Neighborhoods for Young Professionals in Philly

What makes a place one of the best neighborhoods in Philly for young professionals? Is it access to public transportation and an easy commute to nearby jobs, or a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene? Maybe it’s ample parks and green spaces, or artistic murals and a strong local history. Whatever you value in a neighborhood, Fishtown and Point Breeze are two community-minded places where young professionals thrive. These up-and-coming Philly hotspots are booming with new growth, each offering a unique place to call home.

Fishtown

Located within the boundary formed by Frankford Avenue, York Street and the Delaware River, Fishtown began as a small community centered around the fishing industry. Today, it’s one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia — and the United States — thanks to numerous restaurants, locally-owned shops and artistic endeavors that give the area a distinctly urban, community-centered atmosphere.

Fishtown is ideal for pedestrians and bicyclists. If your commute takes you outside of the neighborhood, I-95 is an easy way into New Jersey, Baltimore and New York City — all of which are less than two hours away. Both Center City and the Philadelphia International Airport are less than a 15-minute commute. Public transportation options include both bus lines and trolleys.

Why have so many people — particularly young professionals — flocked to the neighborhood in recent years? In addition to the convenient commuting location, Fishtown is home to award-winning eateries, bars filled with friendly faces, greenery-filled parks and several public events that bring the community together throughout the year.

Some areas of interest and notable events in Fishtown include:

• Penn Treaty Park: Penn Treaty Park is a riverside area that is ideal for picnics, dog walks and unwinding after a busy week. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch a kite festival or fishing derby.
• Pizzeria Beddia: Fishtown residents and out-of-town visitors come from all around to dine at North Lee Street’s Pizzeria Beddia, once awarded the title of “best pizza in America” by Bon Appetit.
• Palmer Cemetery: This historic cemetery has been in use since before the Revolutionary War, making it one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Philadelphia.
• Fishtown FestivAle: Fishtown FestivAle is an annual street fair that celebrates beer and the local community with street and food vendors, family-friendly craft stations and art displays from local creators.
• Farmers’ markets: For fresh produce, locally made goods and pleasant conversation with your neighbors, keep an eye open for Fishtown farmers’ markets that tend to pop up during warmer months.
• Philly Style Bagels: Living in Fishtown means enjoying some of the best foods in the country, even for breakfast. Bon Appetit named the Classic Lox Sandwich at Philly Style Bagels the best sandwich in America in 2016.
• Fillmore Philly: Fillmore Philly is an iconic venue that hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, including concerts and conventions.

One visit to Fishtown, and you’ll find yourself falling for the community gardens, art galleries and unique combination of all things old and new.

Point Breeze

South of the Schuylkill Expressway is another rising neighborhood popular among young professionals — Point Breeze. Located in South Philly, Point Breeze was listed as one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods in 2017. Like Fishtown, Point Breeze is less than two hours away from major metro centers like New York City, and less than 15 minutes from Center City. One of the most popular ways to get around this revitalized neighborhood is by bike, which is why you will find several bike-sharing stations throughout the area.

If a breezy bike ride through the streets isn’t enough to convince you, some of the most popular places in Point Breeze include:

• Ralph Brooks Park: Through the efforts and dedication of many, Ralph Brooks Park is a public gathering space for young and old that offers a basketball court, children’s play area and rain garden. It is also home to many painted murals.
• Burg’s Hideaway: Burg’s Hideaway at the corner of 21st and Federal Street is a popular date-night spot for many Point Breeze residents because of its ambient atmosphere and delicious menu offerings.
• Access to state parks: If you like your city with a side of nature, the Point Breeze neighborhood is less than an hour away from both Fort Washington State Park in Pennsylvania and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in New Jersey.
• The Pharmacy: Located at 18th and Wharton Street, The Pharmacy is a cafe that also acts as a hub for all things music, art and culture in the Point Breeze neighborhood. In addition to a gallery and regularly scheduled performances, The Pharmacy holds several other unique events, including a “Street Flea” market.
• The Point Breeze gardens: Scattered at various places throughout Point Breeze are beautiful community gardens, accompanied by hand-painted murals and picnic areas. You can find these gardens at places like Federal Street, Ellsworth Street and Bouvier Street, though there are others. For a memorable day trip, make your way around the neighborhood and snap a picture of each one.

With so much culture and community spirit, Point Breeze is one of the best places to live near Philadelphia for young professionals. Whether you enjoy spending your free time in the greenery of an outdoor garden, at a culturally thriving dive bar with friends or sipping on the perfect cup of coffee while you get some work done, this place has everything you need.

Learn More About the Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

If you’re looking to make Philly your new home, the professionals at Streamline want to help. We are a full-service real estate company that is continuously seeking new ways to help neighborhoods thrive, and homeowners find the place they can call home. One way we do this is through The Streamline Experience, an innovative approach to touring and designing your next home. Through virtual reality, you get to play a more active role in each step of the process.

We have properties in neighborhoods across the city, including some of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for young professionals. To learn more, visit us online or contact a representative today!