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.
Location
The Washington Square West neighborhood takes up a large part of Philadelphia’s Center City. Its boundaries are from Broad Street east to 6th street and from Walnut Street south to Lombard Street. The neighborhood takes up a total of 61 acres of the city.
History
Washington Square West played a large part in the American Revolution and the early colonial period for settlers. Washington Square Park, which is located at 6th and Walnut St. was one of the original five parks William Penn planned out for Philadelphia.
At first, it was used as a burial ground for strangers and later on as a pasture for livestock. During the Revolutionary War, it was used as a mass burial ground for America’s fallen soldiers. Two creeks and a pond offered residents and children a place to fish and play. It wasn’t until 1815 that the grassy area became the park that residents are familiar with when walkways and trees were added.
The surrounding area was home to America’s oldest publishing company, W.B. Saunders Publishing Company, which published The Farm Journal. Other businesses popped up around the park and became a desirable place to live in Philadelphia.
As Philadelphia grew, Washington Square West became home to different neighborhoods that are now referred to as Midtown and the Gayborhood. Though they are considered separate neighborhoods, they are still within the boundaries of Washington Square West.
Atmosphere
With Washington Square West taking up so much of Philadelphia’s center, there is always a hustle and bustle on the streets. There are office buildings, restaurants, bars, and retail located in the neighborhood. Depending on where you may be, the streets can be covered with people at any given moment. Due to the great abundance of sushi, bars, and coffee shops, many young residents live and wander Washington Square West.
Large, admirable row homes line the streets of Washington Square West. Many have been converted to multi-unit buildings where residents either rent apartments or purchase a condo. There are still some homes where residents own the entire building, though.
Highlights and Events
Since Washington Square West is part of Center City, it has multiple festivals every year. Two of the most attended are the Midtown Festival and Outfest, which both take place in the fall. Both of these street festivals are filled with live music, vendors, and a great amount of people.
Washington Square West is also home to a number of fantastic restaurants and bars. The Gayborhood is known for its energetic nightlife with bars like Woody’s, Icandy, and Milkboy. Residents can order some of the most gourmet food in the city at restaurants such as Talula’s Garden, Vetri, and Garces Trading Company.
Another staple of Washington Square West is the Walnut Street Theater. It first opened in 1809 and has been running ever since, with some modifications of course. Residents can catch a grand live performance filled with costumes, beautiful sets, and wonderful actors any time of the year.
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Looking to Buy?
If the tree-lined streets of Washington Square West sound like somewhere you would like to live, make sure to contact Philadelphia’s leading real estate agent, the Agent Lady. Don’t hesitate to schedule 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.
