Once upon a time, well-heeled Philadelphians held the motto that it was Rittenhouse Square or nothing. In the past several years, however, several other tony quarters have emerged. One of these is Logan Square. Once a spot known only by a lucky few, this well-kept secret has become a haven for luxury townhomes and condos. Logan Square is the heart of what locals are calling Philly’s Upper East Side. The prices are high, but deals can be found if you are willing to look around. Take a gander at our picks for the best condo buildings in Logan Square:

1.       The Murano

Address: 2101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Description: With towering city views that dazzle from 42 stories up, Murano is one of Philadelphia’s newer and tonier condominiums. Like the rare and delicate Italian glass that is its namesake, Murano combines form and function, life and art, to stunning effect. The views, the convenience, the luxurious amenities – you can truly have it all here. At Murano, a suited valet greets you at the private driveway. While you are welcomed by name, door staff sweep up your packages to bring up to your unit. All your visitors are announced. A concierge is at your service, day or night. Life here is the last word in sophistication and comfort, and impeccable service makes your everyday life extraordinary.

Inside Scoop: The Murano offers 1bed and 2bed units, most of which come with a deeded, covered parking spot. The purchase price is spendy, which is in keeping with the level of luxury you’re getting here, but compared to similar buildings, it’s not so bad.  The Murano has some of the best amenities in Philadelphia, including a full gym, indoor pool, 24 hour doorman, and garage. Being located on Market Street is great for public transportation. Bonus: being located next door to Trader Joe’s means that shopping is ultra convenient for Murano residents.  Amazing views are the cherry on the sundae.

 

2.       The Phoenix 

Address: 1600-18 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Description:  The Phoenix is an extraordinary collection of luxury condominiums located in Center City. The Phoenix is situated on the site of the former Georgian Revival Tower, an exquisite building constructed in 1925. The Phoenix offers 267 condo homes, with tons of spacious floor plans and luxury details that will please everyone. Among the aforesaid floor plans are studios, lofts, townhouses, as well as one and two bedroom residences, with most including a den area. All in all, there are thirty-two different layouts! Each one is  sure to showcase the individuality and personality of the owner, with prices that are quite reasonable for the amazing location. Residents appreciate the convenience and easy access to the best conveniences, amenities and services that include the award-winning Phoenix Philadelphia Salon & Spa for when you want to get a facial or manicure, Tir Na Nog Irish Bar & Grill (has some of the best French fries in the city), the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Starbucks, The Phoenix Club, a state-of-the-art fitness center so you can get your 30-minute daily workout in, 24-hour professional Concierge service that caters to your every need, valet parking and more.

Inside Scoop: As a luxury building with nice amenities and finishes, this one doesn’t quite match The Murano or some of Logan Square’s ritziest addresses. What’s unique about the Phoenix, however, is it’s location directly above a train station, which makes travel a breeze, and the commercial nature of the building, which offers residents several great options like Starbucks, nail salon, bar/restaurant, bank and others.  The common space amenities are nice, (the library is a standout) but the units are on the smaller side and don’t boast the airiness and great views other buildings have.  Also the building offers valet parking but price is high and self parking is not an option.

 

3.       2200 Arch

Address: 2200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Description: Constructed of classic cement block, this condo building located at 2200 Arch Street in Logan Square is 12 stories high and has 160 units. 2200 Arch Street highlights include soaring 12 foot ceilings with lofty, wood-beamed style, shining oak hardwood flooring, granite countertops and many more desirable touches, conveniently located, with chic, industrial style units. The expansive glass windows provide stunning views of Philadelphia. This Center City loft building is a unusually good value for what you get, and sets a high standard for urban loft living in Center City.

Inside Scoop: Great newer construction building with unique, loft style units that come with parking and cool views of 30th Street Station and the trains.  2200 Arch offers a doorman and fitness center, but the latter is small and more along the lines of a hotel gym. There aren’t a ton of amenities, a fact that separates 2200 Arch from its more luxurious, full-service competitors. It does, however, represent an excellent value given the fact that condos are often larger than their counterparts at The Phoenix and Murano.  The only quibble is a matter of aesthetics, as it’s possible some buyers may be turned off by the industrial, warehouse feel of the condos. It’s a look that isn’t to everyone’s liking.

 

4.       2201 Cherry Street

Address: 2201 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Inside Scoop: 2201 Cherry Street is one of the truly great “value” buildings in Center City.  This 11-story high rise features 4 units per floor, meaning that each unit is a corner unit.  Each floor has 3 two bedroom units and 1 one bedroom floor plan.  Inside the units are bright and airy, with lots of windows and adequate square footage.  What makes this building truly wonderful is the smart layouts offering wonderful views of the skyline above and 30th  Street/ the Art Museum below. Perhaps best of all, most units come with deeded parking.  Doorman, elevator and short walk to 30th Street Station included. If you are looking to maximize bang for your buck, you’ll do it here.

 

5.       Rivers Edge Condominium

Address: 2301 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Inside Scoop:  These condos are another strong contender for “value” status in Logan Square.  The building is low on amenities, meaning that you won’t get the white-glove service that the Murano offers, but there are plenty of points of consolation. To wit, you get large condos with balconies, views, garage parking, storage, and doorman in a great location that’s walkable to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and easy access to the River Walk. You can’t complain about that.

 

6.       The Arches

Address: 100 North 22nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

Inside Scoop: The Arches is a gated complex with a lushly landscaped interior courtyard. Here, condos come equipped with garages, balconies, and spectacular views of the Center City skyline.  These condos are flooded with natural light, have open floor plans, plenty of storage, and many of the units have been updated. Like everything in Logan Square, they are ultra convenient to 30th Street Station, Rittenhouse Square, UPenn, Drexel, groceries and the Riverwalk.  Some units have 3 bedrooms, a rarity in this part of Philly that makes this complex a favorite for young families.

 

7.     Shannon Village

Address: 214-30 North 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Inside Scoop: Similar to The Arches, Shannon Village is a private complex with bi-level and tri-level condos that feature working fireplaces, Juliet balconies, breathtaking skyline views, master suites, lots of closet space, storage sheds and deeded parking. Great value for the cost.