Walnut Hill

Walnut Hill is a diverse multicultural neighborhood in West Philadelphia. A highlight of Walnut Hill history is the site of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand which one held court at 46th and Market. Many of the touches of this American cultural icon can still be seen at the facility which now houses an entrepreneurial incubator, The Enterprise Center.

The Time Bank is based at the Enterprise Center and operates as a bartering system with time credits. There are 47 members. Next door is the Walnut Hill Farm one of the many agricultural initiatives which has developed in the area. To close the year, a pumpkin giveaway will take place on Halloween Weekend.

The housing stock needs sprucing and students are living in converted homes. One of the best thrift shops is based off of 45th and Walnut Sts.

At 46th and Walnut Street a Muslim community has taken root with supporting food shops, restaurants, and a mosque.

West Philadelphia High School has earned a national reputation for its development of energy efficient cars.

Transportation is excellent with the Market Frankford El and bus routes crisscross the community. Many of the university buses service the area to prevent students from having to walk the blocks from school to home.

The Walnut Hill section of West Philadelphia is a predominantly black neighborhood. The area is becoming increasingly more attractive to students who attend U Penn and other nearby colleges as the cost of living is cheaper. This is a result of property increases in neighborhoods that are closer to campus.

The low income neighborhood has seen some renovations recently with young professionals taking advantage of the low property value and purchasing homes in the area. Many of these homes are the standard two to three story row homes you seen in West Philadelphia.

Walnut Hill has seen an increase in Muslim residents over the years as a result of the Masjid Jam'ia mosque, the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects mosque and Masjid Al Birr Wat Taqwa all of which are in the neighborhood. Concurrently there is an increase in the number of restaurants serving Halal food.

The crime rate in Walnut Hill has raised some concern recently with reports of theft and assaults occurring far more frequently.

Due to its location the neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation. There are several trolleys that operate nearby and the Market-Frankford line is also within walking distance. Parking is not too bad either for those who have a car.

Walnut Hill is a neighborhood located in the West section of Philadelphia. It is bound by 45th Street to the east, 52nd Street to the west, Market Street to the north and Spruce Street to the south.
The area enjoys a vibrant and diverse collection of residents including Italian Americans, African Americans, Middle Easterners and Asians. There is a growing Muslim presence within the community due to the Masjid Jam'ia mosque being located at the intersection of 43rd and Walnut. There are also a lot of students in the area due to Walnut Hill’s close proximity with six of the city’s colleges and universities.
There are plenty of housing opportunities in Walnut Hill which include two and three-story row homes as well as a few apartment and condo complexes. It is a quiet area and does not have a lot of crime, which makes it an extra desirable location for young people who are looking for a safe and affordable area to live in.
Walnut Hill’s large houses and tree lined streets make it pleasant. A lot of the area is spread apart, so investing in a car or bike is a good idea. The SEPTA Market-Frankford Line also provides public transportation services to the neighborhood.