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Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

$948,214 Average Value
$520 Average Price per Sq Ft
91 Homes For Sale

Why Rittenhouse Square tops the list of Philly’s best neighborhoods

Rittenhouse Square is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It’s known for its picturesque streets, historic homes and old-fashioned city square. Mornings often start with a walk through the park, while afternoons spill onto sidewalk patios before blending into nights out at some of the city’s best restaurants. Many of those spots line Rittenhouse Row, a walkable hub for high-end shopping and dining. Elegant brownstones sit on the same block as luxury condo and apartment buildings, where Center City’s striking skyline is always in view.

Upscale living with historic brownstones and luxury condo buildings

If you’re thinking about moving to Rittenhouse Square, you’re in good company. The neighborhood has been one of Philadelphia’s most coveted since the mid-1800s, and its popularity hasn’t faded. “It’s the wealthiest zip code in the Philadelphia market,” says Kristie Bergey, a luxury Realtor with Coldwell Banker. “Delancey Street is by far the most sought-after. It’s where M. Night Shyamalan filmed many of his movies.”

Known for its postcard-worthy streetscapes, Delancey is lined with luxury brownstones and red-brick townhomes that showcase Greek Revival and Victorian-era styles. Many historic homes have been converted into boutique condos, alongside a handful of high-rise apartment and condo buildings for those drawn to modern amenities. Monthly condo fees typically cover common-area maintenance and on-site amenities, ranging from about $300 in smaller buildings to $4,000 in ultra-luxury buildings.

Historic townhomes are a staple in Rittenhouse Square.
Historic townhomes are a staple in Rittenhouse Square.
10 Rittenhouse Square offers luxurious, high-rise living.
10 Rittenhouse Square offers luxurious, high-rise living.
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A wide range of prices in one of Philly’s most expensive neighborhoods

The median sale price here is in the low $500,000s. That’s nearly twice the citywide median, but the good news is that prices span a wide range. “There’s a price point for all,” says Melissa Valenti, a local Realtor with Compass who has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. “And you get the culture of New York City for much cheaper.”

One- and two-bedroom townhomes typically sell from the mid-$300,000s to the upper $600,000s, while three-bedroom-plus townhomes range from the mid-$500,000s to more than $3.5 million for beautifully updated historic properties. Boutique condos usually come in under $1 million, and luxury high-rise units run from about $1.3 million to $3.8 million.

Parc is a go-to spot for outdoor dining overlooking Rittenhouse Square.
Parc is a go-to spot for outdoor dining overlooking Rittenhouse Square.

Where to shop, eat and catch a show in Rittenhouse Row

Rittenhouse Row is the go-to for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. “Everything I need is within a three-block radius,” Valenti says. “I walk everywhere, as do most people. That’s the beauty of living here.” You’ll find local icons like Boyds and Joan Shepp alongside national names such as Anthropologie, rag & bone and Reformation. Fitness studios, salons and spas sit on the same block. At night, people head to cocktail bars, comedy shows and cultural venues like the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Dining is a big part of the social scene here. Her Place Supper Club and Friday Saturday Sunday carry Michelin stars, and people love how personal the restaurants feel. “We are fortunate to have so many local restaurants. All the owners are great people, and you form relationships with them,” Valenti says. Some of the best restaurants and cafés in Rittenhouse Square include:

  • Parc, a French-inspired bistro with a sidewalk patio and park views
  • The Love, a cozy New American spot from two beloved Philly restaurateurs
  • Vernick Food & Drink, a neighborhood favorite in a classic brownstone
  • a.kitchen + bar, a staple for wine lovers and relaxed weekend brunches
  • Elixr Coffee Roasters, a go-to for meeting friends or working from home

Steps from Rittenhouse Square, with riverfront parks nearby

At the center of it all is Rittenhouse Square, a historic green space that draws a crowd when the weather is nice. “Rittenhouse Square is one of the five squares the city was built around, and it’s still the public park space it was designed to be,” Bergey says. “People picnic, kids meet up for play groups and there’s a farmers market every Saturday.” The market runs year-round and is a favorite for fresh produce. You’ll also see seasonal events in the square, and Valenti shares that the annual tree lighting is a standout. “It’s magical. The square is packed, we all sing carols and the lights are absolutely beautiful,” she says.

For a quieter break, John F. Collins Park is tucked into Rittenhouse Row, with shaded picnic benches and bistro tables that make it a popular lunch spot. You’re also within walking distance of riverfront green spaces like Schuylkill Banks and Schuylkill River Park.

Rittenhouse Square attracts locals and visitors in the summer months.
Rittenhouse Square attracts locals and visitors in the summer months.
People gather in Rittenhouse Square year-round.
People gather in Rittenhouse Square year-round.
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Rittenhouse Square is close to public transit, offices and culture

Public transportation is another perk, with SEPTA bus stops and subway stations within a short walk of most homes. The PATCO Speedline stops at 15th/16th and Locust streets, connecting riders to South Jersey suburbs like Lindenwold. The L and the B are also nearby for trips to University City or South Philly’s stadiums. Rittenhouse Square’s central location puts you close to:

  • Offices in Center City West and Center City Market East
  • Theaters and art galleries along the Avenue of the Arts
  • World-class museums in the Art Musuem Area
  • Historic landmarks in Old City

Walk to Walnut-Locust Station from Rittenhouse Square.
Walk to Walnut-Locust Station from Rittenhouse Square.
SEPTA buses run throughout Philly and its surrounding suburbs.
SEPTA buses run throughout Philly and its surrounding suburbs.
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Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Jay Ratchford
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

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

20 min drive

Subway

15Th-16Th & Locust St

Bus

Broad St & Spruce St

Bus

20th St & Spruce St

Bus

16th St & Spruce St

Bus

Lombard St & 21st St

Bus

17th St & Pine St

Bus

Locust St & 21st St

Bus

Locust St & 17th St

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Rittenhouse Square US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
2,370
Number of Homes for Sale
91
Median Year Built
1926
Months of Supply
4.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,453
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,589
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,452
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
778
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
517
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306

Open Houses

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
66
Median Rent
$2,002
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,175
Median 3 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,448
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,225
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,500
Median Condo Rent
$2,100
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,228

Demographics

Total Population
16,378
Median Age
36
Population Density
92 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,279
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$144,657

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.8%
College Graduates
88.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
48.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very bikeable

Bikeability®

80 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

100 / 100

Exceptional public transit

Transit®

100 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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
Rittenhouse Square