Philadelphia Neighborhood Spotlight: Northern Liberties
Philadelphia Neighborhood Spotlight: Northern Liberties
By Larry Flick, Prudential Fox & Roach, Realtors
Median Sale Price: $299,900*
Northern Liberties, just north of Center City, Philadelphia, has transformed from an industrial enclave into one of Philadelphia’s hottest areas for young professionals, students, artists, hipsters and young families. The former manufacturing hub and home of the famous Schmidt’s Brewery is now renowned for some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants, galleries, bars and nightlife.
The boundaries of Northern Liberties, or ‘NoLibs’ as the locals call it, are often debated as it borders other neighborhoods like Fishtown, the Loft District and Old City. However, most agree Northern Liberties’ boundaries are Girard Avenue to the north, Callowhill Street to the south; North 6th Street to the west; and the Delaware River to the east.
Although NoLibs may be small in size, there has been a big jump in property values recently. The neighborhood’s proximity to Center City has made it one of the city’s most desirable development districts, both for commercial and residential real estate. An influx of development over the last few years has brought a number of new apartment and condominium complexes that help give Northern Liberties its distinct style.
If you are looking for nightlife, look no further. On weekends, tourists and residents alike can be found at The Piazza At Schmidts, an Italian-style open-air plaza lined with restaurants and boutiques. The neighborhood hotspot offers free events in the square year-round, including concerts, festivals and a local farmer’s market. Also nearby is Liberties Walk, a four block stretch of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. The dining scene here has a casual feel and great food, notably Bar Ferdinand, a stylish Spanish tapas bar; El Camino Real, a Tex-Mex bar and restaurant, Darling’s Diner, a funky 1950’s style diner and P.Y.T. bar and lounge owned by popular party promoter Tommy Up.
Other local gems include Honey’s Sit N’ Eat, a BYOB restaurant with a flare for Jewish food and the best breakfast around, North Third, a bar and restaurant with an eclectic menu and crowd, Standard Tap, one the area’s favorite watering holes known for its unique beer selections and Dimitri’s, a Greek BYOB that has been become one of Philadelphia’s favorite locales for homestyle Greek cooking (don’t miss out on the Shrimp Pil-Pil, one of their many nightly specials).
For dog lovers, Northern Liberties contains two public parks, both established and owned by non- profits run by the neighborhood. Orianna Hill Park is an off-leash area for dogs and Liberty Lands, is a two-acre park and playground. Most neighborhood restaurants and businesses are dog friendly, so be sure to bring FIDO the next time you come for a stroll.
Other Resources:
Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA)
The Piazza At Schmidts
Northern Liberties Business Owners Association
To search Philadelphia Real Estate listings for condos, homes and apartments click here.
Blog post compliments of CenterCityTeam’s Philadelphia Real Estate Blog
Frank L. DeFazio, Esquire
Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors – Society Hill
530 Walnut Street, Suite 260
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.521.1623 Direct
610.636.4364 Cellular
888.308.1148 Fax
[email protected]
www.CenterCityTeam.com
