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Fairmount

Fairmount

4.8
$496,115 Average Value
$330 Average Price per Sq Ft
47 Homes For Sale

Guide to Fairmount: a walkable hub known as Philly’s Art Museum Area

Just north of Center City Philadelphia, Fairmount is a tree-lined neighborhood in what many people know as the Art Museum Area. Its primary claim to fame is the world-class museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, but that’s only part of the picture here. Those cultural spots bring a creative buzz to the community, while Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River offer plenty of room to get outside. And thanks to its walkable streets, it’s easy to move between classic rowhomes, global restaurants and convenient transit options.

Fairmount is a walkable neighborhood just outside Center City.
Fairmount is a walkable neighborhood just outside Center City.
Philly's Parkway Museums District includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its iconic steps.
Philly's Parkway Museums District includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its iconic steps.
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Types of homes for sale in Fairmount and how much they usually cost

Fairmount has a unique, neighborhood feel with tree-lined streets and a mix of red-brick rowhomes, boutique condos and high-rise buildings. Blocks vary, but they’re all known for their charming streetscapes. “The 2500 block of Aspen Street is like a little slice of San Francisco,” says Kristie Bergey, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker who’s lived in the neighborhood for more than two decades.

Home prices cover a wide range, though the median sale price is in the mid-$400,000s. That’s higher than the citywide median but lower than in hot spots like Rittenhouse Square and Old City. Rowhomes usually run from the upper $200,000s to the upper $800,000s, with some Victorian-era homes and new builds topping $1 million. Older 19th- and 20th-century condos, many in converted historic buildings, go from the low $100,000s to the mid-$300,000s, while modern condos typically sell from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s.

Home prices vary dramatically across Fairmount.
Home prices vary dramatically across Fairmount.
Residential streets feature a mix of older rowhomes and modern condos.
Residential streets feature a mix of older rowhomes and modern condos.
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Top events and attractions in Philadelphia’s Parkway Museums District

There’s always something happening in Philadelphia’s Parkway Museums District. “We constantly have events come through the Parkway area,” Bergey says, adding that the annual Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve celebrations are among her favorites. But there are plenty of things to do year-round. A walk down Benjamin Franklin Parkway brings you to:

  • Philadelphia Musuem of Art, home to the famous “Rocky Steps”
  • The Franklin Institute, filled with interactive science exhibits
  • Barnes Foundation, known for its standout art collections
  • Rodin Musuem, honoring the legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin
There’s also the Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison-turned-museum in the heart of the neighborhood. It offers tours of Al Capone’s 19th-century jail cell, and it’s right across the street from the weekly Fairmount Farmers Market.

Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic attraction that once housed Al Capone.
Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic attraction that once housed Al Capone.
Sit outside the historic Eastern State Penitentiary and enjoy lunch outside.
Sit outside the historic Eastern State Penitentiary and enjoy lunch outside.
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Why Fairmount stands out as a top spot for nature lovers in the city

Fairmount Park offers more than 2,000 acres of green space to explore. That includes trails, athletic facilities and family-friendly playgrounds along the Schuylkill River. Some of the most popular spots on this side of the water, known as East Fairmount Park, include:

  • Boathouse Row, a stretch of 19th-century boathouses home to local rowing clubs
  • Schuylkill River Trail, for biking, running and walking along the riverfront
  • Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, offering indoor and outdoor fun
  • The Dell Music Center, known for its annual summer concert series
  • Fairmount Water Works, a historic site now focused on environmental education
Fairmount also has quieter neighborhood parks. The Francisville Recreation Center has a pool, and the green spaces around Eastern State Penitentiary include Corinthian Gardens and the Playpen Playground.

Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's largest municipal park.
Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's largest municipal park.
The Playground at the Francisville Recreation Center is loved by neighborhood kids.
The Playground at the Francisville Recreation Center is loved by neighborhood kids.
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Have some tequila shots at La Calaca Feliz.
Have some tequila shots at La Calaca Feliz.

Best places to shop and eat around Fairmount and Girard Avenues

Fairmount’s creative vibe shows up in its shopping and dining scene, too. “The great thing about Fairmount is that it has two commercial corridors with a lot of boutiques, restaurants and things to do,” Bergey says. She’s talking about Fairmount and Girard Avenues, where local spots sit just steps from home. Spend the day browsing the shelves at Bookhaven, flipping through vinyl at Records Forever or picking up Philly-themed gifts at Ali’s Wagon. Even Klein’s Supermarket is locally owned, and bigger stores like Whole Foods Market, Target and Giant are an easy trip to Spring Garden. The global food scene adds even more character, with Zorba’s Tavern for Greek favorites, La Calaca Feliz for Mexican dishes and A Mano for Italian classics. Bad Brother is the go-to neighborhood bar, and Girard Avenue has a few more late-night standbys stretching toward Brewerytown.

Bach-Martin School covers prekindergarten through eighth grade.
Bach-Martin School covers prekindergarten through eighth grade.

Public and private school options for families in the neighborhood

Fairmount is part of the School District of Philadelphia. Its assigned neighborhood schools include Bache Martin School and Benjamin Franklin High School, but families can also apply to other district schools through the annual school selection process. There are a few highly rated private options in the area, including Community Partnership School and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.

Fairmount makes walking, biking and commuting simple

Streets here are pedestrian- and biker-friendly, making it easy to reach Center City Market East and Center City West for work or a night out. You’ll also find plenty of SEPTA bus stops and access to the G, a historic trolley line that runs through West Philly and up into Port Richmond. At Fairmount Station, the B gets you to Center City in under 10 minutes. Drivers can hop on Interstate 95 or the Schuylkill Expressway to get around the rest of the city and beyond.

SEPTA buses allow locals to get around the rest of Philadelphia.
SEPTA buses allow locals to get around the rest of Philadelphia.
Fairmount Station is part of SEPTA's Broad Street Line, known as the B.
Fairmount Station is part of SEPTA's Broad Street Line, known as the B.
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Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Jesse Roehrer
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Chris Norton
Video By
Chris Norton

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

23 min drive

Subway

Girard (Bss)

Bus

20th St & Poplar St

Bus

19th St & Poplar St

Bus

Pennsylvania Av & 27th St - Mbns

Bus

23rd St & Fairmount Av

Bus

27th St & Poplar St

Bus

Brown St & 23rd St

Bus

Aspen St & Taney St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.8 6 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
1/18/2021 Niche Review
Nice and quiet and with an assortment of bars and restaurants on many corners. Fairmount park is easily accessible and Center City is a pleasant walk down the Parkway away. Great place!
4.0 Current Resident
2/6/2024 Niche Review
It is a very good experience for children to grow up here. I recommend the neighborhood for anyone who is looking for city living in a neighborhood.
Are you familiar with the Fairmount neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fairmount US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Fairmount Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$442,500
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$566,250
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$525,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$364,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
243
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$330

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
4,220
Number of Homes for Sale
47
Median Year Built
1920
Months of Supply
2.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,682
Below the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,316
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,259
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
822
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
758
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Feb 28
    1 - 3pm

    741 N Capitol St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

    $1,199,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 5.5 Baths
    • 3,661 Sq Ft
    • 741 N Capitol St
    • New 15 days ago

    Brand-New 2026 Luxury Townhouse in Prime Fairmount | Rooftop Skyline Views + Massive Tax Savings Welcome to 741 N Capitol St — a rare, move-in-ready new-construction masterpiece in one of Philadelphia’s most desirable neighborhoods. Completed in 2026, this 4-bed, 5.5-bath, 3,661 sq ft brick townhouse with attached garage offers the perfect blend of modern luxury, unbeatable location, and

    Ilya Zamarin Tesla Realty Group, LLC

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  • Saturday, Feb 28
    11am - 1pm

    1706 Folsom St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

    $749,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,932 Sq Ft
    • 1706 Folsom St
    • New 8 days ago

    A no-frills, flawless home with PARKING in 19130! Welcome to 1706 Folsom, a 3 BD/2.5 BA home that offers everything a city-lover seeks; from a modern floor plan and towering windows to a scenic roof deck and private carport, this home marries contemporary charm with non-negotiable convenience. Step through the front door into the main floor: the 13' ceilings, multi-level design, and pristine

    Brittany Nettles Keller Williams Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Mar 1
    12:30 - 1:30pm

    2707 Swain St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

    $409,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 946 Sq Ft
    • 2707 Swain St
    • New 1 day ago

    This adorable home sits on one of Fairmount’s quietest, most low-traffic blocks, just steps from the iconic Art Museum, Parkway, Kelly Drive, Whole Foods and Fairmount Avenue dining and shopping. This is city living at its absolute best! Bright, cheerful, and move-in ready, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem blends warmth and functionality with effortless style. Beautiful hardwood floors, a thoughtfully

    Melanie McConnell KW Empower

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
15,790
Median Age
36
Population Density
50 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,881
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$132,182

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
96.3%
College Graduates
72.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
80.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

91 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

77 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

71 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fairmount