Quantifying the characteristics of the best places to live in Philadelphia for young professionals

Getting a sense of place in Philadelphia 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

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

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

1. Washington Square West

Washington Square West is known for its LGBT-friendly bars, restaurants, and nightlife. There are rainbow-flag street signs in its Gayborhood, which is also where the annual OurFest: National Coming Out Day celebration is. Along the neighborhood’s 13th Street, you’ll also find your fellow young professionals sushi spots, Irish pubs, and independent boutiques.

If you’re looking for new decor for your living space, take a trip over to Antique Row. Some of the most popular restaurants include Tria and Di Bruno Bros. When it comes to finding a place to live as a young professional, your options span between four-story row houses, condos, and mid-rise apartment buildings.

2. Society Hill

Society Hill is one of Philadelphia’s more upscale residential neighborhoods, covered in cobblestone street and homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Despite this, the neighborhood has quite the urban feel to it, and most residents are renting their homes.

The area boasts a number of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, which are what every young professional needs for a thriving social life outside of work. Dock Street is one of the most popular strips for restaurants and bars, like El Vez. On Sundays between May and December, folks go to Headhouse Square to visit the city’s oldest farmers’ market.

3. Logan Square

Logan Square offers a mix of high rises, historic buildings, and museums to its residents. Plenty of neighborhood spots can be found on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Bell Telephone Company Building, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Inquirer Building, and Logan Square itself.

A lot of young folks come to the neighborhood to study at places like the Moore College of Art and Design, and end up staying after school to work. In fact, a lot of Philadelphia’s central business district is located in the neighborhood. Some popular hangouts for young professionals include City Tap House Logan Square, Urban Farmer Philadelphia for steak, and Thanal Indian Tavern for Indian cuisine.

4. Olde City

Olde City is considered to be the birthplace of American independence, and is home to many Colonial-era sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Despite its history, Olde City is very much a modern neighborhood. There are a lot of nightlife options in the form of eateries and bars along South 2nd Street, and the neighborhood also has an edgy art scene. You’ll find a number of lounges and dive bars scattered around the area, as well as galleries, boutiques, locally-owned businesses, and tech firms.

If you like the idea of catching a movie after work, there are three independent movie theaters to choose from in the neighborhood. On the First Friday of every month, residents and visitors alike make a night of hopping from gallery to gallery.

5. Fitler Square

Out of all of the top neighborhoods for young professionals in Philadelphia, Fitler Square is the most relaxed and family-friendly. There are a lot of brick townhouses for housing options, and for social spots, cafés, Italian restaurants like Trattoria Carina, and wine bars fill the streets.

In Fitler Square Park, residents can enjoy the annual spring fair with live music. The neighborhood sits right on the shores of the Schuylkill River, so if you’re someone that likes to live by the water, this neighborhood is certainly one to consider.

Finding the right neighborhood in Philadelphia for your career

Arts, entertainment, nightlife, green space, and historical architecture. Our top five best places to live in Philadelphia for young professionals truly have it all. No matter your interests, if you want to be busy or take a more relaxed approach to your work-life balance, one of these neighborhoods could be the perfect place to call home.

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.