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Northern Liberties

Northern Liberties

Neighborhood Reviews
3.4
$613,120 Average Value
$334 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Living in NoLibs, Philly’s newest hot spot

The energy is high in Northern Liberties, or as locals call it – NoLibs. Located right between historic Old City and eclectic Fishtown, this community just north of Center City mixes the old with the new. Formerly a manufacturing district, Northern Liberties attracted artists in the 1990s looking to set up shop in more affordable studio space. Now, the area has adopted a trendy and exciting atmosphere, with boutiques and culinary corridors blended in with residential complexes. The nightlife scene is also booming – bars line the Delaware River, and famous acts perform at the well-known Fillmore and comedy club next door. “This is the Hoboken of Philly,” Rosann Cozza says, NoLibs local and Realtor at Vue Real Estate Group with 20 years of experience selling in Philadelphia. “It’s ahead of its time. Soon, all the apartment and condo areas will be filled in with retail.”

Northern Liberties is a very walkable neighborhood.
Northern Liberties is a very walkable neighborhood.
Northern Liberties is experiencing tons of new construction.
Northern Liberties is experiencing tons of new construction.
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From Piazza brunch to riverside nightlife

If residents wanted, they could easily eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, saving room for evening cocktails. Cafe La Maude is a popular brunch spot that offers hearty French-Lebanese servings under a covered patio. A few blocks away, Silk City is a retro diner with a quirky beer garden that serves Southern classics, and Yards Brewing Company across the street is a spacious brewery and restaurant. Residents can also choose the eateries along North 2nd Street, where the open-air Piazza is. “The Piazza began as a rental apartment space and then expanded into a plaza with restaurants, kids’ play areas and a dog park,” Cozza says. At this pedestrian-friendly strip is El Camino Real, a popular Tex-Mex cantina, and Pera, a more upscale Turkish spot. “They just opened really fancy restaurant called SIN, which stands for Steak, Italian and Nightlife,” Cozza said. Nights continue when locals head a few blocks east toward the Delaware River to clink beer glasses and enjoy live music at Cavanaugh’s River Deck. A block away, Ave Live is another nightclub with a DJ and dance floor.

Figo in Northern Liberties is a favorite for Italian dishes in an upscale restaurant.
Figo in Northern Liberties is a favorite for Italian dishes in an upscale restaurant.
Morgan's Pier is a local favorite and offers some of the best views in Northern Liberties.
Morgan's Pier is a local favorite and offers some of the best views in Northern Liberties.
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Browsing the collections along North 2nd Street

In addition to culinary options, Northern Liberties offers residents an array of shopping choices. For department store browsing, Target is on the south side of town, and for grocery lists, Giant Heirloom Market and ACME are on the north side. Those who prefer to shop in independently owned stores can sift through the vinyl at Creep Records, find a new outfit at a boutique, treasure hunt at Architectural Antiques Exchange or try one of the hundreds of global craft beers at The Foodery. Residents can shop even more locally on Saturdays when they visit the Northern Liberties Farmers Market that’s held in the Piazza Alta Courtyard, also referred to as Liberties Walk.

Walk through vendors in the street at Northern Liberties' 2nd St. Fests held during the summer.
Walk through vendors in the street at Northern Liberties' 2nd St. Fests held during the summer.
Find your next eclectic art piece at Architectural Antique Exchange in Northern Liberties.
Find your next eclectic art piece at Architectural Antique Exchange in Northern Liberties.
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Philly-style rowhouses and contemporary condos

The bars, restaurants and retail sections in NoLibs are often located in buildings that are attached to residential apartments or condos, so residents can live above their favorite shops. There’s a blend of older, brick Philadelphia-style rowhouses and contemporary, luxury-style condominiums with rooftop lounges and chic interiors. Smaller, 600- to 2,500-square-foot units, some being townhomes with modern amenities like indoor pools and fitness centers, range between $215,000 and $700,000. Larger, two- to four-story townhomes and condos in Waterfront Square, some with attached garages and views of the Delaware River, can range anywhere from $700,000 to upwards of $2.7 million. Riverside complexes do come with a flood risk, which mainly affects the lower-level units.

Northern Liberties has many newly built housing options mixed in with older buildings.
Northern Liberties has many newly built housing options mixed in with older buildings.
Brick row houses are the most popular option for owners in Northern Liberties.
Brick row houses are the most popular option for owners in Northern Liberties.
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Concerts and shows at The Fillmore

Residents are accustomed to visitors flocking from all over the city to attend shows and events in Northern Liberties. The Fillmore is a huge concert venue inside a renovated industrial-style arena, and Punch Line is a comedy club right next door. Toward the river, Rivers Casino overlooks the water and keeps patrons entertained with different restaurants and bars open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With so many visitors coming into town, CAP Index shows a higher burglary score, affecting the area’s overall crime score. According to this database, NoLibs receives a 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.

Catch live performances weekly at The Ave Live in Northern Liberties.
Catch live performances weekly at The Ave Live in Northern Liberties.
The Northern Liberties Night Market runs right after work on Wednesdays from 5PM - 10PM.
The Northern Liberties Night Market runs right after work on Wednesdays from 5PM - 10PM.
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Green space at Liberty Lands and Penn Treaty

When locals need to get away from the buzz of city life, they can get fresh air at Liberty Lands. This shaded city park features a colorful mural, community garden and playground. On the other side of Interstate 95, Penn Treaty Park offers 7 acres of paved trails along the Delaware River and an outdoor concert stage. “A lot of people also go to Race Street Pier, right on the outskirts of Northern Liberties,” Cozza says. “They host the Cherry Street Festival there, which has food trucks and live music.”

Relax in the shade at Liberty Lands and escape the hustle of the city.
Relax in the shade at Liberty Lands and escape the hustle of the city.
Penn Treaty Park is a local favorite for enjoying a sunny day.
Penn Treaty Park is a local favorite for enjoying a sunny day.
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Philadelphia public and magnet schools

Students living in NoLibs can begin with an 11-1 student-teacher ratio at General Philip Kearny School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school with a C-minus Niche grade. Students can then progress to a 13-1 student-teacher ratio at Benjamin Franklin High School, also graded a C-minus. Also in the area is Bodine High School for International Affairs, which Niche grades a B-minus and ranks among the best magnet high schools in Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin High School helps to prepare its students for the future.
Benjamin Franklin High School helps to prepare its students for the future.
General Philip Kearny School Entrance
General Philip Kearny School Entrance
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Taking the SEPTA light rail to Center City

Northern Liberties is convenient for commuters with Interstate 95 running directly through town. This thoroughfare proximity, coupled with the constant action in the area, causes a high noise level. SEPTA offers several bus routes in and around the community, and there are many light rail stops along Girard Avenue – leading residents to Center City just 2 miles away.

SEPTA lines run straight to Center City from Northern Liberties.
SEPTA lines run straight to Center City from Northern Liberties.
Easy access to I-95 makes Northern Liberties easy for commuters.
Easy access to I-95 makes Northern Liberties easy for commuters.
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Mary Beth Greene
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Conner Baker
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mary Ann O'Keeffe, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

21 min drive

Subway

Spring Garden (Mfl)

Bus

4th St & Poplar St

Bus

4th St & Noble St

Bus

2nd St & Fairmount Av

Bus

Delaware Av & Penn St

Bus

2nd St & Callowhill St

Bus

Columbus Blvd & Noble St - Fs

Bus

Spring Garden St & 5th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 13 Reviews
1.0 Niche User
10/12/2014 Niche Review
Philadelphia closed its industrial areas and now its only industry is tourism. Rents are astronomical because most people do not work in Philly or work for tech companies.
3.0 Niche User
10/12/2014 Niche Review
North 3rd and Silk City are the best restaurants in this area. Camino Real is another one. Further into the city are the better restaurants. Many Italian restaurants, some fusion restaurants, not enough seafood restaurants for me.
5.0 Works here
1/10/2021 Niche Review
Everything is so close by. You really do have everything at a walking distance. There lots of restaurants too. You can try something new everyday.
3.0 Niche User
10/12/2014 Niche Review
All of the houses in this area look the same----built with wood frames that will not last five severe winters. The new apartments have rooms that are all the same size. The area is too overpriced with no quality. $700,00 for a row house???? $60 for a hamburger!!!!! I don't feel threatened when I walk home at night, but this overall gentrification has made my rent jump up to a mortgage with no increase in service.
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Northern Liberties Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$579,000
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$579,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$734,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$460,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$334

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,503
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,507
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,202
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,458
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
999
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    2 - 4pm

    501 Brown St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

    $595,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,600 Sq Ft
    • 501 Brown St
    • New 2 days ago

    Nestled in the heart of Northern Liberties, 501 Brown Street offers a rare find in the city: private off-street parking for three vehicles featuring a private driveway for two and an additional garage space. This tastefully renovated home blends style, comfort, and functionality in one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and desirable neighborhoods. Completely updated in 2018, the home features modern

    Dava Costello OCF Realty LLC - Philadelphia

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  • Saturday, Aug 9
    11am - 1pm

    444 N 4th St Unit 219, Philadelphia, PA 19123

    $399,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 873 Sq Ft
    • 444 N 4th St
    • Unit 219
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to this stunning loft-style condo in Northern Liberties! This 2 bed, 1 bath condo offers the perfect blend of modern design and urban living. The open concept layout boast high ceilings, an entire wall of windows, and beautiful hardwood floors creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout. The kitchen features well-maintained appliances, glossy white flecked countertops, lots of

    Joanne Colino Elfant Wissahickon-Chestnut Hill

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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    12 - 1:30pm

    1115 N American St Unit D5, Philadelphia, PA 19123

    $638,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,061 Sq Ft
    • 1115 N American St
    • Unit D5
    • New 8 days ago

    Discover luxury living in this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering a beautifully finished open-concept floor plan, complete with private garage parking and garage door opener included for your convenience. Built in 2022, this sophisticated home still has over 6 years of tax abatement remaining and features soaring 12-foot ceilings, elegant wood-grain floors, and a private rooftop deck

    John Kuester Fusion PHL Realty, LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Mary Ann O'Keeffe, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
10,668
Median Age
35
Population Density
29 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$136,785
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$159,157

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98%
College Graduates
77.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.2%
% Population in Labor Force
89.7%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

85 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

89 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

70 / 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
Northern Liberties