Washington Square West, one of Center City Philadelphia's most lively areas, offers a thriving nightlife with local shops, bars and restaurants while exuding 19th-century charm. The area of Chestnut, Pine, Juniper and 11th streets is known for its large population of members of the LGBTQ community and businesses that cater to the community. “From the Gayborhood (the community's nickname) perspective, it is the epicenter of the LGBTQ community,” says Realtor Will Catlett of Century 21 Advantage Gold-South Philadelphia. He adds that between the annual Pridefest and Outfest, the many social events, LGBTQ bars in Midtown Village and multiple community centers aimed at educating and supporting members, the community is very proactive and supportive. The area is marked by rainbow-flag street signs.
Washington Square West
Urban Core Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County 19106, 19107, 19147
Lots of housing choices
Wash West, as it is known by Philadelphians, has a little bit of everything regarding the housing stock. Homebuyers can choose between condos, townhouses, brownstones, lofts, high rises and colonial trinities built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Condo prices average $362,170. Prices for the neighborhood's historical row houses vary tremendously. They start at about $675,000 and cap at roughly $2.6 million. The row houses can have as many as four bedrooms and two baths. Each row house typically has a small fenced-in backyard and no front yard or driveway, so locals must rely on street parking. Studios average $85,000. “It’s a great neighborhood,” Catlett says. “Cute and quaint with cobblestone streets to the industrial-style lofts with great restaurants and shopping.” He adds that the area is conveniently located due to the proximity of Philadelphia’s theater district, the Avenue of Arts, Walnut Theater, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, Temple University and the Rittenhouse neighborhood. Walnut Theater is the nation’s oldest continuous operating theater and a National Historic Landmark. In 1984, the National Register of Historic Places included the Washington Square West Historic District. The Cap Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10, which is less than the national average. One of the neighborhood's biggest highlights is Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. The art exhibit is a head-turner with its massive and quirky mosaic layout by artist Isaiah Zagar, drawing in hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Lots of college choices are nearby
General George A. McCall School is a K-8 institution for kindergarten through eighth graders. Students then move on to Benjamin Franklin High School, where they can earn professional certificates in fields such as precision machining, property maintenance and welding. These certificates can help land them jobs right out of high school. McCall has a B-plus Niche rating; Franklin’s is a C-minus. Additionally, nearly 15 colleges and universities are located in the area.
City parks attract residents
There are a few parks in the neighborhood, including Washington Square itself. The park is a popular spot for people to hang out, featuring a central water fountain, tree-lined trails and a memorial to George Washington and unknown soldiers of the American Revolution. Segar Park is a small green space with a playground, dog park and tennis courts. There's also Kahn Park, which is frequently used for community events. "There's always something going on at Kahn Park," says Thomas Smitley, a Realtor with Compass who has lived in Washington Square West for over 25 years. "Every Saturday, there are hordes of parents and kids running around. They have many events like summer concerts, children's singing groups and a fall fair."
Shopping hub is close to the neighborhood
Antique Row is a long-established commercial hub along Pine Street with several antique stores, designer boutiques, stationary retailers and high-end furniture outlets. Groceries can be picked up from one of the many mini-markets around the neighborhood or the ACME and Whole Foods Market on South Street, one of Philadelphia's most lively strips, pumping with local shops, bars and restaurants. South Street is known for its vibrant nightlife, where people from all over the city come every day of the week to hang out. Restaurants on South Street fill just about any craving. Cheesesteaks can be found at Woodrow's Sandwich Shop. Those craving German beer and food can head to Brauhaus Schmitz. Tacos and ramen are on the menu at the aptly named Tacos & Ramen. Closer to the neighborhood are eateries Vedge, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant, Monk’s Café, a Belgian bar and the Oyster House.
Park serves as host for events
Kahn Park is also frequently used for community events. "There's always something going on at Kahn Park," says Thomas Smitley, a Realtor with Compass who has lived in Washington Square West for over 25 years. Every Saturday, there are hordes of parents and kids running around. They have many events like summer concerts, children's singing groups and a fall fair."
Lots of travel options
There are seven SEPTA bus stops in Washington Square West for public transportation. Also, four subway stops can take you anywhere in Philadelphia. Long-distance travelers can head to Philadelphia International Airport, which is 21 miles away. Lombard Street takes drivers to South Broad Street, roughly four blocks away.
Low crime for the area
The Cap Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10, which is less than the national average.
Written By
Robb Crocker
Photography Contributed By
Carmen Gerace
Video By
Tyler Cataldo
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Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Michelle Burns-Mchugh
Michelle Burns-Mchugh
Compass RE
(856) 409-7227
54 Total Sales
1 in Washington Square West
$830,000 Price
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Amber Noble
Amber Noble
Keller Williams - Main Street
(848) 279-8837
100 Total Sales
2 in Washington Square West
$483K - $4M Price Range
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Meghan Chorin
Meghan Chorin
Compass RE
(610) 998-3578
404 Total Sales
1 in Washington Square West
$300,000 Price
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Brad Gellman
Brad Gellman
Coldwell Banker Realty
(856) 409-7408
63 Total Sales
1 in Washington Square West
$460,000 Price
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Rena Rosenthal
Rena Rosenthal
BHHS Fox & Roach -Yardley/Newtown
(267) 754-9315
24 Total Sales
1 in Washington Square West
$129,000 Price
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Emily Ou
Emily Ou
Realty Mark Associates-CC
(267) 732-1782
64 Total Sales
3 in Washington Square West
$285K - $425K Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- K to 8th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Private
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Parks in this Area
Washington Square
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Starr Garden Playground
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
- Tennis
Seger Park
- Basketball
- Dog Park
- Picnic Area
Washington Square Park
- Bike Trails
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Palumbo Recreation Center Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Football
Kahn Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Transit
Airport
Philadelphia International
21 min drive
Subway
12Th-13Th & Locust St
Subway
9Th-10Th & Locust St
Subway
Walnut-Locust
Subway
Lombard-South
Bus
9th St & Spruce St
Bus
Pine St & 9th St
Bus
Locust St & 10th St
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Washington Square West | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 4 |
| Larceny | 6 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Washington Square West, Philadelphia sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Washington Square West, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $667,845, up 22% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$475,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,170,500
Median Townhouse Price
$689,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$489,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$290,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$458
Number of Homes for Sale
107
Last 12 months Home Sales
208
Months of Supply
6.20
Median List Price
$425,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
24%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,691
Median Year Built
1910
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,848
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,609
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,554
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
829
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
533
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306
Open Houses
-
Saturday, Apr 261:30 - 3:30pm
-
Wednesday, Apr 305:30 - 6pm
-
Saturday, Apr 2611am - 1pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Condo Buildings
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
14,208
Median Age
36
Population Density
79 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$73,552
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$117,643
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
78.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.5%
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®
89
/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98
/ 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.
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