Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods for Walkability

By Lisa Markee, Philadelphia Real Estate Agent

Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in the country, and that’s a big reason so many people choose to live here. From grabbing a morning coffee to walking to dinner, parks, schools, and even work, daily life in Philly can often be done on foot.

As a Philadelphia real estate agent and local, I regularly work with buyers who specifically want a walkable neighborhood, whether they’re moving from New York, downsizing from the suburbs, or simply tired of living car-dependent lives.

Below are some of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for walkability, along with what it’s actually like to live in each one.

Why Walkability Matters When Buying a Home

Walkable neighborhoods aren’t just convenient, they tend to:

• Hold value well over time

• Attract strong buyer demand

• Offer a better quality of life

• Reduce transportation costs
  
  

In Philadelphia, walkability often means easy access to:

• Restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores

• Public transportation

• Parks and green space

• Schools, gyms, and everyday errands
  
  

Rittenhouse Square

Walk Score: Excellent

Rittenhouse Square consistently ranks as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Centered around the iconic Rittenhouse Square Park, this area offers some of the best dining, shopping, and people-watching in the city.

Why people love it:

• Walk to top restaurants, cafés, and boutiques

• Easy access to SEPTA, regional rail, and bike lanes

• Beautiful mix of historic townhomes and luxury condos

Housing styles: Condos, co-ops, historic brownstones
Best for: Professionals, downsizers, buyers seeking city living at its finest

Fitler Square

Walk Score: Excellent

Often described as a quieter alternative to Rittenhouse, Fitler Square offers tree-lined streets, charming homes, and an extremely walkable lifestyle, without quite as much foot traffic.

Why people love it:

• Walkable to Rittenhouse, Graduate Hospital, and the Schuylkill River Trail

• Local cafés, small shops, and neighborhood restaurants

• Strong community feel

Housing styles: Townhomes, condos, historic homes
Best for: Buyers who want walkability with a residential vibe

Old City

Walk Score: Excellent

Old City blends history, culture, and walkability better than almost anywhere else in Philadelphia. Living here means walking past cobblestone streets, art galleries, and some of the city’s best dining.

Why people love it:

• Easy walk to Independence Hall, Penn’s Landing, and the waterfront

• Strong public transit access

• Vibrant arts and dining scene

Housing styles: Lofts, condos, historic buildings
Best for: Buyers who want character, history, and city energy

Society Hill

Walk Score: Excellent

Society Hill is one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful and architecturally rich neighborhoods, and it’s incredibly walkable.

Why people love it:

• Walk to Old City, Queen Village, and Washington Square

• Quiet streets mixed with city convenience

• Close to parks, playgrounds, and schools

Housing styles: Historic townhomes, condos
Best for: Buyers seeking charm, walkability, and a classic Philadelphia feel

Queen Village

Walk Score: Excellent

Queen Village consistently ranks among the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for walkability and livability. It’s vibrant without feeling overwhelming.

Why people love it:

• Walk to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques

• Close to South Street, Society Hill, and the waterfront

• Strong neighborhood identity

Housing styles: Rowhomes, condos
Best for: Buyers who want walkability with a neighborhood vibe

Bella Vista

Walk Score: Excellent

Bella Vista offers a true “live where you play” lifestyle. Nearly everything—from groceries to nightlife—is walkable.

Why people love it:

• Walkable to the Italian Market, Center City, and parks

• Excellent food scene

• Lively but still residential

Housing styles: Traditional rowhomes, condos
Best for: Buyers who want walkability, food, and culture

Graduate Hospital

Walk Score: Very High

Graduate Hospital has grown into one of Philly’s most popular walkable neighborhoods, especially for buyers who want newer construction with city convenience.

Why people love it:

• Walk to Rittenhouse Square and Center City

• Great access to grocery stores, gyms, and cafés

• Strong resale demand

Housing styles: Newer townhomes, renovated townhomes, condos
Best for: Buyers seeking walkability and modern homes

Fairmount / Art Museum Area

Walk Score: Very High

Fairmount combines walkability with green space, making it especially appealing to buyers who want easy access to parks.

Why people love it:

• Walk to the Art Museum, Kelly Drive, and local restaurants

• Easy access to Center City

• Strong community atmosphere

Housing styles: Rowhomes, condos
Best for: Buyers who want walkability and outdoor space

How Walkability Impacts Home Values in Philadelphia

In my experience, walkable neighborhoods tend to:

• Sell faster

• Command stronger prices

• Attract long-term buyer demand

When buyers can walk to coffee, groceries, restaurants, and transit, it’s not just a lifestyle upgrade, it’s also a smart investment.

Thinking About Buying in a Walkable Philadelphia Neighborhood?

Choosing the right walkable neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Some buyers prioritize nightlife, others want quiet streets, and some want proximity to parks or schools.

If you’re considering buying a home in Philadelphia and want help narrowing down the best walkable neighborhoods for you, I’d love to help.

Lisa Markee
Philadelphia Real Estate Agent
📍 Local expertise | Honest guidance | Strategic advice

Feel free to reach out anytime to talk neighborhoods, home values, or what daily life is really like in different parts of the city.