Why Live in Chinatown
Chinatown in Philadelphia is a vibrant neighborhood that has grown from its Cantonese immigrant roots into a bustling area filled with restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and markets. The neighborhood features a mix of historical and modern architecture, with most residents living in mixed-use properties that combine businesses on the lower floors with condos or apartments above. Notable residential buildings include the Tenten building, Grandview Condominiums, and Arch Street Lofts, offering various amenities such as concierge services and high ceilings. Local green spaces like Franklin Square and Washington Square provide outdoor recreation options, including mini golf, carousels, and shaded areas for relaxation. The neighborhood is served by the School District of Philadelphia, with General George A. McCall Public School being a highly rated option for K-8 students.
Chinatown's dynamic restaurant scene offers a wide range of authentic Asian cuisines, from Malaysian dishes at Penang Malaysian Cuisine to Vietnamese pho at Pho 20, and dim sum at Ocean Harbor. Residents can also enjoy bubble tea from Tea Do or Vivi and fresh-baked goods from Mayflower Bakery. For those who prefer cooking at home, there are several Asian markets like S. Mart and Tuck Hing Food Market. The area is highly walkable, with SEPTA bus stops and the Chinatown Station providing public transportation options. Interstate 95 is easily accessible for drivers, and Philadelphia International Airport is 10 miles away. Annual events such as the Chinatown Night Market, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Festival, and the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival draw large crowds and celebrate the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.