Your Guide to Life in Graduate Hospital

Anyone on the house hunt in Philadelphia has heard about Graduate Hospital. It’s inevitable, as one of the hottest, hippest parts of the city. Not for nothing has G.Ho (which is defined as the neighborhood between South Street and Washington Avenue, and Broad Street to the Schuylkill River, surrounding what used to be the eponymous healthcare facility) been named Philadelphia’s best neighborhood over and over by various publications. It is walkable, diverse, cheaper than other areas of Center City (which is why it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Philly for students!), and has great schools. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s the lowdown on Graduate Hospital, with reviews compiled from Niche.com:

Why Philly Residents Love Living in Graduate Hospital

“Moved to Graduate Hospital after a year of living in Center City. I love how it still feels like a city and is just a 10 minute walk to so many fun activities and other fun neighborhoods, but it has a small community feel. All of my neighbors are amazing and go out of their way to help each other. Seeing the little kids playing t-ball at the Marian rec center on my walk home from work is the best part of my day! A great place for 20s-30s professionals, especially those who work at the hospitals across the Schuylkill!” (Current Resident)

“My community is great! Everyone is friendly and nice around here. There’s a few wonderful schools, a YMCA with great programs available, a Mighty Writers, a barbershop and many other good beneficial services. There is also a very excellent masjid (my masjid) in the community that services many wonderful Muslims.” (Niche User)

“There are an array of restaurants in the area that offer options for all diets. As a vegan, there are some areas where it may be difficult to find food but almost every single business in the area has at least one dish on their menu that is vegan-friendly.” (Niche User)

“The area I live in is considerably safer than other parts of Philadelphia. Additionally, a variety of shops are within walking distance.” (Niche User)

“There are a lot of amazing local restaurants and farmer’s markets in the area that try to make the neighborhood a better community.” (Niche User)

That’s not all though, Redfin had this to say about Graduate Hospital:

“Graduate Hospital has become one of the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It has the luxury of being a short distance from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as UPenn and Drexel University. The city recently extended the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – a walking and biking trail that runs along the river from Graduate Hospital way up past the art museum and boat house row and into Manayunk. There is easy access to highways 676 and 76 to get yourself across or out of town and plenty of parks and squares throughout the neighborhood. Buyers won’t find a bargain here, but they’ll get a well-established neighborhood with tree-lined streets, restaurants, bars and pubs that sits quite close to Center City.”

What Type of People Live in Graduate Hospital?

How hot is G Ho.? Well, Curbed Philly found that about 98 percent of homes on the market there get sold within 40 days of listing! We’re definitely talking about a red-hot market.

Homes in the neighborhood are mostly single-family, and a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Lots of young families call Graduate Hospital home, so be ready to dodge a parade of strollers on the sidewalks! This is not to say that the area isn’t great for singles as well: the main thoroughfare, South Street West, is dotted by a wide assortment of pubs, bars, and restaurants. The street is clean and well-lit, and the atmosphere is extremely safe.

One of G. Ho’s few letdowns is a major lack of parking. Life can be tough on residents with a car. Luckily, there isn’t much need for one, with the neighborhood containing pretty much all you need to get by, and close-by access to public transit that is fast, affordable, and efficient.

Major annual events in Graduate Hospital include the Odunde Festival, and Blocktoberfest. Odunde has been celebrating African culture each year for over forty years. The streets are closed to traffic and neighbors pour out into the streets to dance to live music and enjoy delectable cuisine. Blocktoberfest, unsurprisingly, is a tradition that happens the same month as Halloween. On offer are food, drink and outdoor music from vendors and artists set up all along South Street West. On sidewalks on both sides of the street, food trucks, craft tents and local businesses display their wares amid the party-like atmosphere.

If you are looking for your next townhome or condo in Philadelphia, it’s impossible to bypass Graduate Hospital.