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Old City

Old City

Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County 19106, 19107

Neighborhood Reviews
4.1
$576,867 Average Value
$378 Average Price per Sq Ft
76 Homes For Sale
Market Street provides Old City residents easy access to unique dining and retail options.
Market Street provides Old City residents easy access to unique dining and retail options.

The country's most historic square-mile

Known as America’s most historic square mile, Old City is a multi-layered neighborhood home to a range of condominiums in historic bespoke buildings. “Old City is a nice little trendy area along with all that history, Fishtown is just a stone’s throw away and it’s got great nightlife,” says Mike Bottaro, local Realtor for Homestarr Realty, with over $124 million dollars in area sales. Homeowners are within walking distance of Old City’s prominent public spaces, which include buildings and landmarks dating back to the founding of the United States.

Contemporary high-rises and maintained brownstones

Much of Old City’s residential landscape is comprised of contemporary townhomes and some high rise condos. “There’s more newer-style construction happening over there, its got a lot of cool trendy places to go and there’s a lot more development to come,” says local Realtor Mike Bottaro. Townhomes provide ample street parking and a variety of interior floor plans. Classic brick facades and newer construction mix in Old City, all within walking distance of historic landmarks and local restaurants. Home prices range from $260,000 for a modest condominium to as much as $2.9 million for a large contemporary townhome on the waterfront.

Contemporary town homes are a classic and charming option for Old City residents.
Contemporary town homes are a classic and charming option for Old City residents.
Town homes are an option for Old City residents looking to live close to the action.
Town homes are an option for Old City residents looking to live close to the action.
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Museums and landmarks dating back to the Revolutionary War

The community has an array of historical landmarks on longstanding cobblestone streets dating back as far as 1703. Buildings from the First Bank of the United States, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House are just a short walk away, showcasing exhibits and artifacts from the founding of the United States. Proper museums like the Museum of the American Revolution and the Benjamin Franklin Museum offer various exhibits and educational material concerning events and figures from the Revolutionary War. There are also outdoor spaces in the neighborhood open to the public, such as Franklin Square, where locals can ride the carousel, play mini golf, watch live dance and music performances, or take a stroll around Franklin Square Fountain.

Old City is just a few blocks away from the symbol of American independence, the Liberty Bell.
Old City is just a few blocks away from the symbol of American independence, the Liberty Bell.
Independence Hall in Old City was home to debates on the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Hall in Old City was home to debates on the Declaration of Independence.
Beer garden at Franklin Square is the perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy a sunny day.
Beer garden at Franklin Square is the perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy a sunny day.
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Old City is home to trendy pubs and pop-up markets

In addition to historic museums and landmarks, Old City has several easily accessible retailers and restaurants along major thoroughfares like Market Street. “Old City is great for nightlife, lots of little pubs and pop-up shops around,” says local Realtor Mike Bottaro. Locals start their day at FRIEDA, a European café with an open floor plan featuring minimalist décor and serving up a range of baked goods as well as breakfast and lunch dishes. Old City Beer Garden offers outdoor seating with games to go with its range of craft beers. One of many Philadelphia Irish pubs, The Plough & the Stars offers various brews and traditional fare such as fish and chips. Old City residents can also browse through the pop-ups and vendors at Cherry Street Pier, which is also home to a flea market and a brewery on the riverside.

Old City Beer Garden is a seasonal outdoor beer bar with games and picnic tables in Old City.
Old City Beer Garden is a seasonal outdoor beer bar with games and picnic tables in Old City.
Market Street is home to many unique fine dining and retail options for residents to enjoy.
Market Street is home to many unique fine dining and retail options for residents to enjoy.
Studios at Cherry St. pier are open year-round for Old City residents to enjoy.
Studios at Cherry St. pier are open year-round for Old City residents to enjoy.
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Residents flock to Ben Franklin Bridge in Old City each winter for ice skating by the river.
Residents flock to Ben Franklin Bridge in Old City each winter for ice skating by the river.

Summer and Winter events in Old City

Old City also plays host to several seasonal events. Penn’s Landing provides a comprehensive view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge; the pier offers carnival rides and games during Summerfest and Winterfest, as well as ice skating and rollerblading on Blue Cross RiverRink.

Old City residents can take a walk down to the Cherry St. Pier and enjoy exhibitions and events.
Old City residents can take a walk down to the Cherry St. Pier and enjoy exhibitions and events.

Learning history in Old City's Schools

Public school students are served by the School District of Philadelphia, starting their academic careers at schools like General George A. McCall Public School. This school has an overall B-plus rating according to Niche and teaches from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students move on to secondary institutions such as Constitution High School. The high school has an overall B-minus rating on Niche and has a college preparatory program that emphasizes history and social sciences through partnerships with local museums and law firms.

Light rail and bus stations provide extra transport around this walkable community

Locals have easy access to Philadelphia’s public transit through the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, whether through the subway, light rail or public bus lines. Freeway access to the Delaware Expressway and the I-676 puts locals within two miles of Center City to the west and nearby Camden to the west over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Historic buildings and trendy local spots make Old City an excellent place to call home.

The Subway is a popular option for commuting in and out of the Old City neighborhood.
The Subway is a popular option for commuting in and out of the Old City neighborhood.
One can feel the rich and vibrant history while strolling through the Old City neighborhood.
One can feel the rich and vibrant history while strolling through the Old City neighborhood.
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Ian Burke
Written By
Ian Burke
Conner Baker
Photography Contributed By
Conner Baker
Matthew Bloch
Video By
Matthew Bloch

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 William Furia, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

19 min drive

Subway

8Th & Market St

Subway

Chinatown

Subway

5Th Street

Subway

2Nd Street

Bus

4th St & Vine St

Bus

Market St & 3rd St

Bus

Arch St & 2nd St

Bus

9th St & Cuthbert St

Bus

Arch St & 5th St

Bus

Penn's Landing - 2

Bus

Walnut St & 5th St - Fs

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 9 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
9/28/2020 Niche Review
My experience living in Old City is amazing. I love all of shops and how accessible transportation is. Everyone is super nice!
5.0 Current Resident
2/21/2018 Niche Review
Very walkable. Close to many great restaurants with a variety of food. Ritz theaters are a chain of really great independent movie theaters and there are 3 of them within a few blocks of each other. There are a few homeless people here but they do not bother you that much. There are some great museums here as well. Like independence hall, liberty bell, the new revolutionary war museum. Great architecture. The old street in the US is here. The oldest theater in the US as well Walnut Street.
5.0 Current Resident
6/12/2020 Niche Review
Old City is home. I have lived all over the county and this is as good as I've found. It is the very center of a thriving city, yet somehow still calm, clean, safe, and just a great place to live. I would love to see the neighborhood mature to support more family-friendly options; this part of town doesn't have much for a family starting out, you need to walk to Northern libs or Society Hill just to get to a decent playground.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Old City US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$370,000
Median Single Family Price
$595,000
Median Townhouse Price
$881,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$489,999
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$285,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$378
Number of Homes for Sale
76
Last 12 months Home Sales
108
Months of Supply
8.40
Median List Price
$377,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,246
Median Year Built
1982
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,982
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,974
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,479
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
920
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
733
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    121-35 Walnut St Unit 405, Philadelphia, PA 19106

    $875,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,344 Sq Ft
    • 121-35 Walnut St
    • Unit 405

    Welcome to The Moravian, where refined sophistication meets modern luxury in one of Philadelphia’s most sought-after neighborhoods. This meticulously renovated bi-level condo at 121-35 Walnut Street, #405, is an exceptional residence offering unparalleled style, comfort, and exclusivity.Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed open-concept floor plan that exudes elegance at every

    Agent Photo
    Gaurav Gambhir
    KW Empower
    (833) 690-4023
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 12:30pm

    315 Arch St Unit 302, Philadelphia, PA 19106

    $370,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 862 Sq Ft
    • 315 Arch St
    • Unit 302

    Elegance Meets Modern Living in Old CityWelcome to Unit 302, a smartly renovated residence in the boutique condominium building at 315 Arch Street, situated in Philadelphia's historic Old City. This exquisite unit, nestled within a restored factory, seamlessly merges original architectural charm with contemporary design.Step into a sophisticated living space spread across 862 square feet, where

    Agent Photo
    Michelle Burns-Mchugh
    Compass RE
    (888) 723-2615
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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10:30 - 11:30am

    815 -37 Arch St Unit 512, Philadelphia, PA 19107

    $380,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 929 Sq Ft
    • 815 -37 Arch St
    • Unit 512
    • New 1 day ago

    Please come back on Saturday for more updates!

    Agent Photo
    Benjamin Wong
    BHHS Fox & Roach-Blue Bell
    (877) 311-9514
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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 William Furia, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
10,176
Median Age
37
Population Density
27 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$114,155
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,947

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
80.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.4%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
77.3%

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®

84 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

100 / 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
Old City