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Chinatown

Chinatown

Urban Core Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County 19107

Neighborhood Reviews
4.4
$273,971 Average Value
$307 Average Price per Sq Ft
24 Homes For Sale

A historic community with a catalog of Asian restaurants and businesses

What once began as a small mix of laundries and restaurants started by Cantonese immigrants in 1871 has flourished into the vibrant and immersive neighborhood of Chinatown. From the second folks pass through the Chinatown Friendship Gate, they're greeted by many restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and markets. "Chinatown is a key area in Philadelphia," says Realtor Christopher Chang of Realty Mark Associates Center City. Chang has sold homes in the area for just over seven years. "It's a very trendy neighborhood. There's a seamless blend of historical and modern architecture among many authentic restaurants."

The Friends of Chinatown Arch is a neighborhood staple.
The Friends of Chinatown Arch is a neighborhood staple.
Local Chinatown grocery stores offer fresh produce and deli items daily.
Local Chinatown grocery stores offer fresh produce and deli items daily.
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Restaurants, cafes and markets flank the community's busy streets

Chinatown has a vibrant and dynamic restaurant scene, packed from end-to-end with plates from Cantonese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Northern Sichuan cultures. "This is the place to go for 100 percent authentic Asian cuisine," Chang says. A walk down 10th Street, under the intricately crafted Friendship Gate, invites a steeped stream of smells that pulse the senses of each passerby. Locals grab a plate of Nasi Lemak at one of the neighborhood's few Malaysian spots, Penang Malaysian Cuisine. Or, at the corner of 10th and Cherry Street, Spice C offers warm bowls of noodle soup with dumplings, wonton and sliced beef. Vietnamese options include Pho 20, where locals enjoy rich broths. Visitors enjoy dim sum at Ocean Harbor, hot pot at Chubby Cattle or Korean BBQ at Nine Ting. And there are several spots for a drink or a sweet treat. Residents grab bubble tea at TeaDo or Vivi Bubble Tea before picking up fresh-baked goods at Mayflower Cafe & Bakery or Hong Kong Bakery. If locals prefer to make a meal at home, there are many Asian markets nearby, like S. Mart, Tuck Hing Co. food market and Chung May Food Market.

Sit inside in Chinatown and enjoy some bubble tea at Tea-Do.
Sit inside in Chinatown and enjoy some bubble tea at Tea-Do.
Walk the streets and find out why you will love living in Chinatown.
Walk the streets and find out why you will love living in Chinatown.
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Chinatown events draw in crowds from across Philly

Chinatown hosts several events each year, drawing in huge crowds. Chinatown Night Market features local food vendors and performers while people roam the streets to celebrate the city’s restaurants. There’s also the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Festival, which takes place every May at Franklin Square, just a couple blocks from the neighborhood. And at the end of every Chinese New Year, there’s always a big festival with parades and firecrackers. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is a large-scale event with performers, food vendors and large, illuminated lanterns. Chinatown is also just a couple blocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which features some of the state’s biggest events.

Pocket parks like Vine Street Park in Chinatown offer quiet lunch spots.
Pocket parks like Vine Street Park in Chinatown offer quiet lunch spots.
For dinner at home in Chinatown, get your groceries at Asian Fresh Supermarket.
For dinner at home in Chinatown, get your groceries at Asian Fresh Supermarket.
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Residents exclusively live in high-rise condos

Most residents live in mixed-use properties with businesses on the bottom and condos or apartments on the upper floors. There are also a few standalone condos that overlook the neighborhood with views of Center City. The TenTen building on Race Street offers three-bedroom condominiums with high ceilings, hardwood floors and exposed brick. Residents of this building also enjoy concierge and doorman services. The Grandview Condominiums was built over 100 years ago, with one-bedroom options and concierge services. And Arch Street Lofts offers residents bi-level condos with open floor plans. Condos typically cost between $150,000 and $450,000.

Chinatown's close proximity makes living in condos like TenTen a first choice in neighborhoods.
Chinatown's close proximity makes living in condos like TenTen a first choice in neighborhoods.
Living options in Chinatown include condos like the Arch Street Lofts.
Living options in Chinatown include condos like the Arch Street Lofts.
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A few historic green spaces are within walking distance

Locals have a few urban green spaces within walking distance. Franklin Square is one of William Penn’s original five squares laid out in the initial plan of Philadelphia in the late 17th century. Today, it’s a center for outdoor recreation that spans nearly eight acres. Park-goers enjoy a ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel, a game of mini golf or grab a table by the restored central fountain. Franklin Square is home to SquareBurger, where locals grab a root beer float or Philly dog. Residents also frequent Washington Square, another of Penn’s original five squares, offering ample shaded green space.

Walk amongst historic architecture and serene nature in Philadelphia at Washington Square.
Walk amongst historic architecture and serene nature in Philadelphia at Washington Square.
Enjoy time outdoors in Chinatown at Franklin Square, with beer gardens and mini golf.
Enjoy time outdoors in Chinatown at Franklin Square, with beer gardens and mini golf.
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Walking around Chinatown and hopping on the metro

While Chinatown is considered a very walkable neighborhood, there are several SEPTA bus stops for those who need public transportation. Locals also take a metro from the Chinatown Station to get around Philadelphia. The few residents that drive in the area have quick access to Interstate 95. And when locals need to catch a flight, the Philadelphia International Airport is 10 miles away. Jefferson Health hospital is within a mile away.

Get around the rest of Philadelphia from Chinatown on the Broad-Spur line at Chinatown Station.
Get around the rest of Philadelphia from Chinatown on the Broad-Spur line at Chinatown Station.
Septa busses provide public transportation to Chinatown residents.
Septa busses provide public transportation to Chinatown residents.
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Students attend Philadelphia City Schools

Kids growing up in the area attend schools served by the School District of Philadelphia, which earned an overall C-plus on Niche. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students attend General George A. McCall School, which has an overall B-plus on Niche and a student-to-teacher ratio of 17-to-1. Students advance to Benjamin Franklin High School to earn their degrees. High schoolers enjoy access to various sports like basketball, track and bowling. Niche gave the school an overall C-minus.

Children start their education in Chinatown at General George A McCall Public School.
Children start their education in Chinatown at General George A McCall Public School.
Chinatown students prepare for college at Benjamin Franklin High School.
Chinatown students prepare for college at Benjamin Franklin High School.
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Brennen Martin
Written By
Brennen Martin
Jesse Roehrer
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Alex Jacobsen
Video By
Alex Jacobsen

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Maria Quattrone, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

20 min drive

Bus

Arch St & 10th St

Bus

Vine St & 11th St

Bus

11th St & Race St

Bus

Arch St & 11th St

Bus

Vine St & 10th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.4 22 Reviews
5.0 Niche User
6/8/2014 Niche Review
Diverse community. All races, class, beliefs, ages.
3.0 Niche User
6/8/2014 Niche Review
four seasons. winter, summer, spring, fall. too cold half of the year, too hot the rest,
5.0 Niche User
6/8/2014 Niche Review
Center city of major metropolitan city. Outdoors are typical.
5.0 Niche User
6/8/2014 Niche Review
Center city of a major metropolitan area. Everything you need.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Chinatown US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 8 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$222,500
Median Townhouse Price
$410,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$360,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$175,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Months of Supply
28.80
Median List Price
$220,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-26%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
245
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
962
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
968
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,218
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,077

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Maria Quattrone, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,961
Median Age
38
Population Density
68 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$44,963
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,366

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
74.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
43.6%
Advanced Degrees
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.6%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

80 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

99 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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
Chinatown