Society Hill

Society Hill

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Homes for Sale

About Society Hill

Part of William Penn's original plan for Philadelphia, the Center City neighborhood of Society Hill offers an eclectic mix of historic charm and urban amenities. This area contains one of the largest concentrations of original 18th- and early 19th-century buildings in the U.S. and is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. With cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, and colorful facades fitted with outdoor shutters, Society Hill has an old-world appeal, but the neighborhood's proximity to dining and nightlife along South Street ensures that young professionals, families, and retirees alike can create a happy home here.

Quick Facts

Current Prices: $235,000 to $8,500,000

Closed Prices: $181,500 to $3,900,000

Median Sale Price: $557,500

Average $ per sq ft: $511

Association Fee Ranges: $0 to $2320/mo, $0, $50 to $2500

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

Age: 1805 to 2019

Sq. Ft.: 450 to 5725 Sq. Ft.

Bedrooms: 0 to 6 Bedrooms

Bathrooms: 1 to 7 Bathrooms

Around Society Hill

Vintage row homes and townhouses make up much of the housing, many of which boast gardens and courtyards. Each home is charming and reverent to the day it was built--very Londonesque. Exterior, louvered window shutters create an enchanting view from the streets. The vivid reds, fairytale blues, and sophisticated black open shutters set each facade apart while keeping with a cohesive theme. A Lombard Street home will put you within walking distance of Washington Square Park, Headhouse Square, and South Street. High-rise condos are situated around the original greenspace, Washington Square Park, and surrounded by local shops and restaurants. Apartments are situated on South 5th Street and still even a shorter block to South Street happenings in Queen Village, where much of the action is.

Society Hill has sushi bars, steakhouses, tapas bars, and craft beers galore. You'll find a farmer's market and cafes with outdoor seating. Upscale American dining in a farmhouse chic setting is a popular dining option for brunch, cheese, and dinner. The neighborhood's boutique style eateries are home to some of the most seasoned chefs. You'll likely be choosing these over some of the well-known chain establishments. Society Hill is home to delightful and authentic Middle Eastern and Italian cuisine with decor and ambiance as delightful as the food. Definitely try Zahav, a local staple offering refined Israeli cuisine.

Original Franklin Street lamps dot the streets, preserving the neighborhood's stately beginnings. An upscale ambiance reminiscent of Colonial America inspires awe and creativity. Cobblestone streets lead the way to some great museums and park views. Society Hill is adjacent to some of our nation's most significant monuments, like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1775. Many more historic monuments and galleries are also present in and around this historic district. In spite of all the visitors that these sites attract, streets in Society Hill usually remain quiet and peaceful.

With Queen Village and Bella Vista nearby, Society Hill residents can easily enjoy the festivities and secret haunts in each of these neighboring areas. Queen Village's South Street offers a great mix of bars, live music, and record stores. Just north of Society Hill, the Ritz East theater screens new movies as well as independent, foreign, and avant-garde films, while to the west, live performances and plays can be found at the many theaters along Broad Street. You'll find plenty of bars, music venues, and dance clubs in the area as well.

Society Hill's old-time aesthetic makes hailing a horse and carriage a must. Take your carriage to the nearest open-air cafe or enjoy a charming brunch at one of the boutique eateries. Spread a picnic blanket out at the historic Washington Square Park that borders Society Hill. Stare up at the brilliant blue skies and photogenic, outstretched branches of the tree-lined greens. You'll avoid the crowds here and it'll make for a relaxed afternoon. Head to Penn's Landing for waterfront views, arcade games, carnival rides, food, music, a roller skating rink, and more.

Society Hill is a mix of high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise residences. This area is seen as a prized and precious gem, restored to luster in the mid-20th Century, so any single-family homes will be purchased at a premium. Off-street parking is also a must. Compared to neighboring Queen Village, this restored locale is now one of the most expensive neighborhoods in real estate. While its residents have the highest average income in Philadelphia, Society Hill does include modern high-rises that offer lower price points to those not seeking the preserved and historic spaces.

The lack of parking in Society Hill makes it less of a hassle to walk or bike to your destinations. If you don't already have one, grab a fixie from one of the bike shops in the neighboring areas. A car won't be necessary on most occasions, as many amenities are within walking distance. Ridesharing is a good option for running errands far away. Bus routes also run along all the main streets of the neighborhood: Walnut, Chestnut, Spruce, 5th, and South 6th Streets. Bus rides tend to be quite short, so you won't spend too much time commuting. You won't be far from I-95 when you need to make a longer trek either. Of course, you can always take the scenic route in a horse and carriage.

Locals Love

  • Greenery and clean streets
  • Proximity to Penn's Landing

Locals Don't Love

  • Difficult parking
  • Traffic
  • Tourists

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