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.
Bella Vista
Location
The Bella Vista neighborhood is located just south of Center City and bleeds into the Italian Market neighborhood. Its official boundaries are from 6th Street west to 11th Street and from South Street south to Washington Avenue.
History
Before Bella Vista was an official part of Philadelphia proper, it was part of Moyamensing Township. It was during this time that the New York Tribune declared that the neighborhood was filled with “the most graceless vagabonds and unmitigated ruffians” in 1848. Needless to say, the neighborhood needed to work on its crime rate.
In 1852, the Institute for Colored Youth was founded at 10th and Bainbridge. During this time a large wave of freed black slaves moved to Philadelphia from the South and into Bella Vista.
It wasn’t until the Act of Consolidation of 1854 that Bella Vista officially became part of what we know Philadelphia to be today.
During the late 1800s an influx of Italian immigrants moved to the area. This was due to the boarding house Antonio Palumbo built on 9th Street that housed Italian immigrants. It was at this time that the famous open-air market formed. The market still runs to this day on 9th Street.
The neighborhood saw another decline in the 1960’s after the proposal for the South Street Expressway was submitted. Many residents decided to move from the city and enjoy suburban life. Crime rates increased once again, even though plans for the expressway were scrapped.
The neighborhood’s current name, Bella Vista, which means “beautiful sight” in Italian, didn’t receive its name until the 1970’s once it experience gentrification. By the 1980’s the neighborhood was completely gentrified and saw an influx of Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants.
Atmosphere
Bella Vista is a family-oriented residential neighborhood. Walking through the tree-lined streets you’ll find three-story row homes and parks every few blocks. Various restaurants ranging from Italian to Vietnamese to Greek to American can be found placed between homes.
Highlights and Events
If delicious food is what you’re looking for, Bella Vista is the place to dine. With America’s oldest running Italian restaurant, Ralph’s, and the beautiful Dante and Luigi’s, and not to mention Monsú, you’ll never go home hungry.
Every spring you can find the Italian Market Festival taking place on 9th Street in the Market with food vendors, live music, and craft vendors.
If you still aren’t convinced that Bella Vista is a wonderful neighborhood, Philly Mag named it the Best Place to Live in Philadelphia in 2016.
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Looking to Move?
Are quiet residential streets with luscious parks something you want? Is delicious Italian food something you crave? Then it sounds like Bella Vista is the neighborhood for you! Contact Philadelphia’s leading real estate agent, Cherise “Agent Lady” Wynne, for your free buyer 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.
