A Residential Pocket Between Center City and South Philadelphia

Hawthorne

Hawthorne has a little bit of everything close by: the park, Broad Street and the Italian Market area. We like to start with the residential blocks between those destinations. That's where you can begin to picture your own front door and the places you'd walk from it.

At a glance

Homes: Traditional rowhomes, renovated townhouses, condominium conversions and newer development.
Getting around: Compare the routes to Broad Street transit, South Street and Washington Avenue from the home.
Worth weighing: Traffic and crossing conditions along the larger streets can matter more than the neighborhood's small size suggests.

Family life in Hawthorne

Start with Hawthorne Park and build a little afternoon around it. Could you pick up groceries on the way home, or stop after childcare pickup? If you're bringing a stroller or walking with younger children, try the crossings together. Those small details help you picture an ordinary day here.

A private entrance and rear patio can be useful, but check where coats, scooters and a stroller would go. In a taller townhouse, consider whether bedrooms on different floors suit you and your family now and over the next few years.

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

Look beyond the finishes at basement moisture, the roof, outdoor drainage and the documentation for additions. For a home with parking, try the approach and turning space with your own vehicle.

Want a closer look at the homes themselves? Read our Philadelphia rowhome buying guide.

Daily life, parking and getting around

Spend some time around the park, then take a walk down the block of a home you like. Notice what happens around a school, a busy corner or a newer building. Finding your spot is as much about the street outside as the rooms inside.

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

Hawthorne Park
Broad Street
Washington Avenue

Check facilities and current activities through the City's parks and recreation finder or the individual operator before planning your visit.

Check Friends of Hawthorne Park for park events and ways to get involved in the neighborhood.

Come spend some time here

Start at Hawthorne Park and walk through the surrounding residential blocks.
Follow the route from a home you like to Broad Street transit.
Check a grocery or childcare trip at the hour you would make it.

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

Bella Vista: Take a look at access to the Italian Market and a different set of neighborhood parks.
Graduate Hospital: Explore rowhome layouts and routes west of Broad Street.
Washington Square West: Get to know a more central location and a wider mix of condominium buildings.

Let’s find your place here

Curious about making a home in Hawthorne? 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.

Tell us what you have in mind

Explore all Philadelphia and Main Line guides