Header photo: Lawn and City Hall frontage at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia. Photo: TypoBoy — DilworthLawn.jpg. CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo/source date: 2014. Cropped, perspective-corrected and color-adjusted.
A walk through Center City can take you from a tucked-away townhouse block to a building with a view above it all. There's plenty to love in both. We'll help you find the part of the city, and the kind of home, that feels right for the way you live.
Explore this guide
At a glance
Homes: Historic townhouses, converted lofts, boutique condominiums and larger residential towers.
Getting around: Compare the walk to your actual destination with access to Jefferson or Suburban Station and the subway network.
Worth weighing: Building amenities, street activity and parking costs can change considerably within a few blocks.
Family life in Center City
With children, some of the best city days are the simple ones: a stop at the park, a library visit and a few errands on the way home. Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square and Parkway Central Library are places to start exploring. Think about which would become part of your week, then look at the school and childcare trips from each home.
In a condominium, look at elevator access, stroller storage and where everyone can spread out indoors. In a townhouse, count the stairs between bedrooms, laundry and the front door. Neither choice automatically provides the layout you and your family needs.
Schools and childcare
Use the School District of Philadelphia enrollment and school finder resources for the exact home address. Confirm assignment and enrollment details with the district, including any application process for another school option.
Use Pennsylvania's COMPASS child care search to start a provider search. Contact providers about age groups, hours, availability and pickup arrangements, then try the trip from the home.
Finding the right home here
Compare the total monthly cost of a condominium, including fees and parking, with the maintenance responsibilities of a townhouse. Ask about planned building work, outdoor-space rights and the windows facing the street.
Want a closer look at the homes themselves? Read our Philadelphia rowhome buying guide.
Daily life, parking and getting around
Give yourself time to wander beyond the showing. A small residential street and a busy restaurant block can feel quite different, even when they're close together. Come back around the time you'd usually get home and see how the walk, the sound and the evening activity feel to you.
Use SEPTA's current trip planner for the journey and travel time you expect to keep. If you drive, verify parking terms and access for the specific home.
Places to explore
Rittenhouse Square
Washington Square
Parkway Central Library
Check facilities and current activities through the City's parks and recreation finder or the individual operator before planning your visit.
Leave time for a stop at Reading Terminal Market. Its merchant directory can help you choose where to eat or pick up groceries.
Come spend some time here
Choose one smaller neighborhood within Center City and start at a home you would consider.
Walk to a park, everyday shopping and the transit stop you would actually use.
Return after work to compare street activity and the trip home.
There’s no need to rush. Bring the stroller if you use one, leave time for an errand and take the walk you’d make from home. A weekday visit and another in the evening can help you get a feel for the neighborhood.
A few more neighborhoods to explore
Rittenhouse Square: Take a look at condominium buildings and the streets around the square.
Washington Square West: Explore townhouses, smaller condominiums and access to several parks.
Logan Square: Explore housing near the Parkway, museums and library.
Let’s find your place here
Curious about making a home in Center City? Send us a few listings you like, or tell us what you’re hoping to find. We’re Eric and Melanie, and we’d love to help you get to know the neighborhood, talk through the homes and figure out your next step.
Picture yourself here.
Have a home in mind, or still getting a feel for the area? Tell us what you’re looking for. We’d love to help you explore.
Keep exploring
Rittenhouse Square Take a look at condominium buildings and the streets around the square.
Washington Square West Explore townhouses, smaller condominiums and access to several parks.
Logan Square Explore housing near the Parkway, museums and library.
Explore our current listings
Here are a few homes we currently have listed around the area. Each card shows its location.
