Quantifying the characteristics of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for families

Getting a feeling for Philly through location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Philadelphia’s average scores

Here’s a chart outlining the Location Scores for the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for families as well as the city’s average. We analyzed the locations by the following family-friendly scores:

• Quiet: Level of noise nearby
• Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Elementary Schools: Distance to closest elementary school
• High Schools: Distance to closest high school

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the top five best neighborhoods for families in Philadelphia

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Philadelphia’s most family-friendly neighborhoods:

1. Bella Vista

We’re starting off strong with the neighborhood of Bella Vista, which translates to “beautiful sight.” What more could you ask for? This area was the first to be settled by Italian immigrants, and is best known for the 9th Street Italian Market. The market is the oldest open-air market that still operates in the United States.

Take your family on a food tour of not only Italian cuisine, but also Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine from a ton of vendors. During the week, send your young ones to George W. Nebinger School, and your teens to Constitution High School.

2. Fairmount

If you and your family are into visual arts, then the Fairmount neighborhood might be just the place. The neighborhood is part of what Philadelphians call the “Art Museum Area,” due to its proximity to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s also home to the (other) Rodin Museum. In the fall, Bastille Day celebrations are held at the abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary.

When it comes to elementary schools, the zones in Fairmount are pretty specific. Elementary-aged children are relegated to either Bache-Martin Elementary School or Laura Wheeler Waring Elementary School. If you have high schoolers that desire a public education, Benjamin Franklin High School is the sole choice.

3. Queen Village

Queen Village is a historic neighborhood with modern flair and energy. Some of the oldest houses in Philadelphia can be found here. If you and your family want to get the most of your neighborhood and keep your activities more local, this may be a great choice. The neighborhood prides itself on being extremely walkable and bike-friendly for all of the things one hopes to enjoy, like dining.

Like Fairmount, Queen Village also has an arts scene and is home to The Theatre of the Living Arts and Eye’s Gallery. Many family-friendly activities take place on South Street, and folks love to hang out at the numerous businesses around Head House Square. During the week, send your little ones to Meredith Elementary School and your teens to Furness High School.

4. Fishtown

Aptly named, Fishtown is located in the River Wards area of Philadelphia. Not only is it a draw for young families, but it’s where creatives come together to share their culinary, visual art, and musical talents. The galleries and studios along Frankford Avenue mark the first Friday of each month by opening their doors to the public.

During the week, have your kids educated at Adaire Elementary School or Kensington High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. On the weekends, take a family bike ride down to the Delaware River Waterfront, or have a date night at Johnny Brenda’s.

5. Manayunk

The neighborhood of Manayunk is described as a place that provides “urban experience, small town charm.” It’s a national historic district, yet only 15 minutes from Philadelphia’s city center. The community loves to gather on Main Street which has many restaurants, galleries, and boutiques for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to make our own furniture as a family project, check out the workshops at Philadelphia Woodworks.

If you’re a biking family, visit Cadence Cycling and Trek Bicycle. Once you update your biking gear, take it for a test drive on the Canal Towpath. There are also a ton of schools nearby to bike to, including James Dobson Elementary School and Roxborough High School.

Finding the right neighborhood in Philadelphia for your family

If raising your family around arts and culture is something that you value, any of our best neighborhoods in Philadelphia could be a strong contender.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Philadelphia. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you and your family.