Northern Liberties

Northern Liberties

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Homes for Sale

About Northern Liberties

A former manufacturing district transformed into a haven for creatives, Northern Liberties, or "NoLibs," is now a destination for fine food, drink, and retail. This neighborhood's artistic energy is felt in its inventive, independent businesses and vibrant murals. Its location just north of Old City means that Center City is easily accessible, but with so much going on in NoLibs, residents want for nothing.

Quick Facts

Current Prices: $174,900 to $3,995,000

Closed Prices: $201,130 to $1,925,000

Median Sale Price: $550,000

Average $ per sq ft: $378

Association Fee Ranges: $1 to $600, $75 to $450/quarter, $0, $0 to $1792/mo

Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home

Age: 1830 to 2021

Sq. Ft.: 350 to 6574 Sq. Ft.

Bedrooms: 0 to 7 Bedrooms

Bathrooms: 1 to 8 Bathrooms

Around Northern Liberties

Unique boutiques and eateries are sprinkled throughout Northern Liberties, but 2nd Street is an especially popular thoroughfare for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The subway crosses through the east end, with stations at Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street. Condominium towers at Waterfront Square offer scenic views of the Delaware River. Further inland, rowhouses are the norm, even among new builds.

Stroll through 2nd Street to discover your new favorite restaurant. El Camino Real has a shady patio where you can explore a surprising menu of Tex-Mex classics, Southern BBQ, and creative culinary fusions. Another neighborhood gem is Silk City, a quirky diner with delicious comfort food and a colorful beer garden. Elsewhere in NoLibs, you'll find international cuisine options including Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, and more. Cafes, BYOBs, taverns, and gastropubs are also great places to chow down, and they often have a creative draw, like the cafe that doubles as a library.

Reminders of Northern Liberties' past as a manufacturing hub can still be seen in creative renovations that have repurposed the area's industrial bones. However, much of NoLibs is now something entirely new, evidenced by the spacious Schmidt's Commons plaza and the modern, mixed-use buildings surrounding it. Frequent events and festivals in public spaces demonstrate the community's imaginative and ambitious nature.

There's much to do on a Friday night in NoLibs. One popular spot is North Bowl, a bowling alley with a retro aesthetic and tasty, artisanal cuisine. Barcade is another blast from the past, housing vintage video games. For a more modern experience, check out the virtual reality lounge at Mad Rex and immerse yourself in a new world. Music fans visit Festival Pier at Penn's Landing to see performances from some of the biggest acts in the industry at an open-air venue by the river. When you just want a beer in a welcoming brewpub, however, Yards Brewing Company has you covered.

Several parks in NoLibs provide a quiet respite from urban living. Get involved with the community garden at Liberty Lands or lounge by the water at Penn Treaty Park. For a day of shopping, check out the stores at the Schmidt's Commons before venturing down 2nd Street for further boutique options. When you need a boost, visit Cafe La Maude for coffee and an inspired meal influenced by both French and Lebanese cuisine.

Stylish constructions in this popular neighborhood fetch prices in the million-dollar range. While the neighborhood isn't as affordable as it once was, it still contains a midrange inventory of renovated rowhouses. NoLibs' one-bedroom condominiums are a bit more affordable, though these residences come with a monthly HOA fee.

With so many businesses, attractions, and public transportation options packed into the neighborhood, Northern Liberties is incredibly walkable and bike-friendly. Train stations at Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street provide inexpensive rides to Center City and surrounding neighborhoods, while the trolley line carries passengers east-west along the neighborhood's northern border. Owning a car can be difficult due to parking expenses and traffic. Many residents prefer to use public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.

Locals Love

  • Spacious parks
  • Public art and creative energy
  • Great dining, nightlife, and shopping

Locals Don't Love

  • Scarce parking
  • Traffic
  • High cost of living

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