Ask anyone what the hottest neighborhood in Philadelphia is, and they are likely to say Fishtown/Northern Liberties, two smaller neighborhoods that pretty much run together. Northern Liberties is north of Old City and bordered by Girard Avenue to the north, Callowhill Street to the south, North 6th Street to the west, and the Delaware River to the east. Fishtown is roughly bordered by Delaware Avenue/the river, Frankford Avenue and York Avenue, although the boundaries are disputed by residents and city officials. This neighborhood just north of Old City is such a vibrant community of younger adults with plenty to do and see! It offers a bit of an old industrial feel, with lots of loft-like living spaces mixed in with the classic brick Philly row houses, and even some contemporary-looking condos and homes.
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First, the location. Fishtown is steps from the Delaware River, giving you incredible views and outdoor opportunities at places like Penn Treaty Park and Liberty Lands, which is a community-owned park featuring community garden plots. Breezes coming off the water make the neighborhood feel refreshed even in the middle of summer. The area is serviced by SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line and the number 15 trolley along Girard, making trips to Old City, Center City, and beyond incredibly quick. No wonder it’s so popular when center city commuters can enjoy a ride of 15 minutes or less!
Second, the amenities. As I mentioned, this is a neighborhood that has arrived. There is a ton of night life. Or, if you’re more low-key, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and dive bars as well. Mexican, German, barbeque, Italian food… Girard Avenue even hosts what Bon Appetit magazine called the best pizza in America. You can walk to a tiki bar, a beer garden, and many, many places where you can hear live music. North 2nd Street, Frankford Avenue, and Girard Avenue see most of the commercial action, but other venues have opened on side streets or other main avenues, like York Street and Delaware Avenue.
Historically, both Northern Liberties and Fishtown were located outside the Philadelphia city limits. Northern Liberties was part of Northern Liberties Township, while Fishtown was in neighboring Kensington Township. In 1803, Northern Liberties was annexed into the city and became the Northern Liberties District. Because of its proximity to Center City and the relatively lower population density at the time, it’s sometimes referred to as “Philadelphia’s first suburb.” In 1854, Fishtown was also annexed into the city with the Consolidation Act, which brought all Philadelphia County townships under city government.
Both areas attracted an eclectic and artistic community, and served as a thriving manufacturing area close to Old City. Fishtown, as the name implies, centered around shad fishing on the Delaware River, as well as shipbuilding. Northern Liberties also embraced industries like beer brewing, leather tanning, chemical manufacturing, and iron foundries. The first European immigrants in Fishtown were actually from Sweden, though settlers who came to Pennsylvania with William Penn soon took over the land. Since that time, Polish, German, Czech, Slovak, Romanian and Irish immigrants have all formed strong communities in Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Northern Liberties has the oldest German Society in the United States, and features historically-protected Greek-revival, Federal and Italianate architecture.
Today, the area has been called one of the “hippest hipster” neighborhoods in the US by Forbes magazine. But that’s not all! Yes, it’s a great hang-out destination for students and young professionals, but it’s also a great family location for city-savvy parents. Trade professionals like electricians, plumbers, welders and stonemasons have long made Northern Liberties and Fishtown home. The relatively recent, somewhat controversial addition of Sugarhouse Casino has added another economic element to the area, too. With such a diverse, vibrant population living in Northern Liberties, could you be the next resident?
If you have any questions about finding a home in Northern Liberties, Fishtown, or any other neighborhood, please contact me. And remember: friends don’t let friends buy or sell homes 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.
