From its residential pockets to its prestigious universities and world-class hospitals, University City combines the walkability of an urban neighborhood with the diversity of a college town. The community is home to students, young professionals and families alike, all of whom live amongst the academic giants of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. “You can live in University City and not have a car,” says Khalid Nathan Aleem, a real estate agent with EXP Realty who has over seven years of experience in the industry. “Everything is here. You can pretty much walk to the grocery store, different restaurants and coffee shops.” The neighborhood is the easternmost portion of West Philadelphia and features a vibrant, walker’s paradise along the Schuylkill River.
Skaters and students roll through Korman Family Quad in University City.
University City is an academic hub and a culturally diverse neighborhood in Philadelphia.
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Diverse restaurants and music at World Café Live
The dining scene ranges from fast-casual options to high-end restaurants. Saad’s Halal is a counter-serve spot known for its homemade Middle Eastern food, while White Dog Café is a go-to for its weekend brunch and eclectic décor. At the French-inspired bistro Louie Louie, classic cocktails and a rotating cast of seasonal dishes are on the menu next to a shaded sidewalk patio. Cira Green offers a unique dining experience, with small bites served atop a rooftop park with panoramic views of University City. Music lovers flock to World Café Live for its bistro-style concert room where local and national musicians put on a show almost every night of the week. Local 44 is a neighborhood watering hole with craft beers on tap and the latest sports game on the TV. The neighborhood is also home to small businesses like House of Our Own Books, a used bookstore operating out of a cozy Victorian-style house. For groceries, Giant Heirloom Market is located on the Drexel University campus and ACME Markets is less than a mile from most homes in University City.
Louie Louie serves up French-American cuisine in a stylish dining room in University City.
Catch a round of trivia or a live show in Central University City at World Cafe Live.
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University City District hosts community events
The Farm to City University Square Farmers Market invites students and residents to shop for fresh produce and artisanal goods year-round, with an open-air market each Wednesday in the heart of UPenn’s campus. University City District hosts various events that bring the community together for movie nights in Clark Park, live music at The Porch and dining deals along Baltimore Avenue.
Grab a coffee before you hit the Drexel University Vintage Flea Market on Lancaster Ave at Madis
Gold and silver shines on tables at the Drexel University Vintage Flea Market.
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Urban green spaces and exhibits at the Penn Museum
Urban green spaces provide respite from the city streets. UPenn’s James G. Kaskey Memorial Park is open to the public, and the botanic garden is home to over 450 species of plants, ranging from mature trees that turn crimson in the fall to vibrant azaleas that bloom in the spring. Penn Park spans 24 acres along the Schuylkill River and hosts several of UPenn’s athletic fields that residents can reserve for special events. Further north is Drexel Park, which has walking paths, benches and a grassy field where residents can sit and admire the city’s skyline. Gardeners exercise their green thumbs at the Summer Winter Community Garden, and the neighborhood also boasts a robust arts and culture scene. The Institute of Contemporary Art hosts a rotating cast of exhibits, while the Penn Museum displays artifacts from ancient civilizations around the world.
Kaskey Park has convenient walking paths in the University City area.
Explore the exhibits at the Penn Museum in University City, which was founded in 1887.
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Contemporary condos and pockets of rowhomes
From luxury high-rises to traditional rowhomes, University City offers a range of housing options. Due to its high student population, nearly 90% of residents in the neighborhood are renters. Homebuyers will find small, residential pockets tucked between sprawling university campuses and student housing developments. Next to Drexel University, Summer12 is a contemporary condo community with two-bedroom units selling for around $375,000 to $535,000. Traditional rowhouses and twin homes rarely come on the market, and prices range from around $450,000 to about $650,000.
University City offers residents plenty of street parking.
University City offers modern condo properties in convenient locations.
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Young Scholars High School Program at UPenn
The Philadelphia City School District earns a C-plus from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. Students attend Samuel Powel School, which serves grades K-4 and is rated a B-minus, before moving on to Science Leadership Academy Middle School, which earns a C-minus grade. The two schools share a campus in the northwestern corner of University City. Teens attend the nearby C-minus-rated West Philadelphia High School and can apply to UPenn’s Young Scholars High School Program, which grants students tuition-free enrollment in one college-level course per semester. In addition to UPenn and Drexel, the neighborhood is home to the Community College of Philadelphia West Regional Center, the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and Saint Joseph’s University – University City Campus. The five colleges and universities boast over 54,000 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students who contribute to the spirit of youthful innovation in University City.
Science Leadership Academy Middle School has 359 students in grades 5-8.
West Philadelphia High School is located at 4901 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139.
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SEPTA provides bus, trolley and train services
While University City is known for its walkability, the neighborhood is also a hot spot for public transportation. SEPTA provides local bus and trolley service, and the Willliam H. Gray Station serves both SEPTA and Amtrak trains. Also known as 30th Street Station, it’s one of the busiest commuter rail stations in the country and connects residents to Center City in less than 10 minutes. The station is also home to The Porch, an innovative public space where neighbors gather for pop-up performances, local food trucks and more while waiting for their trains. Bike lanes line most of the neighborhood’s streets, and Philly’s bike share program, Indego, has multiple stations around University City. Interstate 76 runs along the neighborhood’s eastern border and provides convenient commutes to Philadelphia International Airport, less than a 10-mile drive south.
The 30th Street Station in University City makes commuting easy.
If you need a ride, Septa has plenty of bus stops in University City.
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Access to the award-winning Penn Medicine health system
University City is home to four hospitals: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The hospitals employ a combined total of over 36,000 people, and HUP is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the county.
The University of Pennsylvania Hospital in University City offers patients ideal care.
The University of Pennsylvania Stadium in University City is great for sporting events.
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
Fantastic opportunity to own vacant land in the heart of Cobbs Creek, one of West Philadelphia’s most active and up-and-coming neighborhoods. This 1,407 square foot lot is zoned RM1, opening the door for a variety of multi-family residential development opportunities—from a duplex or triplex to a long-term rental investment. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, developer, or buyer looking to build
Discover endless possibilities at 3201 Winter Street in Powelton Village, an outstanding opportunity in a prime on-campus location. This property boasts a substantial 1,535-square-foot lot, currently zoned RSA5, which allows for one house buy right, unless a variance is obtained. The existing garage provides valuable space and utility, while the property's unique dual frontage on two streets
Welcome to 4014 Market Street! This mixed-use building is conveniently located between West Powelton and University City with easy access to 76, the 40th Street subway station, and services for multiple bus routes. The exterior has been updated with black framed windows spanning the entire commercial unit and beautiful brick on the top two floors. First floor is a light filled commercial space
Located in the University City neighborhood, The Left Bank offers the convenience of urban living close to campus. The newly upgraded apartments feature modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout the living areas, high, industrial ceilings with oversized windows and spacious, loft-style floor plans. Each apartment contains a private washer
Located in the University City neighborhood, The Left Bank offers the convenience of urban living close to campus. The newly upgraded apartments feature modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout the living areas, high, industrial ceilings with oversized windows and spacious, loft-style floor plans. Each apartment contains a private washer
Located in the University City neighborhood, The Left Bank offers the convenience of urban living close to campus. The newly upgraded apartments feature modern kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout the living areas, high, industrial ceilings with oversized windows and spacious, loft-style floor plans. Each apartment contains a private washer
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Deborah 'Deb' Sweeney,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
22,424
Median Age
25
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$25,328
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,570
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
77.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
46.1%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
48.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
90/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
97/ 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.
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.
