13 Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia in 2025: Where to Live & Study

Philadelphia has more than 1.6 million people and is home to over 45,000 university students. The city is also ranked among the top 25 U.S. student cities by QS. Many people choose Philadelphia because it is more affordable than cities like New York or Boston while still offering good universities and job opportunities. Each area of the city has its own character, from student housing near University City to family areas like Chestnut Hill. Here are the 13 best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to live, study, and work in 2025.

Best Neighborhoods in Philadelphia in 2025

The best neighborhoods in Philadelphia in 2025 cater to a wide range of people, from students to young professionals and families. The city stands out for its affordable housing, world-class universities, cultural diversity, and safe communities. In this blog, we break down 13 good neighborhoods in Philly, highlighting key details like housing options, safety levels, lifestyle, and accessibility. This guide will help you quickly compare and identify the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia that fit your budget, preferences, and long-term goals.

1. Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill, often called Philadelphia’s Garden District, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families and retirees who value peace and greenery. Home to around 10,000 residents, it’s known for tree-lined streets, historic homes, and boutique shopping along Germantown Avenue. With a Walk Score of 88/100, it balances suburban calm with city convenience. The area also offers quick access to Wissahickon Valley Park, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Strong community ties, top-rated schools, and proximity to Chestnut Hill Hospital further add to its reputation as one of Philly’s safest and most desirable areas.

If you're considering student housing options, The Avenue at East Falls offers modern amenities like a fitness center, pool, and lounge.

2. Queen Village

Queen Village combines historic charm with modern conveniences and consistently ranks among the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Home to approximately 16,350 residents, the area is compact yet lively, covering just 0.24 square miles, giving it a population density of around 45,200 people per square mile. With a Walk Score of 93/100, it’s considered a walker’s paradise, ideal for daily errands and weekend strolls. The neighborhood is well-regarded for its safety, with a modest overall crime rate (safety ranking of 8 out of 103 Philly neighborhoods). It draws families, professionals, and students alike, thanks to its leafy streets, excellent schools, and cultural footprint in historic South Philadelphia, the kind of good neighborhoods in Philly you don’t want to pass up.

If you’re searching for modern student housing in Philadelphia, The Mason on Chestnut offers stylish apartments close to universities, while Berks at 1850 provides contemporary living with excellent amenities in a convenient location.

3. Fairmount

Fairmount is often called the Art Museum District and is widely recognized as a best neighborhood to live in Philadelphia, thanks to its mix of culture, green space, and historic homes. With a population of around 10,000 residents, it’s a lively yet community-oriented area that sits just north of Center City. Fairmount Park, the largest urban park system in the U.S., is right at your doorstep, offering trails, gardens, and open-air events. Its central location, strong safety record, and walkability score of 92/100 make it one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for families, students, and young professionals who want both culture and convenience.

If you’re looking for student housing nearby, Powelton Village and The Greenery both offer modern amenities and easy access to Fairmount and Center City.

4. East Falls

East Falls, set along the Schuylkill River, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those who enjoy a balance of city and suburban living. Home to nearly 11,000 residents, this area is known for its hilly landscape, tree-lined streets, and a mix of historic homes and modern apartments. With a Walk Score of 82/100 and strong community ties, it’s considered one of the best neighborhoods to live in Philly for families and students seeking a quieter lifestyle while staying connected to Center City. The neighborhood is also close to Fairmount Park, providing easy access to trails, cycling routes, and outdoor recreation.

If you’re considering housing nearby, Vue 32 and Skyline Apartments offer modern amenities like a fitness center, pool, and lounge, just steps from campus.

5. Fishtown

Fishtown has rapidly transformed into one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, known for its artsy vibe, live music venues, and diverse food scene. With a population of about 15,000 residents, it’s a hotspot for young professionals and creatives who want easy access to Center City while enjoying a strong local community. Often considered one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Philadelphia for its residential charm combined with city convenience, Fishtown features trendy rowhomes, co-working spaces, and plenty of nightlife. The neighborhood’s Walk Score of 90/100 and access to the Market-Frankford Line make commuting across the city quick and simple.

If you’re looking for student housing near the city’s cultural core, Oxford Village provides easy access to Fishtown while offering modern, student-friendly amenities.

6. Northern Liberties (NoLibs)

Northern Liberties, often called NoLibs, has become one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for young professionals and creatives. Once an industrial district, it’s now filled with modern lofts, trendy cafés, and lively nightlife. With a population of about 12,500 residents, it offers a walkable, community-focused lifestyle while being only minutes from Center City. Known for its arts, culture, and rapid development, NoLibs is also regarded as one of the safest Philadelphia neighborhoods compared to others in North Philly, thanks to strong community involvement and revitalization efforts. With a Walk Score of 91/100, residents can easily access parks, restaurants, and retail hubs.

If you’re exploring housing near NoLibs, Berks at 1850 offers modern living with excellent access to both Northern Liberties and Temple University.

7. Manayunk

Manayunk, perched along the Schuylkill River, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those who love a mix of small-town charm and city convenience. With around 8,500 residents, it’s a tight-knit community known for its hilly streets, renovated rowhouses, and the Main Street filled with restaurants, boutiques, and bars. This best neighborhood in Philly is especially popular with young professionals and students, thanks to its nightlife and outdoor events like the annual Arts Festival. Its Walk Score of 85/100 and direct SEPTA regional rail connections make commuting to Center City quick and hassle-free.

For students seeking housing with modern amenities, Avery Philly is an excellent option with easy transport links to Manayunk.

8. Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, offering a perfect mix of urban energy and green serenity. With about 18,000 residents, it’s home to luxury apartments, historic rowhouses, and the iconic park at its center, where locals gather year-round. This area consistently ranks among the best neighborhoods in Philly thanks to its safety, walkability, and access to upscale dining, boutique shopping, and cultural events. A Walk Score of 99/100 makes it one of the most walkable areas in the city, while its close proximity to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and the University of the Arts adds to its popularity with students and professionals alike.

If you’re considering student housing nearby, Hamilton Court offers modern apartments with easy access to Rittenhouse and Center City.

9. Washington Square West

Washington Square West, often called Wash West, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those who love a mix of history, diversity, and convenience. With about 12,000 residents, the neighborhood blends historic architecture with modern apartments and is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, lively restaurants, and independent shops. This best neighborhood in Philly, sitting next to Washington Square Park, one of the city’s original five squares, offering green space in the middle of Center City. A Walk Score of 98/100 means nearly everything is within walking distance, from coffee shops to cultural institutions, making it especially popular with students and young professionals.

For convenient student housing nearby, The Summit At University City provides modern living with easy access to Center City and Wash West.

10. Society Hill

Society Hill is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial-era rowhouses, and timeless charm. With around 6,200 residents, it’s a quiet and upscale neighborhood that combines historic preservation with modern convenience. This best neighborhood in Philly offers a strong sense of community, low crime rates, and beautiful green spaces like Three Bears Park. Its central location near Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing also makes it attractive for professionals and families who want culture and history at their doorstep. A Walk Score of 96/100 ensures easy access to restaurants, cafés, and shopping in Center City.

If you’re searching for student-friendly living close to historic Philly, The Mason on Chestnut is a great housing option with quick transport access to Society Hill.

11. Fitler Square

Fitler Square is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those who want peace and greenery without leaving Center City. With just over 5,200 residents, this pocket-sized neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, elegant brownstones, and the cozy Fitler Square Park at its heart. Often regarded as one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Philadelphia, it offers a calm, residential feel while still being steps away from Rittenhouse Square and University City. A Walk Score of 95/100 makes it perfect for a car-free lifestyle, and its quiet cafés, family-run shops, and riverside trails add to its charm.

12. Bustleton

Bustleton, located in Northeast Philadelphia, is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Philadelphia if you’re seeking suburban comfort within city limits. With about 31,800 residents, Bustleton is known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable housing, and excellent schools. It’s often considered one of the best Philadelphia suburbs, thanks to its quiet residential streets, green spaces, and easy access to Pennypack Park. Safety levels here are higher than the city average, making it a popular choice for families and retirees. A Walk Score of 72/100 shows it’s car-friendly, but local shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces give it a close-knit suburban charm.

13. Bella Vista

Bella Vista, meaning “beautiful view” in Italian, is one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for those who love walkability, food culture, and community spirit. With around 6,800 residents, it’s famous for the historic Italian Market, the oldest outdoor market in the U.S., as well as a variety of cafés, restaurants, and green spaces. This is also considered one of the most good neighborhoods in Philly for families and young professionals alike, thanks to its safe streets, excellent schools, and cultural events. A Walk Score of 96/100 makes daily errands easy, while access to nearby parks and shops ensures a balanced city lifestyle.

For students exploring housing nearby, Chestnut Square offers modern apartments with quick access to Bella Vista.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Move

When exploring the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, keep these key factors in mind:

1. Safety: Chestnut Hill and Society Hill rank among the safest, with safety scores of 9/10+, while Bustleton also offers low crime rates.
2. Affordability: Average rents range from $1,400 in Bustleton to $2,200 in Rittenhouse Square.
3. Walkability: Rittenhouse Square (Walk Score 99/100) and Bella Vista (96/100) are highly walkable, while Bustleton is more car-dependent.
4. Universities Nearby: University City, Rittenhouse, and East Falls are within 2 miles of major institutions like UPenn, Drexel, and Temple.
5. Lifestyle: Choose a nice neighborhood in Philadelphia, like Fairmount for culture, or Fishtown for nightlife and arts.
6. Commute: SEPTA regional rail and subway lines connect areas like East Falls and Manayunk directly to Center City in 20 minutes or less.

From Chestnut Hill’s suburban calm to Fishtown’s arts scene, the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia give students plenty of choices. Whether you’re looking for a safe community, walkable streets, or quick access to universities, there’s a perfect spot to call home. Platforms like amber make the search easier by helping students find verified University of Pennsylvania off-campus housing in the city’s most student-friendly areas.