Graduate Hospital Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on May 11, 2020
Graduate Hospital, sometimes referred to as Southwest Center City, is in South Philadelphia and adjacent to what is broadly referred to as Center City. The neighborhood’s name dates back to the 1980’s based on the location of a medical facility in the northern section of the community, which subsequently closed in 2007.
Graduate Hospital’s more recent status as an up-and-coming neighborhood in Philadelphia is evidenced by a wave of revitalization and real estate development that has attracted new residents and many new local businesses. Its location near the Schuylkill River and Center City make it tremendously attractive and convenient.
So, what’s it like living in Graduate Hospital? We’ve rounded up some of the key trends and characteristics below in our Graduate Hospital Neighborhood Guide.
Where is Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia?
The Graduate Hospital neighborhood is situated west of Bella Vista, east of University City, north of Point Breeze and Grays Ferry, and south of Rittenhouse Square and Filter Square. When looking at a map, the neighborhood is bounded by the Schuykill River on the west side, S Broad Street on the east side, South Street on the north, and Washington Avenue on the south.
Architectural Appeal
Like many neighborhoods during Philadelphia’s real estate boom over the past decade, Graduate Hospital has experienced major investment from real estate investors and developers. As a result, the neighborhood is flush with refurbished single-family homes that offer all of the up-to-date finishings and conveniences that modern home buyers are looking for.
There are still some empty lots and abandoned homes in the southern section of the neighborhood, however they are likely to see continued investment in the coming years.
Browse homes for sale in Graduate Hospital
Getting Around Graduate Hospital
Graduate Hospital has easy access by bus and subway. Bus routes include - 17, 27, 40, 64, and 7. Subway - BSL. Also, given the hip vibe and environmentally-conscious renovated homes in the area, there is an increased number of bikers spotted cycling during the early commute.
Drinking & Dining
There are plenty of great bars and restaurants throughout the Graduate Hospital neighborhood. Below are a few of our favorites.
This is a small breakfast/brunch eatery where you order at the counter from the blackboard or the specials chart and it is delivered to your inside table or the couple of small tables set on the sidewalk. The food is different variations of American fare. Some must haves are the pulled pork hash, the fish tacos on blue corn tortillas & avocado BLT.
- The Cambridge
This restaurant feels like a great cool neighborhood spot that you would find in modern-day London. Some items to try are the falafel sub done up like a meatball sandwich, double-patty burger with Irish cheddar & eggplant fries.
This restaurant has an industrial vibe, with high ceilings, big windows, a garage door-style opening and wire-caged Edison bulbs. One of the standout menu items is the Spicy Boy pizza with tomato, fior di latte, chorizo iberico, cherry pepper, and hot honey. You can also get small plates like duck wontons, four-cheese mac and cheese, and wings with a range of sauces. This is also a good neighborhood spot for craft beer.
Things to Do
Grab a morning bagel…
New York usually gets all of the accolades for its bagels, but if you are looking for a local spot that can compete, check out Fitzwater Street Philly Bagels. The family-owned bagelry uses a Brooklyn-style recipe to make its many varieties, which include cinnamon sugar, chocolate chip, and a rainbow-hued "tie-dye" alongside the classics. Cream cheese flavors are plentiful too, from savory options like cheddar horseradish to a sweet honey pecan.
Check out the Odunde Festival…
Celebrating African culture for over forty years, the Odunde Festival is a fun way to kick off the summer. Typically celebrated in June at 23rd and South Street, this event showcases food, dancing, and local artisans. The food is a huge attraction at Odunde, with a variety of vendors rarely seen at other regional festivals serving all sorts of African, Caribbean and Soul food. More than 100 area vendors sell everything from crafts, clothing, jewelry and more at the neighborhood event. Beyond shopping from local vendors, the festival’s authentic African marketplace promises shoppers items from countries in Africa, the Caribbean and South America.
Stop by in October…
Every October, South Street has an extra level of energy with Bloktoberfest. With food trucks, craft beers, outdoor music, and other festivities - this annual event is a great way to spend some time outdoors as fall approaches. Bloktoberfest features a wide selection of craft beers and beverages available at multiple spots throughout the festival. As many as 10 different breweries typically sponsor the event. Festival-goers can pick from a selection of seasonal pumpkin brews and festbiers, IPAs, ciders, ryes, pilsners and beyond.
Market Snapshot
If you are looking for an updated, turn-key home in Philadelphia, Graduate Hospital has got you covered. As discussed, the wave of real estate investment in the area lead to a consistent availability of recently renovated homes to move right in.
Here are 4 properties for sale in Graduate Hospital that recently caught our eye:
Interested in buying a home in Graduate Hospital? Browse listings and see how much you could save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer commission rebate in Philadelphia.
