Navigating Philadelphia: Neighborhoods Popular Among Medical Professionals

Key Takeaways:

• Renting in Philadelphia is difficult. Philly is a vast city with many choices of areas to live. This post will help give insights into the top areas that many other medical residents have chosen to live in over the years.
• The main areas that students choose to rent in West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and Center City. 
• There are many factors that go into picking the right place to rent and PhillyLiving Management Group is here to help!

Introduction:

Match Day is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for medical professionals as they eagerly await their residency placements. If you are lucky enough to match in Philadelphia – well, congrats, you are in for a treat! The City of Brotherly Love is not only home to many renowned hospitals but also rich in history, culture, and charm. Philadelphia offers a plethora of diverse neighborhoods to call home. As you prepare to relocate to Philadelphia for your residency, finding a suitable place to rent may be overwhelming and stressful. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best areas to live near hospitals. Your neighborhood selection will depend on several factors, such as the proximity of your hospital, your comfort with commute times, budget considerations, and your preference for either a residential ambiance or an area with more commercial activity. 

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your new home, but PhillyLiving Management Group can assist you every step of the way in your rental journey. We are your trusted partner from the initial search process through move-in day. 

Popular Philly Neighborhoods for Residents: 

When it comes to selecting places to rent, noticeable patterns emerge among residents from various institutions. Typically, residents at Temple are inclined to live in or near North Philly. Residents at University of Pennsylvania are likely to choose a home in West Philadelphia or Center City. Jefferson students are more likely to call Center City or South Philly home. While these areas hold popularity among residents, it’s crucial to emphasize that Philadelphia is a remarkably walkable and accessible city. The public transportation systems, which include buses and the SEPTA rail system, ensure that every corner of the city is within easy reach. 

Now, let’s dive deep into these neighborhoods so you can better understand where you want to rent upon moving to Philly for your residency. 

West Philly

For incoming Penn residents, West Philadelphia is a convenient place to rent an apartment.

University City: This neighborhood is located in the heart of West Philadelphia, bordered by University Avenue to the south, Market Street to the north, 30th Street to the east and 38th Street to the West. It gets its name for having the two largest institutions in town, University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. This area is filled with undergraduate students and graduate students. If you prefer to steer clear of the traditional college atmosphere, University City may not align with your preferences. However, a major perk of this area is its proximity to restaurants, bars, and shopping. Convenience comes at a cost, as University City is one of the more expensive areas in West Philadelphia. According to Zumper, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $2,061, which is a 13% increase compared to the previous year.  If you are looking for a new high-rise apartment, University City has a few luxury buildings with great amenities such as Vue 32, The Standard, and Avira.

Powelton Village: Just north of University City, lies Powelton Village. This neighborhood is known for its Victorian architecture, stately homes, and colorful businesses. Here several residences are protected by the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll love the tree-lined streets where urban meets traditional charm. Young professionals who enjoy the arts scene flock to Powelton Village for its photo galleries, movie theater, unique boutiques, and hipster-esque bars. Overall, this neighborhood has a nice community feel with tons of young professionals and families. 

Cedar Park and Spruce Hill: Further west are Cedar Park and Spruce Hill. Typically, the more west you go, the less commercial thoroughfare you’ll find. Cedar Park and Spruce Hill form a tapestry of West Philadelphia living, where historic architecture, lush green spaces, and a diverse community converge. Residents of these neighborhoods enjoy the best of both worlds – the tranquility of tree-lined streets and the vibrancy of a community. 

Center City West

Center City West is a highly desirable area of Philadelphia for both Penn and Jefferson residents.

Rittenhouse Square: Nestled between Jefferson University and UPenn, Rittenhouse is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Philadelphia. This iconic area centers around Rittenhouse Square Park with sophisticated restaurants, luxury retail on Rittenhouse Row, and a local outdoor farmers market. Rittenhouse attracts young professionals who enjoy big city life. Here, there is a high density of high-rise luxury apartments, but you’ll also spot some gorgeous brownstones on streets such as Pine, Delancey, and Spruce. Rents in Rittenhouse Square are, on average, higher than most, with 1-bedrooms going for $2,170/month on average as of November 2023 according to Zumper. 

Graduate Hospital: Since the 1980s, the Southwest part of Center City has been called Graduate Hospital, named after the medical facility that was once located on the northern edge of the neighborhood. If you are looking for a more affordable and residential neighborhood while still within a 10-minute walking distance of Rittenhouse Square, Graduate Hospital may be the place for you. High-rises here are few and far between, and renters typically reside in old row homes converted into small, multi-unit apartments. It is relatively quiet here and a quick commute to UPenn, making this area popular among medical residents. 

Center City East

East of Broad Street, you’ll find neighborhoods such as Washington Square and Queen Village, popular among Jefferson University residents due to its proximity. 

Washington Square: Cradled by the iconic Washington Square Park, this neighborhood offers a unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities. Quaint cobblestone streets are adorned with classic row houses and sleek condominiums, providing students with a diverse array of renting options that cater to both style and convenience. Washington Square West’s popularity among Jefferson students is underscored by its proximity to the university’s various campuses and medical institutions. 

Queen Village: South of Washington Square along the Delaware River is Queen Village, a historic, close-knit community with some of the oldest residences in Philadelphia. Historic landmarks, including the iconic Head House Square, add a touch of nostalgia, creating a neighborhood that feels like a journey through time. This neighborhood is perfect for medical residents looking for a more residential vibe. Another perk for residents with children is the top-rated school district, Meredith Catchment. 

North Philly 

North Philly offers several neighborhoods that are appealing to Temple University residents. 

Northern Liberties: This dynamic Philadelphia neighborhood blends historic charm with contemporary flair. Nestled just north of Center City, this former industrial district has transformed remarkably into a trendy enclave celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and community spirit. For those in the medical field, Northern Liberties offers a vibrant lifestyle and convenient proximity to Temple University’s hospital. With easy access to public transportation and major roadways, medical professionals can seamlessly navigate their daily routines while enjoying the amenities this neighborhood has to offer. 

Fishtown: Another thriving neighborhood that residents enjoy is Fishtown. There is no shortage of cool there. Fishtown is a magnet for residents seeking a vibrant living experience. The neighborhood’s character is defined by the juxtaposition of quaint row houses alongside repurposed factories transformed into trendy lofts. Notably, Fishtown’s rents tend to be more budget-friendly than those in Center City, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordability without sacrificing style.

Conclusion

Renting in Philadelphia offers a diverse range of options for medical students, each with its own character and advantages. Whether you find your haven in the academic embrace of University City, the close-knit community of Graduate Hospital, the trendsetting energy of Fishtown, the historic beauty of Washington Square, or the creative hub of Northern Liberties, there is something for everyone. 

Ultimately, your choice is personal, and we’re here to help you. Now that you are more familiar with popular neighborhoods for residents check out what is available through PhillyLiving Management Group. Visit our available properties and inquire today to start the process.