Nearby Neighborhoods: Included under the West Philly Umbrella: University City, Cobbs Creek, Cedar Park, Overbrook Park, Spruce Hill, Powelton Village, Mantua, Haverford North, Belmont, Haddington, Mill Creek, Centennial District, Parkside, Cathedral Park, Hestonville, Carroll Park, Angora, Kingsessing
Known for: Diversity, Victorian Architecture. Green trees and UPenn
West Philly is an area of Philadelphia that sits west of the Schuylkill River. It contains a number of neighborhoods that include, University City, Cobbs Creek, Cedar Park, Wynnefield Heights, Overbrook Park, Belmont, Haddington, and the list goes on. To residents, it is a special place. It is most definitely part of Philly proper and is connected to Center City via easy mass transit options, but it is also often referred to as its own city as it can feel like a separate haven.
Way back, West Philly was one of the early streetcar suburbs. This meant large homes with sweeping porches and beautiful detail. Many of which are still standing today. Depending on the neighborhood, you will find Victorian’s and massive twin homes, that have been revamped as multi-unit apartments with huge rooms, historic molding details, and tons of charm. You can admire them up close during the West Philly Porch Fest a DIY festival where music graces the sidewalks and porches in the neighborhood. Classic Philly row homes are deeper into West Philly, newer construction can be found in University City as well as other neighborhoods in the area.
Pop over the South Street pedestrian bridge or Market Street bridge and you will be welcomed by University City. Home to University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University you will find young crowds torn between rushing to class or soaking in the sun at many of the outdoor eateries and food trucks. Take a moment to walk the campus and be sure to check out the Bio Gardens for a moment of reflection. University City District is an organization that pulls the community together for news, events and major neighborhood projects.
Continue west and leave the Universities behind and you will find residential neighborhoods full of life with people from a range of cultures. Stroll down popular Baltimore Avenue and you’ll notice the hustle and bustle of locals supporting small retail shops, amazing co-ops, yoga studios, coffee shops and restaurants.
Aside from the green hideaways and sprawling lawns found on campuses, West Philly has no shortage of leafy spaces to explore. The Woodlands, Clark Park, Morris Park and Cobbs Creek Park are where you will find residents, gardening, jogging and playing all year round. Clark Park holds a weekly farmers market and flea markets on the regular. One thing to know about West Philly residents is that they love a celebration! Shakespeare in Clark Park, Baltimore Ave Dollar Stroll, Cedar Park Jazz Series, Peoplehood Parade, West Craft Fest in The Woodlands and Juneteeth Parade and Festival at Malcom X Park are all ways that people come together to celebrate.
Most homes do not have private parking, and although you may circle the block, you will find a spot. Hop on 1-76 and head north to the burbs, or down to South Philly. Jump on the 34 trolley, or the Market Frankford Line subway and be in Center City in less than 10 mins.
Encompassing so many neighborhoods, each with their own signature vibe, means a number of Civic Associations support the residents here. You can find a list of neighborhood and business associations on the West Philly Local site. It also means, wherever you land in West Philly, you will feel right at home.
