Southwest Center City
Classic rowhomes and modern condos
Throughout much of Southwest Center City are three-story, nineteenth and twentieth-century rowhomes, some with brick exteriors and others with more Italianate influences. “The older brick rowhomes in this area are very classically Philly,” says Rodriguez. Many of these established homes have well-preserved exteriors with renovated interiors, so residents can appreciate the historic architecture while enjoying modern living. Blended among the residential streets are townhomes with Second Empire architecture and contemporary condos, many with attached garages and rooftop decks that provide stunning views of the Center City skyline. A block of properties might range from a humble one-bedroom and two-bathroom unit to a spacious four-bedroom and five-bathroom unit. Prices also reflect this range, starting just below $300,000 and rising to upwards of $1.8 million.Barhopping on South Street
Though the east side of South Street toward Broad Street has long been the go-to spot for local pubs and trendy restaurants, the west side has been gaining a lot of traction. Cafes, bars and boutiques have recently set up shop along Southwest Center City’s pedestrian-friendly streets, making it the new place to be. Residents can head to Cafe Ynez for Mexican-inspired breakfast, lunch or dinner in a vibrant diner. Nearby, the Sidecar Bar & Grille is a gastropub with brunch specials. The day out can continue at Dock Street Brewery South, where the craft beer menu rotates, and the kitchen whips up pizza and burgers. There are many corner markets around town, including The Fresh Grocer of Grays Ferry and South Square Market. More grocery options aren’t far to the north, where there’s a Trader Joe’s and a Sprouts right next to a Target. This walkable commercial area provides a broader shopping and dining experience, with The Shops at Liberty Place and a variety of restaurants and bars.Scenic walks on the Schuylkill River Trail
Southwest City City is home to the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, where residents can work out inside, swim in the outdoor pool and play on the playground, basketball courts and baseball field. Another recreation center in the neighborhood is Christian Street YMCA, just a block away. Athletes and families alike might opt for an adventure at Chew Playground, where there are also athletic courts and fields that host recreation leagues. When looking to escape the urban streets of the city, locals can leash up their dogs and make their way to the green and sculpture-filled Schuylkill River Park to access the trail along the river. “It’s close enough to walk to the trail from the neighborhood,” says Jim Robertson, a Realtor with OCF Realty. “It’s usually pretty crowded with bikers and runners.” A few blocks to the north, Rittenhouse Square is an iconic city park in the middle of a bustling retail district that hosts the Rittenhouse Farmers Market.Philadelphia art and UPenn architecture
Artistic locals scratch their creative itch at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. On the east side of Southwest Center City, this venue features eclectic mosaics and folksy art exhibits in both an outdoor and indoor space. On the other side of town across the Schuylkill River, residents can also admire the intricate architecture of the University of Pennsylvania's campus. The buildings on the grounds of this Ivy League school show Gothic-era styles dating back to the 1700s.The Odunde Festival and Bloktoberfest
“Southwest Center City has a great sense of community. It’s very family-friendly and diverse,” Rodriguez says. This connection is celebrated every year when the neighborhood comes together for two major events on South Street. The Odunde Festival is a vibrant celebration of African culture with food, music, dancing and vendors and has been running strong for decades. Bloktoberfest is another exciting event that lines the street with residents enjoying live music, food trucks and vendors.City public schools and private institutions
Students can attend the public Chester A. Arthur School for kindergarten through eighth grade, which offers an 11-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus grade from Niche. A nearby private elementary and middle school option is The Philadelphia School, which Niche grades an A-plus. For a public high school, students can advance to Universal Audenried Charter School, which Niche grades a C and ranks among the Best Public High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania. Private high school options include Saints Neumann Goretti, a Catholic school with an A-minus Niche grade.Riding on the SEPTA
Residents can get around town using the SEPTA Subway system, with the Lombard-South and Ellsworth-Federal stations on the east end of the neighborhood. The SEPTA bus also services the town and the surrounding Philadelphia metro area. To leave the city easily, Interstate 76 is accessible just west on the other side of the Schuylkill River.
Written By
Mary Beth Greene
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Video By
Charlie Lingner
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Jessica Carfagno
Jessica Carfagno
Compass RE
(888) 513-3853
54 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Center City
$565,000 Price
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Benjamin Katz
Benjamin Katz
Coldwell Banker Realty
(856) 501-5889
82 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Center City
$520,000 Price
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Desarrie McDuffie
Desarrie McDuffie
Coldwell Banker Realty
(267) 433-3479
125 Total Sales
2 in Southwest Center City
$333K - $650K Price Range
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Connie Brady
Connie Brady
RE/MAX Central - Blue Bell
(484) 922-9367
119 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Center City
$550,000 Price
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Jordon Hafetz
Jordon Hafetz
Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
(609) 710-8085
13 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Center City
$495,000 Price
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Ashley Jengehino
Ashley Jengehino
KW Empower
(877) 526-2842
11 Total Sales
1 in Southwest Center City
$295,000 Price
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
- Pre-K to 12th
- Public
- K to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 8th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Markward Playground
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Tennis
Chew Playground
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Playground
Julian Abele Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Events
Carpenter Green Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Botanical Gardens
Marian Anderson Recreation Center
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
Ridgway Park
- Picnic Area
- Pool
- Playground
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Southwest Center City | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southwest Center City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Center City, Philadelphia sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Southwest Center City, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $465,000, up 41% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$454,000
Median Sale Price
$465,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$425,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$159,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$905,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
281
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
41%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$336
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,547
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Median Year Built
1925
Months of Supply
0.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,967
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,525
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,422
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
869
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306
Open Houses
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Wednesday, Jul 305:30 - 7pm
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Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
$1,405 - $6,993 per month
- Lincoln Square
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 380+ Sq Ft
- 1000 S Broad St
- Philadelphia, PA
-
-
$1,845 - $2,235 per month
- Graduate Pointe
- 1-2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 625+ Sq Ft
- 2501 Washington Ave
- Philadelphia, PA
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
14,935
Median Age
35
Population Density
44 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$130,228
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,513
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
78%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81%
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®
98
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86
/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
82
/ 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
Center City West
Condos, town houses and single-family housing near upscale shopping and dining
Fitler Square
Historic urban village tucked between the Schuylkill River and Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square
Life in the heart of Center City steps from renowned restaurants & luxury retail
Point Breeze
New developments and established public spaces miles from Center City
Logan Square
Town houses and condos in a walkable area full of museums, restaurants and retail
Washington Square West
Vibrant Center City neighborhood with historical row houses and luxury condos
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