great on car and bike tires. The area is clean and in a prime location – it is mere steps from the water at Penn’s Landing, which features Festival Pier, the RiverRink, and the Moshulu, an old sea vessel that has been docked and turned into a restaurant. There are also many unique shops and eateries, like the eclectic Ritz Movie Theater, known for showing indie and foreign films, or the hole-in-the-wall Headhouse, a hidden gem with excellent sushi and a wide craft beer selection. Travel just a few blocks, and you will stumble upon the historical district in Old City.

Due to the close proximity to the historical district in Old City, there are many tourists that come through the area to take in its charm. This is also not a place for students or young professionals due to the high rent and sale prices. Many of the residents are older professionals, high-income families and retirees. Families are keen on raising children here since it is very safe, and there are a number of daycares and an elementary school in the area; however, the nearest public high school (Furness High School) is in South Philadelphia.

Manayunk is the place to be if you want both city energy and suburban charm. Many recent grads and young couples opt for Manayunk as an alternative to Center City living; the cost of living is more affordable than downtown Philadelphia, but Center City is only a 20 minute train ride away.

Manayunk is known for its Main Street, which is full of shops, restaurants and bars that appeal to a 20 to 30-something crowd. Many hot spots are independently run, which gives the area a quaint, eclectic vibe. Friday and Saturday nights can get very rambunctious on the main drag, but once you travel a few blocks away from the nightlife, it becomes a much quieter, residential experience.

As for the occasional city-goer, the Manayunk and Ivy Ridge train stations are both located in the area. There are also a number of buses that run from Main Street and local apartment complexes into the city. You will find a large percentage of Manayunk residents commute into the city daily for work and school. Although public transit is aplenty, the commute can be time-consuming. It is convenient to have an alternate mode of transportation, such as a car or bike. Most high-traffic streets have bike-friendly lanes, but the area is very hilly which may pose a problem to the novice bicyclist. The hills are also not ideal for street parking or severe weather – flooding becomes a major issue in heavy rain and snow.

There are very few families, since there is a limited number of schools and daycares in the area. Overall, Manayunk is a great transition town for the younger crowd between college and settling down. The result is a large number of renters and fewer settled residents.

If you want a vibrant, eclectic neighborhood, Graduate Hospital is the area for you. This Southwest Center City neighborhood is gentrification at it’s finest – it is a quick ten-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the Rittenhouse shops and restaurants, but if you will also find shops, restaurants and hidden getaways right in “G-Ho,” as locals affectionately call it.

The area is very popular amongst hipsters, young professionals, and young families, a recent addition to the area. This is largely because the local Penn Graduate Hospital is within the area’s boundaries. The area is very safe, with low crime and significant street lighting.

Restaurants, shops and cafes seem to sprout up every other week. A recent addition to the area is the popular, top-rated Sidecar Bar & Grill, which is known for its craft beers and delicious brunch. There are also the lesser known gems, such as La Va café, a coffeehouse and BYOB, featuring art-ridden walls and a local flavor, which is great place to meet new people.

Overall G-Ho is an “everybody knows your name” type environment without losing the charm of Center City. It is a quick walk to public transit, parks and green space, and popular Philadelphia attractions. It is a low-cost alternative to areas like Rittenhouse and Old City, as rent and real estate prices are currently very affordable. However, as the area grows in popularity the cost of living may skyrocket, so now is the ideal time to settle into the area.