Bella Vista Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on April 21, 2020
Once part of Moyamensing Township, Bella Vista initially found its roots with an influx of Irish immigrants settling in the 1840s. In the later decades of the 19th century, immigrants from Italy began pouring in. The institutions they established continue to define the neighborhood today, none more so than the historic South 9th Street Market, more commonly known as the "Italian Market."
The neighborhood’s current name, Bella Vista, which means "beautiful sight" in Italian, didn’t receive its name until the 1970’s once this part of the city began experiencing renewed growth after a period of decline following the early 1950's.
Where is Bella Vista in Philadelphia?
Bella Vista is located south of Washington Square West, north of Passyunk Square, east of Queen Village, and west of Southwest Center City. When looking at a map, the neighborhood is framed out by South Street on the north side, South 6th Street on the east side, Washington Avenue on the south side, and South 11th Street on the west side.
Architectural Appeal
The homes in Bella Vista are of many styles. Most houses are 2- and 3-story row homes, including trinities of 3 stories with one room per floor. Some are of their original architecture but some have been renovated to have a more modern feel. There are apartments above and around the different shops.
Browse homes for sale in Bella Vista
Getting Around Bella Vista
Access to public transportation is plentiful in Bella Vista. The neighborhood can be reached via bus routes 23, 40, 47, and 64. In addition to buses, Bella Vista is in close proximity to the SEPTA Broad Street Line via the Lombard-South or Ellsworth-Federal stations.
Drinking & Dining
Bella Vista is known for its Italian delicacies due to its historic Italian immigrant roots and famous Italian Market, however the neighborhood has welcomed a wide range of new cuisines in recent decades.
Since 1904, this Bella Vista bakery has been the place to go whether you want cookies, special brownies, small specialty cakes, or especially cannoli (piped fresh). If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is your place.
Since 1945, this bella vista staple has been transforming fruit, sugar and frozen water into water ice—known elsewhere as "Italian ice." On a hot summer day, this is the place you want to be at.
As America’s oldest Italian restaurant, this place is a tribute to old-school Italian-American fare. This place has hosted guests like the Roosevelt's, Tony Bennett, the Rat Pack, and many others. Popular dishes include sausage and peppers, mussels in red or white sauce, and spaghetti and meatballs in "red gravy."
Best Cheesesteak in Bella Vista
George's Sandwich Shop - This multigenerational staple in South Philadelphia's Italian Market since 1936, is the place to go for cheesesteaks in the Bella Vista neighborhood. George’s Sandwich shop is also known for roast pork sandwiches, Italian sausage along with tripe, ground veal and spicy veal tongue sandwiches.
Things to Do
Explore Philadelphia’s historic Italian Market…
Since the 19th century, the Italian Market has been a historic staple of Philadelphia. Located on 9th Street and spanning almost 10 blocks between Fitzwater St. and Wharton St., the Italian Market is the site of several notable Italian restaurants and shops.
Get your groceries…
In addition to the wide array of shops at the Italian Market, Bella Vista has one of the widest selection of organic and specialty grocers in the city. The neighborhood includes the popular Whole Foods Market on South Street, as well Hung Vuong - an East and Southeast Asian specialty supermarket - on the corner of Washington Avenue and 12th Street.
Visit the Fleisher Art Memorial…
The Fleisher Art Memorial is a unique and inspiring space that hosts a slew of affordable art classes and educational opportunities, in addition to exhibitions, shows and events. The Fleisher Art Memorial offers classes – both low-cost and tuition-free – as well as workshops, studio tours, lectures and demonstrations that are open to the public.
Go to the Italian Market Festival...
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival is all about the food. Those who attend can enjoy two days filled with an array of flavors that celebrate Italian American culture and South Philly spirit.
Browse and sample your way through the numerous specialty butcher, cheese, gift and cookware shops that line the market, as well as from the food vendors setting up shop on South 9th Street. The festival was originally scheduled to take place on May 16th & 17th, but it was postponed this year tentatively to a weekend in October 2020.
Play bocce ball...
Bella Vista’s Italian roots are noticeable in more than just the local food. Bardascino Park even features bocce ball courts - a popular outdoor game brought to America by Italian immigrants.
Market Snapshot
With a wide range of housing options at every price point, Bella Vista offers something for everyone. Like most Philadelphia neighborhoods, Bella Vista is no stranger to the price appreciation trends the city has witnessed in the past decade, however, it remains an approachable option for most budgets.
Here are 4 homes for sale in Bella Vista, Philadelphia that caught our eye:
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