Are you planning a local Philadelphia move in 2023? Whether you’re a young professional seeking fast-paced city life or a retiree looking to settle somewhere quiet, Philly has got you covered. What’s more, our local Philadelphia movers can get you to your new home. Since 2016 we have conducted thousands of short-distance Philly moves, driving the narrow lanes of Chestnut Hill, climbing the tight stairways of Old City apartments, and maneuvering the busy streets of Center City. When you move with us you can rest assured that your belongings are in safe and experienced hands!
1. Rittenhouse Square
This hip and upscale neighborhood is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City. It boasts some of the city’s best shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, all within walking distance so you can save on Ubers too. The pinnacle of shopping in Philadelphia, you will find a mix of the best high street and high end shops, from Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, to Joan Shepp Boutique and Boyds here. Many of these shops are located along the chic Rittenhouse Row which serves as the hub of the Rittenhouse Square commercial district. There are endless food and drink options too. K’Far is an all day cafe and bakery located on 19th Street just a few blocks North of Rittenhouse Square Park. Their Jerusalem Bagel Sandwich is a local favorite.
Rittenhouse Square is also known for its green outdoor spaces with Rittenhouse Square Park offering the perfect respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn during the late 17th century. A walkable commute to downtown Philly, working professionals can enjoy a taste of nature just a short distance from the city center.
Cost of Housing: As of December 2022, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,900. This is a 13% increase compared to 2021. Realtor.com estimates the median listing home price at $650K.
2. University City
No surprise given its name, University City is the scholastic center of West Philadelphia. Both Drexel University and the University of Philadelphia are located here and it is home to thousands of students, lively bars, and great food. The neighborhood houses several outdoor recreational spaces including Penn Park. Located on the grounds of UPenn, the park features two athletic fields, a 470 seat stadium, a tennis center, and picnic areas. You’ll find athletes and families enjoying the park’s amenities and running trails across all four seasons. University City is located west of the Schuylkill River and very close to the Schuylkill River Trail making it the perfect place for walking, biking, or running too.
Hungry? The neighborhood is filled with great spots to eat and drink. Clark Park Farmers Market is a favorite among University City locals. The Saturday market operates year-round and visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, flower arrangements, and more from its many talented vendors. Don’t want to keep it local tonight? University City locals are a quick 5 minute subway ride to Center City.
Cost of Housing: Zumper.com estimates the average rent for a 1-bedroom at $1,872. This is a 17% increase compared to 2021. The median listing home price as of December 2022 sits at $695,000.
3. Media
Media is affectionately referred to as ‘Everybody’s Hometown’ thanks to its tight-knit and friendly communities. The suburb’s strong commitment to community is evident in the warmth shown by locals to visitors and new residents alike. So whether you are making a short-distance move from neighboring Philly towns, or you are coming from out of state, you can expect to feel right at home. A 2021 SmartAsset report ranked Media as the sixth-best retiree city in the US based on factors like access to healthcare and recreational activities. Its most popular parks include Ridley Creek State Park and East Lake Park.
Sitting proudly in the heart of Media you’ll find the beautiful and historic courthouse. Just a few blocks from the courthouse is State Street. On weekends, the street is teeming with locals enjoying the many restaurants, shops, and a farmers’ market. We recommend stopping by Madi’s on a roll where they serve up some of the best specialty spring rolls you will ever try, while Haven Farmstead is the go-to for your Saturday night cheese board.
Cost of Housing: The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,745. This is a 51% increase compared to 2021. According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price is $580K.
4. Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill is an upscale and historic neighborhood in northwest Philadelphia. The residential gem is brimming with old-school Philadelphia charm from its cobblestone streets to the Victorian-style houses lining them. Its main corridor, Germantown Avenue, is one of the oldest streets in Philadelphia. To this day, you will find several mom-and-pop shops along the avenue, as well as the oldest building in Chestnut Hill. Detwiler House, which dates back to 1744, sits at 8220 Germantown Ave. It was once the site of many significant historical moments including a Battle of Germantown march.
The neighborhood is commonly referred to as the ‘garden district’ given its leafy streets, colorful window boxes, and botanical gardens like the Morris Arboretum. It also boasts a network of quality schools including the public Central High School and private Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. This, coupled with accessible after school activities like art classes at the Woodmere Art Museum, and horse riding along the wooded trail of the Wissahickon Valley, make it a desirable location for young families.
Cost of Housing: As of December 2022, the average rent for a 1-bedroom is $1,500. This is a 4% increase compared to 2021. The median listing home price is $967.3K.
5. Midtown Village
Midtown sits in the heart of Center City, making it a popular place for young professionals. The neighborhood is brimming with restaurants, cafes, and bars, which pack out during lunch breaks and happy hours. The neighborhood is dense and walkable so you don’t need a car to run errands. Locals can make use of the public transportation system to get around and to visit popular nearby neighborhoods like Rittenhouse Square and Old City.
Midtown Village also contains the LGBTQ-centric Gayborhood, known for the rainbow colored street paths and signs that line its streets. This lively neighborhood is home to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city. Some top picks include Double Knot for a modern take on Japanese food, Alpen Rose for a mouthwatering steak, and Bud and Marilyn’s for some classic american comfort food. There are also some major events that take place in Midtown Village throughout the year. Visit in October when the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival comes to town. The festival features live music, copious food and beverage options, arts and crafts vendors, and more!
Cost of Housing: ApartmentFinder.com estimates that the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown Village is $2,366. The median listing home price is $550K per Realtor.com.
Looking to book a last-minute Philadelphia move? Speak with a reputable Philadelphia moving company like Gentle Giant. Our short-distance Philly movers have the knowledge and experience to get your belongings safely from A to B. We also have some great resources to get you started on your local Philadelphia move. Check out our moving checklist for information on how to prepare and use our free move estimate tool to determine the cost of your relocation.