Why Live in University City
University City in Philadelphia blends urban walkability with the vibrancy of a college town, housing students, young professionals, and families. The neighborhood is anchored by the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, making it a hub of academic and medical excellence. Residents enjoy easy access to amenities, with grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance. Dining options range from Saad’s Halal for Middle Eastern cuisine to the French-inspired bistro Louie Louie. For entertainment, World Café Live offers live music, while Local 44 serves craft beers and sports broadcasts. The area also features unique spots like House of Our Own Books and the rooftop park Cira Green. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore green spaces such as Penn Park, Drexel Park, and the James G. Kaskey Memorial Park. The University Square Farmers Market provides fresh produce year-round, and community events are frequent, including movie nights in Clark Park and live music at The Porch. Housing options vary from luxury high-rises to traditional rowhomes, with a high percentage of rental properties due to the student population. Public transportation is robust, with SEPTA services and the 30th Street Station connecting residents to Center City in under 10 minutes. The neighborhood is also home to four major hospitals, employing over 36,000 people. University City offers a dynamic living experience with numerous things to do, making it a desirable location for diverse residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University City a good place to live?
University City is a good place to live. University City is considered very walkable and a biker's paradise with excellent transit options. University City is an urban core neighborhood. University City has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 29.8 people per acre and a median age of 25. The average household income is $50,570 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 77.6% of residents. A majority of residents in University City are renters, with 96.8% of residents renting and 3.2% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving University City can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
University City neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in University City?
The median home price in University City is $559,450. If you put a 20% down payment of $111,900 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.58%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,850 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $122K a year to afford the median home price in University City. The average household income in University City is $51K.
What are the best public schools in University City?
The best public schools that serve University City are:
What are the best private schools in University City?
The best private schools that serve University City are:
What are the most popular zip codes in University City, Philadelphia, PA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near University City, Philadelphia, PA?
Are home prices dropping in University City?
Yes, home prices in University City are down 25% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in University City, PA
On average, homes in University City, Philadelphia sell after 128 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in University City, Philadelphia over the last 12 months is $289,900, down 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$289,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$559,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$251
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$559,450
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-25%