Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Renowned internationally for its cheesesteaks and home to the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia has that small-town charm with all the perks of a big city. Plus, this sixth-largest metro area in the U.S. is only a few hours from New York City and Washington, D.C., so neighborhoods in Philly are just as diverse as you’d expect them to be.

From cobble-stoned historical areas to cultural regions, there’s something for everyone — even the most selective of renters. With plenty of apartment sizes in Philadelphia to choose from, the city is perfect for every taste and budget. If you’re new to the area, or changing neighborhoods, finding a new apartment in Philadelphia is easier when you know what each community has to offer. To help out, we put together a list of the most googled neighborhoods in the city by other renters like you. Check them out below:

Manayunk

• • Number of apartment buildings: 5
  • Number of apartments for rent: 451
  • Average rent: $1,898
  • Average apartment size: 901 sq. ft.
  • Median age: 27.4
  • Share of renters: 57%

The picturesque Manayunk, located on the edge of Philly, is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city with some of the lowest crime rates per person. Named by Native Americans, Manayunk literally translates to “where we to go drink,” which might explain the dozens of bars, restaurants and boutiques present along Main Street. However, there are plenty of other things to do around Manayunk, besides drinking. For instance, the Annual Arts Festival is popular among locals, as well as the comedy shows at The Grape Room.

With an average rent of $1,898, high-end buildings make up more than 75% of Manayunk’s rental options. This is a result of the neighborhood’s transformation over the years — from a blue-collar neighborhood to an artsy, upper-middle class district.

Read more about Manayunk here

Center City

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 81
    • Number of apartments for rent: 12,935
    • Average rent: $2,195
    • Average apartment size: 760 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 33.2
    • Share of renters: 68%

Encompassing some of Philly’s most vibrant neighborhoods — including the downtown area — Center City is everything you’d want from a neighborhood and more. In particular, it has some of the biggest and most popular restaurants, bars, shopping areas and other entertainment spots.

Besides being a prime location to live in, the neighborhood also counts on a large supply of high-end apartment buildings, which come with a price tag higher than most other parts of town. The average rent in a City Center apartment is no less than $2,195. Center City is also Philly’s most accessible area, with plenty of options for commuting and traveling by car, train or plane.

Read more about Center City here

East Falls

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 31 
    • Number of apartments for rent: 532
    • Average rent: $1,651
    • Average apartment size: 920 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 32
    • Share of renters: 52%

If you’re an outdoorsy and nature-loving person, then look no more. With numerous parks and rock-climbing areas, East Falls is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, and just perfect for exploring nature. Plus, its great location close to shopping and transportation places this neighborhood among the top in Philadelphia — not to mention the fact that one of its most famous residents was Grace Kelly.

Read more about East Falls here

Chestnut Hill

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 73
    • Number of apartments for rent: 1,454
    • Average rent: $1,651
    • Average apartment size: 936 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 43.6
    • Share of renters: 54%

Once a summer retreat, Chestnut Hill has some of the classiest shopping areas, in addition to a variety of festivals and fairs all year round — such as the Love Cup Quidditch Tournament for all of the Harry Potter fans out there. Meanwhile, if you’re more into physical activities, Wissahickon Valley Park is a wooded area that provides access to horseback riding, jogging, biking and plenty of other activities.

Read more about Chestnut Hill here

Old City

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 14
    • Number of apartments for rent: 1,591
    • Average rent: $2,553
    • Average apartment size: 870 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 36.3
    • Share of renters: 54%

Boasting impressive architecture and easy access to public transportation, Old City is a family-friendly neighborhood in downtown Philly with 18^th-century charm. And, thanks to its excellent location, you will find many great restaurants, galleries and bars around. There’s also the Delaware River waterfront, where family-oriented activities abound, as well as the Blue Cross RiverRink and Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Read more about Old City here

Northern Liberties

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 29
    • Number of apartments for rent: 1,207
    • Average rent: $1,720
    • Average apartment size: 874 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 32.1
    • Share of renters: 69%

A former manufacturing district, the Northern Liberties neighborhood is home to a variety of artists, who contribute to its eclectic vibe. Go for a stroll around the neighborhood and you’re sure to stumble upon at least one quirky bar or unique restaurant. There’s also a place for craft beer enthusiasts in the NoLibs neighborhood with numerous breweries around.

Read more about Northern Liberties here

Rittenhouse Square

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 48
    • Number of apartments for rent: 8,630
    • Average rent: $2,216
    • Average apartment size: 777 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 33
    • Share of renters: 68%

The epitome of elegance and class, Rittenhouse Square is the city’s most elite neighborhood, by far. It abounds in high-rise buildings, luxurious apartments, cultural areas and even parks. Some of the most popular spots in this charming area are Vernick Food & Drink and Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat, as well as Raven Lounge for great comedy and the Vesper Sporting Club, where you can catch a game and socialize with friends.

Read more about Rittenhouse Square here

Fishtown

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 1
    • Number of apartments for rent: 57
    • Average rent: $1,939
    • Average apartment size: 734 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 33.1
    • Share of renters: 38%

Fishtown is among the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia and has a little bit of everything. It’s as cultural and family-friendly as can be with easy access to public transit, splendid views of the Philadelphia skyline and more. (For stunning sunsets, Girard Avenue is where everyone heads.) There are also numerous pizza joints in the area, and even a pizza museum — which shows just how much the locals love this Italian food.

Read more about Fishtown here

South Philadelphia

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 20
    • Number of apartments for rent: 1,673
    • Average rent: $1,788
    • Average apartment size: 885 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 35.6
    • Share of renters: 41%

This neighborhood offers a wide variety of diverse entertainment spots. From antique stores to top-rated restaurants and craft beer joints, South Philly has it all. Moreover, for sports enthusiasts, there’s the South Philly Sports Complex that hosts not one, but two stadiums: Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.

Read more about South Philadelphia here

West Philadelphia

• • • Number of apartment buildings: 108
    • Number of apartments for rent: 9,730
    • Average rent: $1,964
    • Average apartment size: 757 sq. ft.
    • Median age: 32
    • Share of renters: 55%

Mainly a residential area, West Philly is home to a diverse array of housing options, from apartment complexes to large Victorian mansions. Among its residents are students and Baby Boomers, as well as families with young children. One of the perks of living here is being able to enjoy the arts and culture scene, which is abundant in live performances in different bars.

Read more about West Philadelphia here

FAQs

What’s the most populous neighborhood in Philadelphia? 

The most populous neighborhood in Philadelphia is West Philadelphia, with a total estimated population of more than 246,000.

What’s the youngest neighborhood for renters in Philadelphia? 

Philadelphia’s youngest renters live in Manayunk, where the median age is 27.4 years old. 

What’s the most popular neighborhood for renters in Philadelphia?

The most popular Philadelphia neighborhood for renters is Northern Liberties, with a renter-owner share of 69% and 31%, respectively.

Methodology

This guide was created by RentCafe, a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the United States.

The neighborhood selection is based on the highest number of Google searches for rental apartments per neighborhood.

Apartment data (average rent, number of buildings, number of apartments, average apartment size) is provided by RentCafe sister division Yardi Matrix, a business development and asset management tool for the real estate industry. The data covers only large-scale apartment buildings of 50 units or more, and does not include smaller apartment buildings or single-family home rentals.

Demographic data (median age, share of renters) is derived from the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

For customized data and other requests, please contact us at media@rentcafe.com.