Old City Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on April 07, 2020
Don’t be misled by this great neighborhood’s name. Yes, Old City is historic but it’s so much more! Old City offers something for everyone, from some of the best boutiques, cafes and galleries in the city to the amazing Penn’s Landing park to outstanding dining options and even Ben Franklin’s burial site and Betsy Ross’s home!
So, what’s it like living in Old City? We’ve rounded up some of the key trends and characteristics in our Neighborhood Guide.
Where is Old City in Philadelphia?
Old City sits to the east of Center City, Market East and Franklin Square along the Delaware River. It’s a prime locale that borders Society Hill, which is to the south, and Callowhill, just to the North.
Architectural Appeal
Old City’s roots date back to colonial times but the housing stock is as varied as Old City residents themselves. There are gigantic former manufacturing buildings that have been converted into fashionable urban lofts with vaulted ceilings, exposed brick walls and large supporting pillars. Additionally you are just as likely to find brand new ultra-luxe, expansive townhomes, some of which feature garages and roof decks. Finally, homes dating to the early 1700s exist too, so if historical is your preference, Old City is about as good as it gets!
Browse homes for sale in Old City, Philadelphia
Getting Around Old City Philadelphia
Old City is served by the Market Frankford subway line with two station stops at 2nd Street and 5th Street, both on Market St. The SEPTA 5 bus serves the River Wards to the north and the 57 bus will take you all the way to Oregon Ave. in South Philly. There are additional bus routes on Market Street (the 17 and 33). Old City is really well connected to the rest of the city!
It’s a breeze to jump on the Ben Franklin Bridge, I95 and 676 from Old City, so accessing New Jersey and surrounding Philly suburbs are wonderful options for anyone looking to reverse commute to those geographies. The Philadelphia International Airport is extremely accessible when you need to travel; the nine-mile journey takes about 10 minutes without traffic via automobile or about 50 minutes via public transportation.
Drinking & Dining
Old City, like many of Philadelphia’s most popular neighborhoods, offers countless eating and drinking establishments, ranging from dive bar to fine dining, many of which are top rated! Come for the great real estate, shopping and history and stay for the delicious drinks and eats!
- Grab a cup of coffee…
Head over to United By Blue at 205 Race Street. This mission-driven apparel brand is committed to cleaning up the Earth one sale at a time. Every purchase of a garment will remove a pound of trash from waterways and oceans across the planet. United By Blue also offers full cafe serving tasty breakfast, lunch and coffee options all day. Grab a bite and help out our world at the same time = win-win!
This BYOB sushi and ramen spot is located in the heart of Old City on Arch Street. The chefs and owners take pride in their cuisine and infuse passion, craftsmanship, artistry and only the highest quality ingredients into every dish. The results are astounding and the room itself is a joy to spend time in. You won’t be disappointed.
Anyone looking for haute cuisine but in a more relaxed setting than a stuffy fancy restaurant need look no further than Fork. This Old City gem is perennially ranked as one of the city’s best restaurants and for good reason. Fork serves modern American fare inspired by the Mid-Atlantic region and local producers and farms who inform the local palate with freshness and wholesome values.
Best Cheesesteak in Old City
Sonny's Famous Steaks on Market and 2nd St. Popular as it is due to its location near Penn’s Landing, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and all the terrific historical sites nearby, Sonny’s is a legit steak that locals will enjoy too.
Oh Brother Philly gets a runner-up nod just down the block.
Things to Do
Visit a part of history. . .
Elfreth’s Alley is America’s oldest continually inhabited residential street. This fascinating collection of 31 Federal-style and Georgian-style townhomes, built between the early 1700s and the 1830s or so, provides insight into how the earliest US residents lived. Some of the properties allow visitors so make sure you go inside if you have an opportunity. Elfreth’s Alley was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Enjoy the homes but don’t forget that people still live in some of them!
Art Galleries...
Some of the best art galleries and furniture boutiques in the city are located on the retail corridors of 2nd and 3rd Streets in Old City. First Fridays are a magical time to walk around the neighborhood and take in the local sights and sounds: On the first Friday of each month, galleries in Old City (and across the city) open themselves up for a lively evening of new exhibitions and refreshments. Art and bevvies, anyone?
See a performance …
The Arden Theatre Company is more than just a stalwart of Philadelphia’s drama scene. This non-profit offers much more to the community, including educational programs and camps for pre-schoolers all the way up through high school aged students. There is also Arden for All, an education residency program that provides underserved students across the Philadelphia region with an opportunity to attend a live theatre performance. The Arden also stages several productions each season, so a night of world class theatre is right here in your backyard, in Old City.
Benjamin Franklin’s legacy is all over Philadelphia, where he founded many organizations and institutions, among them the country’s first homeowner’s insurance company (which still insures properties to this day!), Philadelphia Contributionship; the city’s first fire department; and the University of Pennsylvania (to name a few). Franklin was known to have said "a penny saved is a penny earned" and so visitors to Christ Church Burial Site will leave pennies on his grave!
Market Snapshot
Old City may be historic, but it doesn’t discriminate by budget! This neighborhood has a little something for everyone, and ranges from cozy spots of a bygone era to modern new construction units.
Here are 4 homes for sale in Old City, Philadelphia that caught our eye:
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