Northern Liberties Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on March 30, 2020
Northern Liberties, just north of Center City, was once known as one of Philadelphia’s first bucolic suburbs, well situated near the river. Since then, the city has grown considerably to envelope Northern Liberties. After a period of neglect and decay in the latter part of the 20th Century, Northern Liberties has emerged as one of the most sought after enclaves in the City of Brotherly Love.
Known for having an artsy and independent vibe, Northern Liberties offers something special for everyone. You’ll find traditional Philly rowhomes, new construction offerings and apartment buildings with spacious "loft" spaces. With great transportation nodes and world class restaurants and drinking establishments, we suspect you’ll fall in love with Northern Liberties too!
So, what makes Northern Liberties so special? We’ve rounded up some of the key trends and characteristics in our Northern Liberties Neighborhood Guide.
Where is Northern Liberties in Philadelphia?
Northern Liberties is situated just north of Old City along the Delaware River. To the north, just across Girard Avenue you’ll find Olde Kensington and to the northeast you’ll find one of the other popular areas of the city, Fishtown. To the west you’ll find Poplar.
Architectural Appeal
Northern Liberties offers many forms of historic Philadelphia architecture. From the grand manses lining 5th Street, many of which have been converted to small multi-family configurations, to the small trinities of the inner streets like N. Lawrence St., you’ll be sure to find a charming home if historic is your preference.
In the past dozen years or so there’s been a surge of homebuilding in the area, where developers have created luxurious homes all over the neighborhood. Some of these new construction homes sell for well over $1,000,000 and many still offer a tax abatement.
There are some repurposed warehouses and newer apartment buildings too, so you can gain access to Northern Liberties in the form of a condo too. This helps unlock more price-points. As you can see, there is a broad spectrum of homes to choose from in the neighborhood.
Browse homes for sale in Northern Liberties
Getting Around Northern Liberties
Getting around is a breeze thanks to its array of public transportation options. There are two Market-Frankford subway stops nearby -- Spring Garden and Girard Ave. Going up and down N. 3rd and N. 4th Streets, you’ll find bus routes to get you out and about as well. There’s also the Route-15 trolley on Girard Ave. and crosstown buses on nearby Spring Garden Street.
But back to the subway, known locally as "the El." This is one of the oldest elevated subways in the country, and a main mode of transport for many across the city. It links Northern Liberties to Center City, Kensington and West Philly with a quick ride, and makes it possible for commuters to get around easily without a car — which is great because parking in NoLibs is notoriously challenging.
For travelers coming from out of town, the Philadelphia International Airport is about 10 miles away from NoLibs. This is about 15-20 minutes by car, or up to an hour via public transportation.
Drinking & Dining
Philly is a food city, from classic steaks to pretzels to water ice to fancy, fine dining. Northern Liberties is a foodie destination, with a few outstanding options we recommend you visit:
Heritage offers a delightful cocktail menu, a tremendously cultivated roster of beers on tap, terrific food and live music every day. What else could you ask for, really? Hello boozy, bluegrass brunch on Sundays!
Well, obviously we love beer but Urban Village doesn’t just offer a seasonal rotation of fresh brewed suds, they also have a terrific menu! Pizzas, salads, meat options, veggie options -- you name it and you will be sure to enjoy it. Try the butternut squash soup and the Belle Pizza!
Every neighborhood needs a pizza, burger, hoagie and cheesesteak joint and Del Rossi’s crosses all of those off the list with aplomb. They also stay open late, which is key after you’ve enjoyed a show at Union Transfer and are stumbling home after having had a few pints and whiskies at the concert. Soak up that alcohol with the unbelievable pizza steak -- you will not be disappointed.
Standard Tap was one of the first gastropubs to put NoLibs back on the map during its recent resurgence. The intimate pub atmosphere sets the tone for the culinary delight you will enjoy there. We highly recommend the burger -- it’s one of the best in the city. And if you’re thirsty, there is a diverse rotation of beers on tap too, as Standard Tap’s name suggests!
Best Cheesesteak in Northern Liberties
As mentioned above, the Pizza Steak at Del Rossi’s is terrific. Get it with onions and mushrooms for that extra Philly jawn!
Things to Do
Go bowling at North Bowl. This retro bowling alley is more than just a place to enjoy delicious food while listening to excellent music and drinking a few tasty cocktails or adult beverages. Oh yes, it’s also a bowling alley with top shelf lanes and equipment. The owners are also stewards of some of the best arcade games you enjoyed as a kid, so make sure to bring a bunch of those quarters that have been sitting in that jar on your desk!
Liberty Lands is more than just a park in Northern Liberties. Yes, it is a place where kids can burn all their energy on playground equipment. It’s also a place where families and friends can picnic at designated picnic tables. It’s also a community garden and even a performance space with a stage and natural amphitheater seating area. But most importantly perhaps, it’s the heart and soul of the neighborhood. Visit on a sunny weekend morning in the summer and you’ll get to feel the warm vibe of Philly at its best.
Buy a t-shirt or some new or vintage vinyl at Creep Records, an outstanding independent record shop that also sells turntables, glassware and hosts musical events in an intimate setting.
Market Snapshot
Prevu buyers are always on the lookout for amazing homes, here are four homes for sale in Northern Liberties that recently caught our team's eye.
Interested in buying a home in Northern Liberties? Browse listings and see how much you could save with Prevu’s Smart Buyer commission rebate in Philadelphia.
