$663,427Average Value$400Average Price per Sq Ft88Homes For Sale
Walkable suburb with Philly energy
Southwest Center City goes by many nicknames, including Graduate Hospital – or G-Ho – and South of South – or So-So. While there are many different ways to refer to this 12-block stretch of walkable streets, there’s typically one way to describe it: Revitalized. South Street, where some of the city’s biggest festivals take place, and the popular walking trail along the Schuylkill River breathe fresh air into the neighborhood. Residents are also conveniently located near the University of Pennsylvania and its extension of hospitals, just across the river. “A lot of doctors and business professionals move here,” says Morgan Rodriguez, a neighborhood local and Realtor with OFC Realty. “They will just walk right across the bridge to get to the hospital.” But anyone who wants proximity to the excitement of the city will appreciate life in Southwest City City. While the neighborhood offers its own local dining, Subway access and community events, the iconic commercial district around Rittenhouse Square is just blocks away.
Classic rowhomes and modern condos
Throughout much of Southwest Center City are three-story, nineteenth and twentieth-century rowhomes, some with brick exteriors and others with more Italianate influences. “The older brick rowhomes in this area are very classically Philly,” says Rodriguez. Many of these established homes have well-preserved exteriors with renovated interiors, so residents can appreciate the historic architecture while enjoying modern living. Blended among the residential streets are townhomes with Second Empire architecture and contemporary condos, many with attached garages and rooftop decks that provide stunning views of the Center City skyline. A block of properties might range from a humble one-bedroom and two-bathroom unit to a spacious four-bedroom and five-bathroom unit. Prices also reflect this range, starting just below $300,000 and rising to upwards of $1.8 million.
Barhopping on South Street
Though the east side of South Street toward Broad Street has long been the go-to spot for local pubs and trendy restaurants, the west side has been gaining a lot of traction. Cafes, bars and boutiques have recently set up shop along Southwest Center City’s pedestrian-friendly streets, making it the new place to be. Residents can head to Cafe Ynez for Mexican-inspired breakfast, lunch or dinner in a vibrant diner. Nearby, the Sidecar Bar & Grille is a gastropub with brunch specials. The day out can continue at Dock Street Brewery South, where the craft beer menu rotates, and the kitchen whips up pizza and burgers. There are many corner markets around town, including The Fresh Grocer of Grays Ferry and South Square Market. More grocery options aren’t far to the north, where there’s a Trader Joe’s and a Sprouts right next to a Target. This walkable commercial area provides a broader shopping and dining experience, with The Shops at Liberty Place and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Scenic walks on the Schuylkill River Trail
Southwest City City is home to the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, where residents can work out inside, swim in the outdoor pool and play on the playground, basketball courts and baseball field. Another recreation center in the neighborhood is Christian Street YMCA, just a block away. Athletes and families alike might opt for an adventure at Chew Playground, where there are also athletic courts and fields that host recreation leagues. When looking to escape the urban streets of the city, locals can leash up their dogs and make their way to the green and sculpture-filled Schuylkill River Park to access the trail along the river. “It’s close enough to walk to the trail from the neighborhood,” says Jim Robertson, a Realtor with OCF Realty. “It’s usually pretty crowded with bikers and runners.” A few blocks to the north, Rittenhouse Square is an iconic city park in the middle of a bustling retail district that hosts the Rittenhouse Farmers Market.
Philadelphia art and UPenn architecture
Artistic locals scratch their creative itch at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. On the east side of Southwest Center City, this venue features eclectic mosaics and folksy art exhibits in both an outdoor and indoor space. On the other side of town across the Schuylkill River, residents can also admire the intricate architecture of the University of Pennsylvania's campus. The buildings on the grounds of this Ivy League school show Gothic-era styles dating back to the 1700s.
The Odunde Festival and Bloktoberfest
“Southwest Center City has a great sense of community. It’s very family-friendly and diverse,” Rodriguez says. This connection is celebrated every year when the neighborhood comes together for two major events on South Street. The Odunde Festival is a vibrant celebration of African culture with food, music, dancing and vendors and has been running strong for decades. Bloktoberfest is another exciting event that lines the street with residents enjoying live music, food trucks and vendors.
City public schools and private institutions
Students can attend the public Chester A. Arthur School for kindergarten through eighth grade, which offers an 11-1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus grade from Niche. A nearby private elementary and middle school option is The Philadelphia School, which Niche grades an A-plus. For a public high school, students can advance to Universal Audenried Charter School, which Niche grades a C and ranks among the Best Public High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania. Private high school options include Saints Neumann Goretti, a Catholic school with an A-minus Niche grade.
Riding on the SEPTA
Residents can get around town using the SEPTA Subway system, with the Lombard-South and Ellsworth-Federal stations on the east end of the neighborhood. The SEPTA bus also services the town and the surrounding Philadelphia metro area. To leave the city easily, Interstate 76 is accessible just west on the other side of the Schuylkill River.
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
Emily Ou,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Markward Playground
Basketball
Picnic Area
Tennis
Chew Playground
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Julian Abele Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Carpenter Green Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Botanical Gardens
Marian Anderson Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Ridgway Park
Picnic Area
Pool
Playground
Transit
Airport
Philadelphia International
19 min drive
Bus
Broad St & Fitzwater St
Bus
17th St & Catherine St
Bus
Bainbridge St & 22nd St
Bus
19th St & Catherine St
Bus
South St & 18th St
Bus
Broad St & Carpenter St
Bus
20th St & Catherine St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Center City
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Center City, Philadelphia sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Southwest Center City, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $662,720, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to unit 5, the Penthouse, at 1513 Christian St. a 5-unit boutique condominium community located in the charming Graduate Hospital neighborhood of Philadelphia. Situated near many local conveniences, restaurants, and attractions that are sure to make for an enjoyable living experience. The walkability is unparalleled as you can reach Rittenhouse Square, the Schuylkill River Park, larger
Welcome to 2029 Catharine Street — a luxurious 4 bed, 4 full bath new construction home with parking in the heart of Graduate Hospital. Thoughtfully designed with timeless character and modern amenities, this residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step into the main living space where natural light pours in, highlighting custom arched built-ins and an open floor plan ideal
This Graduate Hospital beauty is located on a quiet block in one of Philly's most coveted neighborhoods and offers the future opportunity to build a third story addition, including a roof deck with breathtaking skyline views! A quick walk to shopping destinations like Sprouts, Target, and the South Street corridor. Hop on the Broad St Line or a bus and you're a few stops away from City Hall or
Experience the charm of this beautifully updated 1-bedroom home, right in the heart of Graduate Hospital! Inside, you’ll find a fresh new bathroom, modern kitchen cabinets, sleek granite countertops, and a finished basement. The open living area features a convenient breakfast bar that's perfect for everyday meals or entertaining friends. Step outside to your own private backyard oasis — a
Welcome to your new home in the heart of the vibrant Graduate Hospital neighborhood! This recently renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom property is full of charm and ready to welcome you.Step inside to find an open floor plan flooded with natural light, beautifully enhanced by brand-new flooring throughout the main level. The spacious living area leads into a fully updated kitchen featuring sleek
Charming 1-bedroom apartment available for lease in the vibrant Graduate Hospital neighborhood! This inviting residence offers a spacious living room and a kitchen outfitted with modern amenities, including a built-in microwave, gas oven range, dishwasher, and refrigerator. The full bathroom features a tub shower with jets for added comfort.Additional highlights include access to a deck,
****Available June 15th. As the morning light gently filtered through the oversized, eastern-facing windows of my home in Graduate Hospital, I found myself roused from slumber. Ah, the comfort of my stylish yet cozy oasis in the heart of the city. Stretching lazily, I embraced the promise of a leisurely Sunday ahead.With a yawn and a hurkle-durkle, I made my way to the well-appointed chef’s
Located in the crux of Center City, South Philadelphia, and University City, Graduate Pointe, located at 2501 Washington Avenue, offers all the amenities of a luxe lifestyle with the ease and convenience that our bustling city has to offer. Our 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are beautifully designed with modern fixtures and finishes, a full appliance package, and brand new hardwood floors.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Emily Ou,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
14,935
Median Age
35
Population Density
44 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$130,228
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$155,513
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
78%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
44.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
82/ 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.
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.