$151,975Average Value$138Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes For Sale
Multicultural Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood bustling with activity
Southwest Schuylkill sits on the banks of its namesake Schuylkill River, only a few miles downstream of Philadelphia’s Center City. Although the area has shifted dramatically over the past few centuries, going from farmland to a dense neighborhood of rowhouses, Bartram’s Garden remains one of the country’s first botanical gardens. Today, the community has acquired a reputation as a multicultural Southwest Philadelphia hub. “The area is growing and is a melting pot of diversity,” says John Lee, Realtor with Keller Williams. “Homes are reasonably priced and nicely renovated, plus the community has a range of people. You could live next to a professor and a municipal employee.” And because of their different backgrounds, residents love spending time with each other. “There’s a big focus on being active in the community here,” says Algernong Allen, a broker with Keller Williams Empower and a long-time resident of the Southwest Schuylkill area. “A lot of people get together for community events, and you’ll see plenty of posters on telephone poles and walls advertising activities.” Allen also highlights the neighborhood’s location as a huge selling point. “You’re 15 minutes by car or transit to Center City and proximal to the University of Pennsylvania,” he says. “The airport is only 15 minutes south, and you can get on a trolley to the 30th Street station and take a train to New York City or Washington D.C.”
Rowhouses with character in a dense part of Philly
Philadelphia rowhouses comprise the vast majority of the neighborhood’s housing stock. Front facades are a mixture of vinyl, brick and faux stone panels. Many homes have front porches with cast iron fences and second-story bay windows. Residential streets tend to be narrower, divided into a lane for parking and a single lane for one-way traffic. And with a median lot size of about 2,000 square feet, most parcels are without a front lawn. Instead, many homeowners furnish the front of their properties with small gardens, chairs or potted plants. Interiors are typically open concept on the first story, with bedrooms on the second floor. Prices start around $40,000 for homes ready for extra love, with prices reaching up to about $300,000 for well-maintained homes. New constructions and extensively remodeled builds cost up to $500,000. The neighborhood receives an 8 out of 10 on the CAP index for certain violent crime categories compared to the national average of 4. However, the neighborhood’s overall crime score is right on par with the country’s average, sitting at 4.
West African cuisine along Woodland Avenue
“There’s a great diversity of restaurants in the area and a lot of investment in unique locations,” Lee says. Many restaurants and boutiques sit about half a mile south down Woodland Avenue. Kingston 11 invites patrons to enjoy oxtail, jerk chicken and other Jamaican favorites. African Small Pot specializes in West African cuisine, offering fried tilapia, cassava leaves and lamb shanks. Oteri’s Italian Bakery is known for its cannolis, cupcakes, cookies and custom cakes. Save A Lot, just southwest of the neighborhood in Paschall, provides groceries and household essentials. Other shops and eateries sit north in communities like Garden Court and Spruce Hill.
Bartram’s Garden is the country’s oldest botanical garden
Spanning over 50 acres, Bartram’s Garden is a public park on the southeast corner of the neighborhood holding plants from a variety of ecosystems. Established in 1728 by renowned local horticulturalist John Bartram, this botanical garden is the oldest in the United States. The park features walking trails, a community garden and free kayaking down the Schuylkill River. Some of the park’s most notable plants include a Franklin tree, which the garden saved from extinction, and possibly the oldest ginkgo tree on the continent. Clark Park is another recreational mainstay, open for visitors since 1895. Paved walkways roll through the park, and large trees shade several playgrounds.
Kingsessing Recreation Center gives more opportunities to get active, granting four outdoor basketball courts, three tennis courts usable for pickleball and an open field for lacrosse and other games. During the summer, the rec center gives free access to the pool. Activities offered include martial arts and homework assistance. On the northeast side of the neighborhood, there’s 48th & Woodland Playground, which has two baseball and softball diamonds, two basketball courts and a play structure. Residents on the southwest side of the neighborhood can walk over to the Francis Myers Recreation Center in neighboring Kingsessing. The center’s amenities include a gym, racquetball courts, a pool and open fields for play.
Deals at the Dollar Stroll and movies at Clark Park
The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is an anticipated event where people can buy food and wares from local businesses for as low as a dollar. This bi-annual outdoor marketplace typically occurs at the start of summer in June and around the close of the season in September. Another popular outdoor event that takes place on select evenings in August is the Clark Park Movies series, which takes place on the lawn and is free and open to the public.
Bartram High teaches students to program and pilot drones
Benjamin B. Comegys School serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students and earns a C-minus rating from Niche. John Bartram High receives a C-minus, too. Bartram High was constructed during the New Deal in the late 1930s and follows an art deco architectural style. Aerial Systems Group International has partnered with the high school to instruct students on constructing, programming and flying drones. Students can also participate in a paid internship and make as much as $35 an hour. The University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school, is less than a mile north of the neighborhood.
Trains, planes and trolleys in Southwest Philly
A high level of walkability characterizes Southwest Schuylkill. Restaurants and businesses are within walking distance of most residences. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority trolley lines make stops along Woodland Avenue, Grays Avenue and South 49th Street. These trolleys head southwest to Darby and east to Center City Market East, where commuters transfer to subway trains. The neighborhood is also served by SEPTA’s 52 bus, which runs northwest through West Philadelphia. Ramps to Interstate 76 are about a mile east of the neighborhood, while ramps to Interstate 95 are about 4 miles south and east. Philadelphia International Airport is a 5-mile drive south, or a 15-minute drive depending on traffic.
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
Kate Muckenhirn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Clark Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Grays Ferry Crescent Trail Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Skateboard
Bartram's Garden
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Kingsessing Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Francis Myers Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
48th & Woodland Playground
Transit
Airport
Philadelphia International
15 min drive
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 49Th Street
Subway
49Th Street And Paschall Avenue
Subway
Elmwood Avenue And 56Th Street
Subway
Grays Avenue And 51St Street
Subway
Lindbergh Avenue And 54Th Street
Subway
Lindbergh Avenue And Wheeler Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 46Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 50Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 54Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 55Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 56Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 47Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 48Th Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 51St Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 52Nd Street
Subway
Woodland Avenue And 53Rd Street
Bus
49th St & Woodland Av
Bus
Paschall Av & 49th St
Bus
Greenway Av & 54th St - Fs
Bus
Greenway Av & 51st St
Bus
Paschall Av & Hanson St
Bus
Paschall Av & Grays Ferry Av - Mbfs
Bus
Woodland Av & 51st St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southwest Schuylkill
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southwest Schuylkill, Philadelphia sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Southwest Schuylkill, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $157,673, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your new home! this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home! Completely remodeled from top to bottom, the house features stunning flooring throughout the first levels. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a spacious, newly updated front porch. Step inside to a bright, open-concept living, dining and kitchen area that showcases captivating lighting and gorgeous flooring. Brand-new
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom home. The main floor features an open-concept layout, perfect for modern living. Upstairs, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms and a well-appointed bathroom. Make your appointment today!
This recently renovated rowhome in a great location at the foot of the Kingsessing Rec Center grounds is surprisingly spacious, laundry in the basement. This wide block of 50th St tees into an entrance to the nine-acre park that houses the Kingsessing Library and Rec Center, currently undergoing $25M in upgrades, and is convenient to Clark Park, Baltimore Ave, multiple trolley lines and
Welcome to this newly renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that blends modern upgrades with everyday comfort. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, this home features all-electric utilities and has central air for heating and cooling, keeping things cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. The property also has a washer and dryer in unit for convenience.The layout is ideal for
Classic Philadelphia style residential home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Ready for move-in by July 5th, 2025Located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood that is in close proximity to public transportation with easy access to Center City (Trolley stop 3 blocks away), restaurants, and coffee shops. It is a 15 minute walk from UPenn's campus, a 5 min walk from Clark Park, and a 5 min
Charming 2-Bedroom Home with Spacious Basement and Attached Garage - Pet-Friendly!Welcome to your new home! This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Step inside to discover a cozy living space filled with natural light, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen features ample cabinet space, making meal preparation a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kate Muckenhirn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
10,742
Median Age
35
Population Density
22 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$34,894
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$46,267
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.5%
College Graduates
17.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
73/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
74/ 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.
