Top 8 Best neighborhoods in Philadelphia with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 52,480
• Pro: Many art and entertainment attractions
• Con: Not many supermarkets nearby

One of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia is University City. This neighborhood gets its name by being home to Philadelphia’s most prestigious higher education institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. University City combines the diversity of a college town with the feeling and energy of a large metropolitan area. However, most of its residents are college students, university staff, and young adults that choose to reside in this neighborhood. Asides from being home to various educational institutions, University City is also the vibrant home of multiple indoor and outdoor attractions. This neighborhood has everything from high-end private art galleries to public parks for relaxation, exercise, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and theaters.

(*Point2Homes)

• Population: 10,251
• Pro: Largest park in Philly is nearby
• Con: Further from the action in the city centre

This charming northwest neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Philadelphia. In East Falls, residents enjoy quiet living with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia. East Falls offers its residents a mix of a residential and suburban feel. Living in East falls gives you access to large spaces under a fantastic canopy of verdant trees, all set against a backdrop of sumptuous historical mansions and Georgian or Victorian-style buildings. Additionally, residents enjoy access to the two largest parks in Philadelphia alongside endless options for hiking, biking, and running trails. Most of its residents are young couples and families settling for a more affordable lifestyle that’s still within reach of bustling downtown Philadelphia.

(*Point2Homes)

• Population: 16,247
• Pro: Close to everything
• Con: Heavy traffic at rush hour

In this neighborhood, you’ll find cobblestone streets, historical designs, and proximity to various locations. Additionally, Old City residents have access to plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues like art galleries and theaters, all within walking distance. In Old City, residents enjoy an urban lifestyle with no car required because this neighborhood is walkable and easy to navigate with a Walk Score of 87. This fun neighborhood also has mind-blowing nightlife scenes with upscale restaurants, pubs, dive bars, lounges, and many live music venues.

(*Niche & Walk Score)

• Population: 12,573
• Pro: Pet friendly areas
• Con: Higher housing prices

On the north side of Philadelphia, located west of the enchanting Delaware River, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Previously, Northern Liberties used to be an industrial area. However, it is now a significant hipster hotspot brimming with art galleries and trendy boutiques. Northern Liberties is famous for beautiful public parks, many trendy boutique shops and art galleries, small bars, tasty restaurants, and the most lively nightlife in all of Philadelphia. Residents in Northern Liberties enjoy access to an affordable standard of living with lots of shopping and dining options. Interestingly, most of these dining options are pet-friendly dining areas; hence, you will meet as many friendly dogs as pedestrians here.

(*Niche)

• Population: 10,177
• Pro: Many italian restaurants
• Con: Lack of universities 

Bella Vista, otherwise referred to as Philly’s “Little Italy,” is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Philadelphia. This neighborhood is a popular residential area and home to a bustling commercial district because this was the first neighborhood that Italian immigrants settled in. Bella Vista might seem to be a small suburb in Philadelphia. However, the streets are packed with retail shops, outdoor markets, cafés, and restaurants alongside a fantastic nightlife scene. Residents in Bella Vista enjoy the outdoor markets, beautiful murals, and lots of green spaces. Additionally, residents have access to various shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments, all within easy walking distance of each other. Undoubtedly, Bella Vista is the ideal neighborhood for anyone who enjoys urban life in a confined space.

(*Niche)

• Population: 30,597
• Pro: Mile and a half from the heart of Center City
• Con: Can get noisy

Fairmount, often referred to as the “Art Museum Area,” is one of the best places to live in Philadelphia. This neighborhood is famous for its proximity to the Philadelphia Art Museum, located just a mile and a half from the heart of Center City. Residents enjoy this neighborhood because of its robust art scene that attracts many people to the community. Fairmount is ideal for young individuals and families that love art, parks, and world-class historical attractions. Fairmount’s residents are a mix of generations ranging from baby boomers to millennials with many dog owners.

(*City-Data)

• Population: 15,076 
• Pro: LGBT-friendly bars and restaurants
• Con: A bit noisy

Washington Square West is a welcoming neighborhood located in downtown/Center City, Philadelphia. Washington Square Park is filled with beautiful brown stones, historical buildings, and cobblestone streets; it also offers its residents a welcoming community. These cobblestone streets and historical buildings provide old-world charm as the foundation for trendy shopping, urban green spaces, exquisite cuisine, hip coffee houses, and buzzing nightlife. Most of its residents are single individuals and young families as well. This neighborhood offers lots of outdoor activities and events, making it almost impossible to be bored in Washington Square West. 

(*Niche)

• Population: 24,829
• Pro: Cultural diversity
• Con: Rush hour traffic

Ranked as one of the best places to live in Philadelphia, South Philly is the area between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, South Street, and due south. This neighborhood has a classic charm that can make one forget they are in a big city. Hence, the lifestyle residents enjoy in South Philadelphia is arguably one of the best in Philadelphia. The streets in South Philadelphia are also filled with shops and cafes, outdoor dining, and bars. South Philadelphia is home to various parks, markets, concert venues, multicultural attractions, public art, and other experiences. South Philadelphia is a highly walkable part of the city; it has everything you need only a few blocks away. Plus, the Broad Street Line subway is easily accessible from South Philadelphia. 

(*AreaVibes)