Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in Philadelphia but feeling overwhelmed by the city’s diverse neighborhoods and home values?
This post will help you navigate Philadelphia’s unique real estate landscape with confidence.
Philadelphia’s real estate market can feel like a maze of rowhouses, twins, and single homes spread across dozens of distinct neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or preparing to sell your property, knowing your way around this historic city’s housing market is crucial for making informed decisions.
It’s a big city and it’s easy to get confused (even if you are like me and grew up in Philly!)
Let’s break down the different neighborhoods and the pros and cons of each part of the city.
This post is all about helping buyers and sellers navigate Philadelphia’s real estate market with confidence.
Understanding the Philadelphia Real Estate Market
Let me share a story about Megan, a recent client who moved to Philadelphia from Nebraska.
She was excited about buying her first home but felt lost when faced with Philadelphia’s unique housing styles and varying neighborhood characteristics.
“I didn’t know the difference between a trinity house and a rowhouse,” Megan admitted. “And the price differences between neighborhoods just blocks apart were confusing. I wish I had consulted a real estate appraiser before making my first offer.”
Types of Philadelphia Homes You Should Know
Philadelphia offers several distinct single family housing styles, each with its own charm and challenges:
- Rowhouses: The iconic Philadelphia residence, connected on both sides. Some people call these townhouses. It’s the same thing.
- Trinity Houses: Three-story homes with one room per floor. These are usually attached to other homes.
- Twin Houses: Semi-detached homes sharing one wall with a neighbor.
- Detached Homes: Standalone houses, more common in outer neighborhoods and will have many styles including colonial, split level, bilevel, ranch, cape cod
- Mansions and Estates: Detached homes often found in specific neighborhoods
Understanding Philadelphia’s Neighborhoods
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods each have their unique character, style of home, amenities and price points.
Scroll down or simply tap the market area below to quickly see your housing market:
1. Center City Philadelphia
Price Range: Generally commands some of the highest prices in the city due to location and amenities
Pros:
- Ultimate walkability to restaurants, shops, and entertainment
- Rich historical architecture and charm
- Multiple public transportation options (SEPTA, regional rail)
- Historical and Cultural attractions (museums, theaters, waterfront)
- Top-rated restaurants and diverse dining options
- Close proximity to major employers
- Vibrant nightlife and social scene
- Access to Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square parks
- High-end shopping districts
- World-class medical facilities
Cons:
- Limited parking (most residents need paid garage spaces)
- Higher cost of living compared to other Philadelphia areas
- Smaller living spaces on average
- Street noise and urban congestion
- Limited grocery store options in some sections
- Challenging moving/delivery logistics
- Tourist crowds in historic areas
Center City Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
Center City Philadelphia has a cool mix of historic and modern housing options:
- Historic brownstones (Rittenhouse Square)
- High-rise condominiums (Avenue of the Arts)
- Converted industrial lofts (Old City)
- Trinity houses (Washington Square West)
- Modern luxury apartments (Logan Square)
- Architectural styles spanning three centuries
Many properties feature original architectural details, high ceilings, fireplaces, roof decks, and updated modern amenities in historic shells.
Building types range from doorman buildings to walk-ups and there is a mix of condos, co-ops, and fee simple ownership.
2. South Philadelphia
Price Range: Typically more affordable than Center City, with prices varying widely by specific location
Pros:
- Strong sense of community and neighborhood identity
- Rich cultural heritage (Italian Market, East Passyunk)
- Excellent food scene (cheesesteaks, traditional Italian, modern restaurants)
- Easy access to sports complexes (Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers)
- Close proximity to Center City
- Multiple public transportation options (Broad Street Line, bus routes)
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Traditional street festivals and events
Cons:
- Limited parking
- Smaller homes compared to outer neighborhoods
- Narrow streets and tight driving conditions
- Limited green space in many sections
- Higher density living
- Traffic congestion during sports events
South Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
South Philly is predominantly rowhome architecture and include:
- Two-story traditional rowhomes
- Three-story newer construction
- Trinities
- Some single-family detached (rare)
Most properties feature basements (finished or unfinished), small backyards or concrete pads, street parking or occasional garage access, original details in older homes, roof deck potential
The houses are a mix of historic (100+ years old), new construction, and renovated/flipped properties.
Typical layouts include 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, compact but efficient floor plans, and some have finished basements.
3. West Philadelphia
Price Range: Wide range of options, from modest rowhomes to larger historic properties
Pros:
- Beautiful Victorian architecture and porchfront homes
- University City influence (UPenn, Drexel)
- Diverse cultural scene and community
- Large parks and green spaces (Clark Park, Malcolm X Park)
- Strong public transportation (Market-Frankford Line, trolleys)
- Growing restaurant and café scene
- More space for the money compared to Center City
- Tree-lined streets
- Active community organizations
- Rich arts and music culture
- Proximity to 30th Street Station
Cons:
- Variable neighborhood conditions block by block
- University impact on housing prices near campuses
- Student housing concentration in certain areas
- Parking challenges during university events
- School quality varies by neighborhood
- Higher rental property concentration
- Traffic during university events/move-in periods
West Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
There are distinctive architectural styles across neighborhoods:
- University City: Victorian mansions, brownstones
- Spruce Hill: Twin Victorians, large single homes
- Cedar Park: Porchfront rowhomes
- Cobbs Creek: Rowhomes, twins
- Powelton Village: Victorian singles and twins
Most properties feature high ceilings, original woodwork, large windows, front porches, ornate details, small yards or gardens
You’ll find homes built in the Victorian era (1880s-1920s), early 20th century construction, some mid-century properties, and newer construction.
Typical amenities include spacious room sizes, multiple stories, full basements, fireplaces (many decorative), built-in cabinetry, side alleys in some homes, and back yards or patios.
4. Southwest Philadelphia
Price Range: Typically more affordable than most other parts of the city, with prices varying widely by specific location
Pros:
- Affordable housing options
- Large lots compared to Center City
- Close to Philadelphia International Airport
- Easy access to I-95 and I-76
- Proximity to Cobbs Creek Park
- Strong communities
- Public transportation access (trolleys, buses)
- Historic Bartram’s Garden
- Lower housing density
- Close to sports complexes
- Diverse international dining options
Cons:
- Limited retail and shopping options
- Distance from Center City amenities
- School quality concerns
- Airport noise in certain sections
- Industrial areas impact some neighborhoods
- Limited nightlife options
- Some flooding concerns near creeks
- Variable neighborhood conditions
Southwest Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
There is a diverse housing style across neighborhoods:
- Eastwick: Single homes, twins
- Kingsessing: Rowhomes, Victorian singles
- Mount Moriah: Rowhomes, some detached
- Elmwood: Traditional rowhomes
Most properties feature larger lots than Center City, full basements, front and back yards, street parking, porches on many homes and original details in older sections.
The homes are mostly built in the early 1900’s, and there are some 1960s-era planned communities and new construction.
Mixed housing types include 2-3 bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, separate dining rooms, basements, yard space, some with garages, in various states of renovation.
5. Northwest Philadelphia
Price Range: Wide range of options, from modest rowhomes to larger historic properties
Pros:
- Beautiful historic architecture (Victorian, Colonial, Tudor)
- Abundant green space (Wissahickon Valley Park, Fairmount Park)
- Tree-lined streets with mature landscaping
- Strong sense of community
- Mix of urban and suburban feel
- Excellent public transportation access (Regional Rail, buses)
- Top-rated private schools
- Unique shopping districts (Chestnut Hill, Germantown Ave)
- Diverse dining options
- Rich cultural history
Cons:
- Higher home maintenance costs due to age of properties
- Longer commute to Center City
- Steep terrain in some areas
- Flooding concerns near creeks
- Variable school quality by neighborhood
- Storm damage risks from mature trees
Northwest Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
There are diverse architectural styles across the individual neighborhoods:
- Mt. Airy: Stone colonials, twins, Victorian singles
- Chestnut Hill: Large estate homes, townhouses
- Germantown: Historic mansions, converted multi-units
- East Falls: Rowhomes, twins, riverfront condos
- Roxborough/Manayunk: Rowhomes, new construction
Most properties feature larger lot sizes than Center City, original architectural details, hardwood floors, fireplaces, front/back yards, detached or built-in garages (more common than downtown)
The different building types include pre-war construction (1880s-1940s), mid-century homes, some newer construction, and converted carriage houses.
Typical amenities include more square footage than downtown properties, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full basements, attic space, porches and outdoor living areas.
6. North Philadelphia
Price Range: Typically more affordable than most other parts of the city, with prices varying widely by specific location
Pros:
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community in established neighborhoods
- Excellent public transportation access (Broad Street Line, buses)
- Temple University influence and development
- Rich cultural history and architecture
- Close proximity to Center City
- Growing arts scene
- Historic religious architecture
- Easy access to major highways
- Active community organizations
Cons:
- Variable neighborhood conditions
- Higher vacancy rates in some sections
- Limited grocery and retail options in some areas
- School quality concerns
- Higher crime rates in certain sections
- Impact of student housing near Temple
- Limited green space in some neighborhoods
- Property maintenance challenges
North Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
There are diverse housing options across neighborhoods:
- Brewerytown: Rowhomes, converted industrial
- Temple Area: New construction, renovated rowhomes
- Northern Liberties: Modern development, converted warehouses
- Fishtown: Traditional rowhomes, new construction
- Kensington: Rowhomes, former factory conversions
Most properties feature traditional Philadelphia rowhome layouts, full basements, small yards or concrete pads, street parking, original details in older homes.
The single family houses include historic rowhomes and newer construction with 2-3 stories, narrow lots, brick construction, and various states of renovation.
7. Northeast Philadelphia
(This is where I grew up!)
Price Range: Wide range of options, from modest rowhomes to larger properties
Pros:
- Suburban feel within city limits
- More parking availability (driveways common)
- Larger lot sizes and living spaces
- Strong public school options
- Extensive shopping centers and retail
- Easy access to major highways (I-95, Route 1)
- Large parks (Pennypack Park, Benjamin Rush State Park)
- Diverse dining options
- Strong community organizations
- Multiple public pools and recreation centers
- Lower housing density than Center City
- Philadelphia Mills Mall and surrounding retail
Cons:
- Longer commute to Center City
- Less walkable than downtown areas
- Limited nightlife options
- Airplane noise in some sections
- Heavy traffic on major arteries
- Less architectural character than historic areas
- Distance from cultural attractions
Northeast Philadelphia Housing Characteristics:
You’ll find more modern housing and distinct neighborhood styles including:
- Mayfair: Rowhomes, some with driveways
- Rhawnhurst: Brick twins with yards
- Bustleton: Split-levels, ranchers
- Somerton: Larger single homes
- Fox Chase: Mix of twins and singles
Most properties feature private driveways or garages, front and back yards, full basements, modern utilities, and larger room sizes.
The typical single family homes are post-war construction (1950s-1970s), some pre-war properties, 1980s-1990s developments, and new construction.
Amenities usually include 3+ bedrooms, 1.5+ bathrooms, eat-in kitchens, family rooms, finished basements, outdoor space and storage space.
Home Values in Philadelphia
Check out the Philadelphia housing prices and how long it’s taking a home to sell. I update these stats every month.
For current, specific home values in any Philadelphia neighborhood, it’s best to consult with a certified appraiser to review recent comparable sales and market conditions
Why Consult an Appraiser First?
Many buyers and sellers make the mistake of relying solely on online estimates or comparable sales they find themselves.
Here’s why consulting a real estate appraiser early makes sense:
For Buyers:
- Understand true market value before making offers
- Identify potential issues that could affect value
- Negotiate with confidence
- Avoid overpaying in competitive situations
For Sellers:
- Price your home correctly from the start
- Understand which improvements add the most value
- Avoid leaving money on the table
- Reduce time on market
Steps to Success in Philadelphia Real Estate
Consult Professionals Early: Get an appraisal consultation, talk to a local real estate agent, and meet with a mortgage lender.
Understand Your Budget: Factor in property taxes, insurance, parking costs, utilities and maintenance.
Research Neighborhoods: Visit different areas at various times, consider commute times, and research the crime statistics and school districts.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not Understanding Zoning: Some Philadelphia neighborhoods have restrictions that can affect your desired future renovations
- Ignoring Parking Situations: Some areas have limited parking, which can affect resale value
- Overlooking Infrastructure Age: Many Philadelphia homes are historic and may need updates
- Misreading Market Trends: Different neighborhoods can have vastly different market dynamics
Property Appraisal: What You Must Know Before Buying or Selling a House
By now, you should understand:
- The main types of Philadelphia homes
- Key neighborhood characteristics
- Why a professional appraisal matters
- Steps to make informed real estate decisions
Remember Megan? After consulting with an appraiser (us!), she made an informed decision when purchasing a lovely twin home in Mount Airy that perfectly matched her needs and budget. “Having an expert’s insight made all the difference in my home-buying journey,” she says.
Next Steps
Whether you’re buying or selling, start your Philadelphia real estate journey with accurate information and professional guidance. Contact us to understand true market values and make informed decisions in Philadelphia’s unique real estate market.
This post is all about helping buyers and sellers navigate Philadelphia’s real estate market with confidence.
