$354,950Average Value$194Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Residences centered around Walnut and Chestnut Streets
West of University City and the Schuylkill River, the Walnut Hill neighborhood comprises several streets surrounding a pair of major roads and removed from the bustle of central Philadelphia. A few shops and restaurants sit in and around the neighborhood, but proximity to Chestnut and Walnut Streets means residents are connected to much of west Philadelphia via the two parallel asphalt arteries. “It’s family-oriented, you’re not too far from 69th and Market and transportation is really great," says Beverly Rosa, a broker and property manager with Tara Management Services.
Just east of Walnut Hill, two universities create a collegiate hub just off the Schuylkill. “What anchors West Philly are two opposite ends of the spectrum,” says Sean Elstone, a Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line Realty. “52nd Street is shops, nail salons, hair salons, all this stuff that’s very city-centric. On the other end of the spectrum is the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.” Walnut Hill is more residential than Center City and the rest of Philadelphia’s main region to the east, but locals don’t sacrifice accessibility, as Philly proper is less than 3 miles away across the river.
Walnut Hill is a community in West Philadelphia.
Wanut Hill is a small community of approximately 5,500.
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Rowhouses with accessibility to both colleges
Walnut Hill is lined with classic rowhouses standing sentry over narrow streets. Though most are similar in style, with brick facades and bay windows, some differentiate with vibrant trim ranging in color from blue to green to red. The rowhouses are very close together and there's not a lot of room out front, but that's part of the appeal. “The beauty of Philly is that it’s gritty in almost every neighborhood for different reasons,” Elstone says. “The vibe of living in West Philly is laid-back.” Walnut Hill receives a CAP crime score of 5 out of 10, slightly above the national average of 4. Prices can be double that of the adjacent Cobbs Creek neighborhood; Walnut Hill homes often range in cost from around $300,000 to $500,000, and many were built before 1925.
Both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are each less than 2 miles east, meaning West Philadelphia is a hub of student housing. “If you’re going to be closer to University City, you’re going to pay for it,” Elstone says. “Your access to things increases dramatically, and Market Street has a lot on it – that would be my pin for the center of access to things in West Philly.” University City is only about a mile east of Walnut Hill. “The universities are consistently trying to push out further west and develop out there,” says Mike Faber, a Realtor with Keller Williams Empower. “You have a mix of students and families. As far as Walnut Hill goes, it’s desirable just because getting that close to University City, it’s already built out.”
Walnut Hill's housing choices consist almost entirely of row homes.
UPenn's campus is just a few miles from Walnut Hill.
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International food at local staples
Restaurants are scattered in and around Walnut Hill. A block east of the neighborhood, Abyssinia has been serving Ethiopian fare on the corner of Locust and 45th Streets for almost 30 years. “The atmosphere is good,” owner Tedla Abraham says. “I’ve been here for 29 years, and the place has been here some 42 years. We have happy hour, vegetarian and meat dishes.” Along with the expansive menu, the restaurant also plays host to events like jazz and comedy nights on its upstairs level. Saad’s Halal sits less than 500 feet from Abyssinia. “I’ve had their halal cheesesteak,” Elstone says. “It’s phenomenal.”
For a baked treat, shoppers stop by Federal Donuts just over a mile east on the University of Pennsylvania's campus. “Federal Donuts have sort of taken over Philadelphia,” says Elstone, who was a chef for nearly a decade before going into real estate in 2012. “Don’t just go for the donuts – stay for the fried chicken. It’s freaking amazing. They make these fried chicken sandwiches and they’re unbelievable.” Several small stores, like the Keren Food Market, sit nearby, but residents typically find groceries at an Aldi across Market Street on the north side.
Abyssinia in Walnut Hill has been serving Ethiopian fare for 30 years.
The Aldi on Market Street is where Walnut Hill locals shop for groceries.
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Chess games get underway in Clark Park
Around half a mile from Walnut Hill, Clark Park is one of the area’s larger greenspaces. It’s lined with walkways, but the action centers around board games going on in its common area. “I used to actually play chess with these guys that used to set up shop in the corner of the park,” Elstone says. Underneath a canopy of trees, a group of chess enthusiasts have several tables’ worth of games going on at any given time. The competition fills the park air with laughter and good-natured comebacks, whether it’s between two regulars or a passerby giving it a shot.
To the west, Cobbs Creek Park sprawls across over 850 acres. Anglers cast lines in the park’s namesake body of water, golfers aim for par on the fairways of the Cobbs Creek Golf Club and casual park-goers head to its sports facilities or pathways that wind through the trees. “It’s pretty walking by, and there are trails and whatnot going through it,” Elstone says. “It’s beautiful.” To the east, the Schuylkill River is a popular spot for water-based recreation like rowing and boating, and to the west Malcolm X Memorial Park has tree-lined pathways.
Winding walking trails include benches for relaxing at Clark Park.
Practice your jump shot on the courts at Clark Park.
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Getting around by car, bus or rail
Motorists can reach Interstate 76, also known as the Schuylkill Expressway, less than 3 miles from Walnut Hill. “If you’re out by Cobbs Creek and Walnut Hill, you’re not too far from the Schuylkill Expressway, so it’s not difficult,” Rosa says. “This city is very easy to get out of.” Both Chestnut and Walnut Streets run across northern Cobbs Creek and extend eastward to University City.
Public transportation is also available, including by bus and rail. “You’ve got a trolley, the L train and buses,” Elstone says of West Philadelphia as a whole. “If you’re far off in the middle out there, you’re walking everywhere you’re going. It’s tough and not easy to drive your car around in some of these spots – the streets are narrow.” The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is also convenient to Walnut Hill, less than a mile west, and central Philadelphia is about a 3-mile drive east.
Walnut Hill is serviced by SEPTA trains at the 46th Street station.
Trolleys are a popular way to get around Walnut Hill and the neighboring communities.
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Sports stadiums to the southeast
Eagles fans flock to Lincoln Financial Field, about 6 miles east across the Schuylkill, to see their two-time Super Bowl champions play home football games. “The Eagles are a religion,” one local fan of the area's teams for nearly 20 years, says. “People here love the Eagles more than anything else. When you go down on a Sunday to tailgate, being on the train with everyone wearing the midnight green, you don’t know anyone with you but you’re all stoked to be together and rooting for the same thing. It’s like a brotherhood.”
The stadium is part of an expansive complex also containing Citizens Bank Park, the home of MLB’s Phillies, and the Wells Fargo Center, which houses the NBA’s 76ers and NHL’s Flyers. “Depending on season, Philly heats up around playoff baseball and then football as well,” Faber says. “Tailgating becomes one of the larger events and activities to do in the city. If we’re fortunate to make it far enough, you get parades and a lot of action on Broad Street.” Additionally, to the west of Walnut Hill, a summer jazz concert series takes place in Malcolm X Memorial Park each year.
Schools in and close to Walnut Hill
The Henry C. Lea School sits just south of the neighborhood, earning a C from Niche and enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade. After graduation, students can move on to West Philadelphia High School, which is located within Walnut Hill. West Philadelphia High receives a C as well, and clubs there include art, drama, yearbook and student government.
Henry C. Lea Elementary School is an historic elementary school located in Philadelphia.
West Philadelphia High School is located at 4901 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139.
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
Clark Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Malcolm X Park
Playground
Events
Barkan Park
Playground
Cobbs Creek Park
Cobbs Creek Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Vidas Athletic Complex
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Lee Cultural Center Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Bartram's Garden
Fishing
Picnic Area
Trails
Max Paul Park
Transit
Airport
Philadelphia International
19 min drive
Bus
Chestnut St & 48th St
Bus
Market St & Farragut St - Fs
Bus
48th St & Locust St
Bus
Farragut St & Chestnut St
Bus
48th St & Walnut St
Bus
Chestnut St & 46th St
Bus
Walnut St & 48th St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Walnut Hill
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Walnut Hill, Philadelphia sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Walnut Hill, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $315,200, up 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great Investment Opportunity in Walnut Hill – Duplex Near Philadelphia’s Top Universities.Welcome to 4639 Sansom St., a newly renovated, legally zoned, duplex located in the heart of Walnut Hill—just minutes from the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel, and University of the Sciences. The building features two spacious units. Unit 1 is leased for $1,750/month, while the second unit is vacant and
Charming row home in West Philadelphia neighborhood offers three bedrooms and 1.5 baths. This traditional property combines historic character with modern comfort, featuring a spacious layout and large basement.
***RECENT NEW CONSTRUCTION 4 UNIT BUILDING WITH TAX ABATEMENT**Completely renovated in 2022, this property is fully occupied and ready to be your next investment. Start collecting rent as soon as you close. Located right on Walnut Street the location is prime. The building consists of 4 residential units all well designed to maximize space and layout. UNIT 1: 2 bed/1.5 bath rented for $1,493.50.
Welcome to The UC Flats! This newly constructed luxury complex is located just steps away from University City and is the perfect location for young professionals and students who need easy and direct access to nearby universities and hospitals. Enjoy walking to some of the areas best restaurants and shops like ReAnimator Coffee, HipCityVeg, Copabanana University City and Terakawa Ramen. UC
Spacious and clean 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom at 47th and Chestnut street. Features, Eating in kitchen, modern kitchen cabinet , all tile bathroom, clean and contemporary style, hardwood floor throughout, Central Air/heat, Laundry in the basement. Near septa subway station, Drexel, Upenn, bus station, ride aid, 10 mints commute to center city. No dog/cat. Check credit score, proof of income.
AUTHENTIC LOFT APARTMENTSLOCATED IN VIBRANT UNIVERSITY CITY/WEST PHILADELPHIAunparalleled amenities and a 24-hour conciergeWest Lofts apartments are located in University City district of West Philadelphia that is less than one mile away from top rated Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania. Conveniently located just a few blocks away from a SEPTA transit stop and many great retail and
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
3,184
Median Age
34
Population Density
40 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$38,244
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,529
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.2%
College Graduates
36.3%
Advanced Degrees
19%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.3%
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
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
98/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
91/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
78/ 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.
