Get to know the many neighborhoods of Philadelphia in Agent Lady’s blog series “Philly Neighborhood Spotlight.” Whether you are looking to buy a home in this wonderful City of Brotherly Love or just want to get to know the lay of the land, read about the history, location, and highlights of Philly neighborhoods.
Graduate Hospital
Location
The Graduate Hospital neighborhood is located just south of Rittenhouse Square. Its boundaries are from Broad Street west to the Schuylkill River and from South Street south to Washington Avenue. This section is often referred to as Southwest Center City.
History
Swedish people inhabited the area where Graduate Hospital now stands long before William Penn ever set foot in what is now Philadelphia. Once officially considered part of Pennsylvania, the area was mostly farmland and spacious open fields in the 19th century. It wasn’t until a railroad was built through the area that people started moving there. With easy access to the city, it was an ideal place for people to live. This was the first sign of change for the neighborhood.
From 1839 to 1845, Graduate Hospital was home to America’s very first Naval Academy. It was located at 24th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. It was later moved to Annapolis. This academy, along with the railroad, gave residents the opportunity to make a living in manufacturing.
Graduate Hospital gets its name from the hospital located at 18th and South Streets. In the 20th century the University of Pennsylvania owned it and was used for the graduate students in Penn’s Graduate School of Medicine. The hospital had changed hands multiple times over the years, but was eventually bought back by Penn in 2007.
In the early to mid-20th century, residents were able to make a stable living off of manufacturing. However, in the 1950’s, manufacturing died out, leaving the neighborhood to decline. Crime rates increased and there was a large gang presence in Graduate Hospital for the next couple of decades.
It wasn’t until the 1980’s that Graduate Hospital started picking up the pieces and rejuvenating into the neighborhood we know today. Graduate Hospital is currently one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia and attracts many families and young professionals.
Atmosphere
Graduate Hospital is a family-friendly neighborhood with wide, tree-lined sidewalks and beautiful brick row homes. Many young professionals are attracted to the neighborhood as well. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops located in the neighborhood, making it a great place to explore.
Graduate Hospital is in prime location for people who enjoy living near Center City, but also enjoy a close-knit neighborhood feel.
Highlights and Events
The two most recognized events hosted in Graduate Hospital is the Odunde Festival and Bloktoberfest.
The Odunde Festival celebrates African culture and is one of the largest African American street festivals in America. It was inspired by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. You can enjoy street vendors and live music and performances all day long at the festival.
Bloktoberfest is a celebration of Germany’s Oktoberfest in the fall. People can enjoy traditional German music while sipping on their favorite brew from a liter glass with their best buds at this festival.
Reach out today to get started!
Looking to Move?
Are you looking for a neighborhood near Center City that has a small neighborhood feel to it? Then Graduate Hospital may be for you! Contact Philadelphia’s leading real estate agent, Agent Lady, for a free consultation today.
About Brittany: Brittany is the super organized (and awesome) marketing assistant that helps home buying and selling clients have the best experience possible. She also shares her creative side by writing compelling short stories about the home buying process that are loosely based on actual client situations and captures the authentic feel of Philadelphia neighborhoods.
