Graduate Hospital, a neighborhood west of Broad Street and South of South Street, bordering Center City, is often considered a great location for first time home buyers. Why consider Graduate Hospital? It has a lot of desirable features of the other bustling neighborhoods in the middle of Philadelphia, but with its own unique vibe. Here’s what you need to know!
Graduate Hospital’s convenient location
Sometimes known as “South of South,” or Southwest Center City, Graduate Hospital is just steps away from the posh Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, the South Street Corridor, and West Philly. The row houses, townhouses, condominiums, and apartment buildings ensure one of the best features of city living: walkability. Many residents walk (or take transit options) to neighboring areas, including tons of Center City businesses which are just steps away. A one mile commute on foot can be a pleasant 15 minute walk in most of Philly’s seasons, and an easy way to exercise, too!
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Available units may include classic 19th century brick homes, modern townhouses, or even redeveloped commercial buildings. Graduate Hospital dates back to the early 1800s, but became a popular Irish and African American community after the Civil War. While some current and former residents enjoyed their proximity to the neighborhood’s namesake, the actual Graduate Hospital closed in 2007. The neighborhood has actually been on an upswing since then, though, and not affected by the closure at all, given it’s amazing location, neighborhood pride, and lots of things to do.
Entertainment options in Graduate Hospital
Accessible neighborhood bars and restaurants, such as Sidecar, Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat, or 19 Degrees, tend to be casual places where residents and visitors can grab a leisurely brunch or drink with friends. Local, independent shops carrying unique clothing, accessories and decor are also a unique feature of the area.
South Street is by far the main entertainment area for Graduate Hospital. The western half of the street features places like Pure Fare vegetarian, Pumpkin new American cuisine, and iconic dive bar Bob and Barbara’s. The eastern half of the street has some more famous attractions, but the Graduate Hospital half of South Street features the low-key vibe people enjoy in the neighborhood. It also has room for additional construction and development. To a lesser extent, Lombard and Broad Streets also contain neighborhood businesses. Grace Tavern was recently named the number one bar in all of Philadelphia.
The Odunde Festival, a one-day event street fair event celebrating Nigerian culture, takes place each June at the intersection of South Street and Gray’s Ferry Avenue.
Graduate Hospital’s transportation options
Although not as transit-inclined as Old City, Center City or University City, Septa coverage is still pretty decent, and of course, many neighborhoods (including Center City and all the businesses in that area) are pretty walkable. The Lombard-South stop of the Broad Street Line borders Graduate Hospital. The South Street Bridge connects Graduate Hospital with the Schuylkill Expressway and I-95 for easy access to the suburbs and surrounding areas.
The neighborhood’s Indego stations include 23rd and South, 21st and Catharine, and Broad and Christian, although the flat terrain and gridded streets make it a perfect place to bring your own two-wheeled ride.
Why Graduate Hospital is perfect for first time buyers
First time buyers might find value in Graduate Hospital as a slightly more inexpensive alternative to Fishtown/Northern Liberties, Society Hill or Rittenhouse Square. Graduate Hospital’s proximity to jobs and entertainment, and plenty of development in the neighborhood itself, has helped attract the 25-34 demographic, which now makes up 34% of the area, while 14% are 35-44. Of course, many residents in these age ranges also have children, which accounts for the 12% of residents under the age of 18. More than just a cool hangout spot in Philly, Graduate Hospital has become a good family neighborhood, too.
The median home price in Graduate Hospital is just under $300,000. While this might seem pretty substantial, it’s well under what comparable properties go for in Rittenhouse Square or Northern Liberties. So if you’re looking for a larger space for you budget than what you can find in more established neighborhoods, or just want a great place for a little less, take a look at Graduate Hospital.
If you’re considering buying your first home in Graduate Hospital, or any Philadelphia neighborhood, please contact me to talk about your real estate options. And remember, friends don’t let friends buy a home without Agent Lady!
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
