Pocket Neighborhoods In Philadelphia

What is a pocket neighborhood 

Typically a pocket neighborhood is an intentionally planned community with its own registered community organization, identity, marketing, events, or brand. It can be made up of individual condos, town homes, or free standing residential houses. Often there’s common green space, like a courtyard, private park, or hard landscaped communal area. Amenities are usually close by the surrounding development. Think easy shopping, businesses that provide daily services, and on-site parking, pools, gyms and community rooms. Gated entry, street cleaning, or security patrol is often a touted feature of the HOA or that services the neighborhood. 

Shhh! It’s a secret (THE OTHER KIND OF POCKET NEIGHBORHOOD)

Often, people also use the term “pocket neighborhood” when referencing a lesser known part of a city, like a neighborhood within a neighborhood. Some are tucked away, geographically bound by rivers, roads, or landmarks that create the perfect feel of having a secrt community. Although technically not a pocket neighborhood, they’re perfect areas to call home. A great example is Old Richmond Civic/Flat Iron, which is behind the IGA on Aramingo Ave, just south of Lehigh Ave in Fishtown. Another is the vibrant Norris Square, often referred to as its own neighborhood but really lies within East Kensington. You can take our walking tour of Paradise, a secret pocket that is nestled in the larger Allegheny West neighborhood. There are so many of these neighborhoods sprinkled around Philadelphia to explore! 

Let’s tour! 

Here are a few hand picked pocket neighborhoods (the traditional definition) we put together for you. 

Naval Square | Graduate Hospital

One of the most well known pocket neighborhoods of Philadelphia is Naval Square. A planned community that occupies a sprawling 20 acres, with big oak trees and a gate with 24/7 security. Its past life was home to the Philadelphia Naval School, which became the United States Naval Academy. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1971, and includes three buildings that some consider to be the best examples of Greek Revival architecture in the U.S.

In 1998, Toll Brothers acquired a contract to renovate many of the historic buildings into condos and build new townhomes- a total of 618 residences. The result is a close knit community of neighbors from many walks of life. You’ll find families strolling in the community and residents running errands and dining out in nearby Rittenhouse and Fitler Square. It has easy access to schools and hospitals in University City, making it a great location for students, professors, and medical professionals. Parking for residents and guests are clearly marked and easily accessible. An outdoor pool, gym, and community room are available to all residents. 

Riverwalk | Ludlow 

Geared toward the luxury rental set, Riverwalk is designed to dazzle. Nestled right along the Schuylkill River waterfront, it has a prime location. The riverfront trails are just outside your door and views. Located in Logan Square awards it a walk score of 96 and a bike score of 97. You also have quick commuting access to Interstates 76, 95, 676 as well as 30th St Station. 

The amenities are all about making this your one stop home. Take your pick of where you’ll be running into that mysterious, cute neighbor you’re crushing on. You’ve got an outdoor picnic area, rooftop infinity pool, and coming soon are sports courts (basketball, tennis, pickleball, volleyball). Don’t skip the  gym, which includes yoga and pilates studios. Order from the onsite Starbucks when you need a break from your WFH day. Apartment feel too cramped? Set up an office in the private and co-working pods. Both North and South are pet friendly buildings, in fact they have pet care on site for when you can drag yourself away from all the luxury. A Giant supermarket is also attached to the building so it’s easy to grab what you need in a pinch.

Northbank | Fishtown

Across the city to the east, you’ll find Fishtown’s newest pocket neighborhood, Northbank. A quiet development that offers a range of town homes with gorgeous floor plans and finishes. Built along the Delaware River, with roof decks that are made to take advantage of both sunrise and sunset. The developers have rolled out 7 different styles of townhomes over the last 2 years and have listened closely to the needs and wants of residents. Parking, guest parking and green space with access to riverfront trails are amenities on offer. Buyer incentives include Buy Down Rates and a tax abatement.

Packer Park | South Philly

Packer Park was built as a pocket neighborhood back in the 1950s. Today there are four clear neighborhoods within the Packer Park neighborhood. The Reserve, The Villas, The Regency, and Siena Place, each with their own vibe (and deep neighborhood pride). The southern border of the neighborhood shares a border with FDR park, making it a serene backdrop for biking, jogging, and walking the dog. Depending on your sub-division, you’ll find homes with driveways, garages, and ample street parking. There are a few condo buildings that offer apartment living. Green spaces, tot lots and sidewalks throughout give the neighborhood friendly walking access. Speaking of walking - you can get to the sports stadiums on foot. The entrances and exits for I95 and I76 are right nearby, and the airport is only minutes away. 

The Locks | Manayunk

How about living on your very own island in Philly? Ok, perhaps we’ll put “island” in quotes as it isn’t a remote one, but a strip of land called Venice Island between the Manayunk Canal and the Schuylkill river. The Locks are gorgeous, light-filled town homes that are complete with garage parking and stunning roof decks to take in the views. The amenities are simple with parking and the happenings of Manayunk just out your front door.  

We’re in the know

One important concept to grasp is that real estate searches are largely controlled by limited drop down menus. Paradise, Old Richmond Civic, or specific pocket neighborhoods that we listed above are grouped into larger neighborhoods on the MLS (Multiple LIsting Service). Agents are forced to use the larger neighborhoods to list on the open market because the system just doesn’t offer the option to search by the names of these locations. If you have a specific neighborhood you’re wanting to look into, pick up the phone and we can pull all the available listings for you.