Center City, Philadelphia is the third-most populous downtown in the United States.  At the last census count done in 2005, there were over 88,000 people living in Center City.  If you would like to join them and buy some Center City real estate, you are going to want to know about the various neighborhoods from which you can choose.

Like any city, Center City has a very distinct variety of neighborhoods.  In fact, our neighborhoods are actually quite diverse and vastly different from one another.  Real estate in Center City, Philadelphia is rather unique—purchasing a home in Queen Village will provide a completely disparate experience than buying and living in a home in Washington Square West.  Knowing the neighborhoods is the key to deciding where to buy your home. 

It is essential to find a Center City real estate agent, one who is familiar with all of the various neighborhoods and who can guide you to the area that will best suit your needs and personality.  After all, you want to be comfortable in your home, right?  You want to make friends with the neighbors, enjoy your surroundings—not feel like a fish out of water.  Hire an experienced Philadelphia real estate agent—someone like Michael Caven from Keller Williams Realty.  He can help figure out which neighborhood is right for you.

For starters, though, here is a basic description of some of the major neighborhoods in Center City.  Read through these, and you should have a general idea of where you would like to buy your Center City real estate.

Rittenhouse Square

Here is where you can find blocks of stately apartment buildings, along with condominiums and luxury hotels.  Rittenhouse Square used to be the fashion center of Philadelphia, so there are also many of the area’s finest shops here.

Logan Square

Do you have kids?  If so, check out Logan Square.  If not…well, maybe you might not want to live in Logan Square.

Queen Village and Bella Vista

Cozy, older houses sit alongside modern homes here.  This area is also known for its Italian street market, active nightlife, and funky shops.  Decorators love this area.  Perhaps this area of Center City is named “Queen” for a reason?

There are other Center City neighborhoods, of course, too many to list here.  The point is that you need to be aware of the differences in the areas before purchasing a home in Center City, Philadelphia.  Find a good real estate agent and you will have no problems.