Philadelphia’s Center City
– the area that until 1854 constituted the entirety of the city
– is a collage of unique, highly individual neighborhoods, each
with its own charm and cultural offerings. Those seeking Philadelphia luxury lofts
will find properties for sale all across town. No matter what your
taste, lifestyle, or budget may be, there are Philly luxury condos out
there waiting for you.
Society Hill is one
of Philly’s most famous neighborhoods. This area is home to the
largest concentration of 18th century historical architecture in the
entire United States. Here, brick row houses in the Federal and
Georgian styles are the most common forms of residential real estate.
Streets are cobbled and narrow, lined with trees and wrought-iron
fencing. Reminiscent of Boston’s Beacon Hill, Society Hill is
considered one of Philly’s “gentrified”
neighborhoods. Restoration on the area’s historic homes and
Philly luxury condos began in the 1950s, and the charming properties
have been attracting upscale buyers and families every since. Many
residents contribute regularly to the Society Hill Civic Association, a
volunteer organization that oversees maintenance of historic streets,
monitors zoning and liquor licensing, and endeavors to preserve the
colonial charm of the neighborhood. Buyers looking for Phila luxury and high-rise condos will not be disappointed. In addition to Society Hill Philadelphia Condominiums
and residences in renovated buildings, there are several newer
properties as well. The Society Hill Towers represent some of these
newer properties. They were originally designed by renowned architect
I.M. Pei and completed in 1963.
Rittenhouse Square
is referred to by many as “Society Hill’s little
sister,” and is constructed around one of the five parks that
were part of William Penn’s original city plan. Little sister or
not, Rittenhouse Square is inarguably Philadelphia’s most
affluent neighborhood. The area is home to nearly as many historical
buildings as Society Hill, as well as many modern Philadelphia
high-rise condominiums and high-end commercial buildings. One of
Philadelphia’s trendiest neighborhoods, Rittenhouse Square, is
filled with restaurants and boutiques, and many Center City workers
like to enjoy lunch in the park on warmer days. South of the park you
will find some of the most exclusive Rittenhouse Square Condominiums
on the market. Rittenhouse Square’s popularity with young and old
alike is most likely due to the neighborhood’s stately charm, as
well as its convenient location. Suburban Station is located in
Rittenhouse Square. The affluent neighborhood is also well connected by
the city’s buses and trolley lines.
Logan Square is
constructed around another of William Penn’s planned city parks,
and includes much of the Center City business district. This
neighborhood contains the smaller neighborhood of Franklintown, which
is home to several Philadelphia high-rise condominiums, as well as
many Philadelphia Mid-Rise Condos.
Most Philly high-rise condos here are of newer construction, and offer
ample parking – a feature lacking in many other Philadelphia
neighborhoods.
The neighborhood surrounding the Avenue of the Arts
is one of Philadelphia’s most affluent areas, perhaps second only
to Rittenhouse Square. The Avenue of the Arts is a segment of Broad
Street to the south of City Hall, and is home to many Philly luxury
condos, as well as many of the city’s arts and cultural
institutions, theaters, and museums. The Academy of Music, the
University of the Arts, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, the
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Kimmel Theater are all
located in this area. The finest Phila luxury condominiums in this area
can be found south of Broad Street, although there are residential
buildings scattered throughout the area. The neighborhood is easily
accessible from all areas of Philadelphia via SEPTA (Southern
Pennsylvania Public Transportation Authority) Regional Rail service and
bus lines, and is a favorite destination for those visiting the city.
Washington Square West
is bounded by Rittenhouse Square as well as the Avenue of the Arts to
the west, and by Society Hill to the east. Much of this neighborhood,
like Society Hill, is comprised of Phila luxury condominiums and 18th
century row houses. Rows are broken up intermittently by Philadelphia
high-rise condominium buildings and newer commercial structures, but
these more recent additions to the cityscape do not detract from the
overall charm of the neighborhood. Washington Square West is home to
the area that Philly residents cheerfully term “the
Gayborhood.” The blocks between Chestnut, Pine, Broad, and 10th
Streets are home to a large number of gay and lesbian residents, as
well as many gay-oriented coffee houses, nightclubs, bars, bookstores,
and restaurants. The City of Philadelphia recently recognized the
Gayborhood with the addition of the rainbow flag to 36 street signs
throughout the district. Those looking for Phila luxury condominiums in
the Gayborhood will be able to choose from properties in several new
residential developments. The popularity of this eclectic, charming
neighborhood appeals to a diverse group of Philadelphians, spurring
major growth in residential and commercial sectors.
Old City is located
north of Society Hill along the Delaware River, and is renowned as a
haven for artists and arts enthusiasts. Unlike the Avenue of the Arts,
which is home to many larger institutions, Old City attracts individual
artists, and is home to an incredible number of art galleries and
studios. Philly high-rise condos here are more affordable than in other
neighborhoods, making them particularly attractive to singles, young
professionals, first-time buyers and students. Old City is also very
popular with tourists, as it is the location of many of Philly’s
prominent historical buildings, including Independence Hall and the
Liberty Bell.
Other neighborhoods of interest in the Center City Philadelphia
area include Market East; Penn’s Landing, the waterfront district
of Center City and home to the Independence Seaport Museum; Fitler
Square, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University;
Chinatown, home of Philadelphia’s famed Friendship Arch; and the
South Street area, Philly’s “funky” neighborhood
located at what was historically the southern boundary of the city.
No matter what your background or
interests may be, there are perfect Phila luxury condominiums and/or
Philadelphia high-rise condominiums out there for you. If you would
like more information about Philly luxury condos currently on the
market, please call expert Realtor PCS Kurfiss Sotheby's at 866.KURFISS
today.
