If you are looking for the Center City convenience with quiet, historic charm, Old City is the neighborhood to live in. Old City is a tourist destination for history buffs, but once the sun sets and the museums are closed the cobbled streets are quaint, neighborly, and peaceful. It’s also host to some of Philly’s best nightlife as there are plenty of trendy bars to make a crawl of.
Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and charming colonial-style rowhomes make this part of the city a national treasure. Do your shopping at the famous Reading Terminal Market, explore the new Museum of the American Revolution, or get some exercise along the Delaware River. There are great restaurants and coffee shops, and you’ll be walking everywhere. This is the most touristy section of the city, so parking is a pain if we’re honest.
Old City also includes the Society Hill section of Philadelphia as well as portions of Philly’s burgeoning waterfront. Like Center City, commute times are low and all transport is easily accessible. Old City has a happy mix of tranquility as well as liveliness. Homes can be small as many are historic, but for history buffs there’s nothing greater than an old home with character. If you do decide to purchase in Old City, check out the city’s Athenaeum for even more information on your new historic home!
Apartments predominate, but you may also find a 2 or 3-story rowhouse to call home. According to Zillow, the 2020 median home price in Center City is $387,000 (compared to Philly-wide average of $188,000). If that is outside your price range, consider West Philly, South Philly, or Manayunk,, which will give you a similar urban feel but at a lower price point.
