NORTH of CENTER CITY
North of Center City Philadelphia is the large, diverse region known as North Philadelphia, encompassing distinct neighborhoods like Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Fairmount, and Olde Richmond, characterized by vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, cultural institutions (near the Parkway), and evolving residential areas, generally extending north of Spring Garden or Vine Streets. Key areas include the artsy Northern Liberties with its popular Piazza, the museum-focused Art Museum Area (Fairmount), and the lively bar/restaurant scenes along North Broad Street.
Fairmount
Situated just beyond the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Fairmount is also known as the “Art Museum Area” due to its proximity to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (yes, the one with the famous bronze sculpture of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, created by A. Thomas Schomberg for Rocky III, located near the entrance and its iconic “Rocky Steps”, symbolizing the city’s underdog spirit, with the statue often moved but consistently a major draw for fans worldwide. Sylvester Stallone gifted the original prop to Philadelphia in 1982, making it a popular photo spot and a fixture of Philly tourism), Franklin Institute, and Rodin and Barnes Foundation. Its boundaries are north of Spring Garden Street, west of Broad Street, south of Girard Avenue, and east of The Schuylkill River. Walkable to all the attractions that Center City has to offer, yet with the feel of a small town, Fairmount is very much the best of both worlds… just ask its very happy residents.
Northern Liberties
Northern Liberties, or NoLibs, has been described as “a perpetually up-and-coming neighborhood that has permanently arrived.” It’s a testament to the youthful, electric energy of this neighborhood. Yes, Northern Liberties is full of hipsters, and you will either love it or hate it for that. NoLibs has been on the trendiness radar since the mid-90s, when greater affordability sent edgy, young types north out of Old City.
Fishtown
Fishtown is a tight-knit neighborhood, known for its mix of generational Philadelphians, artists, families, and young adults that enjoy the nightlife. Classic Philly rowhomes sit side to side with new construction. Don’t be fooled by the architectural juxtaposition, this is a neighborhood that takes pride in its traditions and its people. Stroll the streets and you will instantly make new friends with newcomers and oldtimers crowding their stoops. Welcoming and exclusive all at the same time is some of the magic you’ll find in this Riverwards neighborhood.
Olde Richmond
Olde Richmond in Philadelphia’s River Wards is a historic, working-class neighborhood known for its strong Polish-American roots (earning it nicknames like “Little Poland”) and Irish influence, characterized by classic Philly rowhomes, porch-fronted houses, and a mix of traditional businesses alongside new developments like shopping plazas, with boundaries roughly defined by Lehigh Ave, Delaware River, York Street, and Trenton Ave, retaining a strong community feel.
Questions? Have a chat with your new broker!
