Center City: Philadelphia’s Downtown Luxury Condominiums

Philadelphia’s Center City – the area that until 1854 constituted the entirety of the city – is a collage of unique, highly individual neighborhoods, each with its own charm and cultural offerings. Those seeking Philadelphia luxury lofts will find properties for sale all across town. No matter what your taste, lifestyle, or budget may be, there are Philly luxury condos out there waiting for you.

Society Hill is one of Philly’s most famous neighborhoods. This area is home to the largest concentration of 18th century historical architecture in the entire United States. Here, brick row houses in the Federal and Georgian styles are the most common forms of residential real estate. Streets are cobbled and narrow, lined with trees and wrought-iron fencing. Reminiscent of Boston’s Beacon Hill, Society Hill is considered one of Philly’s “gentrified” neighborhoods. Restoration on the area’s historic homes and Philly luxury condos began in the 1950s, and the charming properties have been attracting upscale buyers and families every since. Many residents contribute regularly to the Society Hill Civic Association, a volunteer organization that oversees maintenance of historic streets, monitors zoning and liquor licensing, and endeavors to preserve the colonial charm of the neighborhood. Buyers looking for Phila luxury and high-rise condos will not be disappointed. In addition to Society Hill Philadelphia Condominiums and residences in renovated buildings, there are several newer properties as well. The Society Hill Towers represent some of these newer properties. They were originally designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1963.

Rittenhouse Square is referred to by many as “Society Hill’s little sister,” and is constructed around one of the five parks that were part of William Penn’s original city plan. Little sister or not, Rittenhouse Square is inarguably Philadelphia’s most affluent neighborhood. The area is home to nearly as many historical buildings as Society Hill, as well as many modern Philadelphia high-rise condominiums and high-end commercial buildings. One of Philadelphia’s trendiest neighborhoods, Rittenhouse Square, is filled with restaurants and boutiques, and many Center City workers like to enjoy lunch in the park on warmer days. South of the park you will find some of the most exclusive Rittenhouse Square Condominiums on the market. Rittenhouse Square’s popularity with young and old alike is most likely due to the neighborhood’s stately charm, as well as its convenient location. Suburban Station is located in Rittenhouse Square. The affluent neighborhood is also well connected by the city’s buses and trolley lines.

Logan Square is constructed around another of William Penn’s planned city parks, and includes much of the Center City business district. This neighborhood contains the smaller neighborhood of Franklintown, which is home to several Philadelphia high-rise condominiums, as well as many Philadelphia Mid-Rise Condos. Most Philly high-rise condos here are of newer construction, and offer ample parking – a feature lacking in many other Philadelphia neighborhoods.

The neighborhood surrounding the Avenue of the Arts is one of Philadelphia’s most affluent areas, perhaps second only to Rittenhouse Square. The Avenue of the Arts is a segment of Broad Street to the south of City Hall, and is home to many Philly luxury condos, as well as many of the city’s arts and cultural institutions, theaters, and museums. The Academy of Music, the University of the Arts, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Kimmel Theater are all located in this area. The finest Phila luxury condominiums in this area can be found south of Broad Street, although there are residential buildings scattered throughout the area. The neighborhood is easily accessible from all areas of Philadelphia via SEPTA (Southern Pennsylvania Public Transportation Authority) Regional Rail service and bus lines, and is a favorite destination for those visiting the city.

Washington Square West is bounded by Rittenhouse Square as well as the Avenue of the Arts to the west, and by Society Hill to the east. Much of this neighborhood, like Society Hill, is comprised of Phila luxury condominiums and 18th century row houses. Rows are broken up intermittently by Philadelphia high-rise condominium buildings and newer commercial structures, but these more recent additions to the cityscape do not detract from the overall charm of the neighborhood. Washington Square West is home to the area that Philly residents cheerfully term “the Gayborhood.” The blocks between Chestnut, Pine, Broad, and 10th Streets are home to a large number of gay and lesbian residents, as well as many gay-oriented coffee houses, nightclubs, bars, bookstores, and restaurants. The City of Philadelphia recently recognized the Gayborhood with the addition of the rainbow flag to 36 street signs throughout the district. Those looking for Phila luxury condominiums in the Gayborhood will be able to choose from properties in several new residential developments. The popularity of this eclectic, charming neighborhood appeals to a diverse group of Philadelphians, spurring major growth in residential and commercial sectors.

Old City is located north of Society Hill along the Delaware River, and is renowned as a haven for artists and arts enthusiasts. Unlike the Avenue of the Arts, which is home to many larger institutions, Old City attracts individual artists, and is home to an incredible number of art galleries and studios. Philly high-rise condos here are more affordable than in other neighborhoods, making them particularly attractive to singles, young professionals, first-time buyers and students. Old City is also very popular with tourists, as it is the location of many of Philly’s prominent historical buildings, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Other neighborhoods of interest in the Center City Philadelphia area include Market East; Penn’s Landing, the waterfront district of Center City and home to the Independence Seaport Museum; Fitler Square, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University; Chinatown, home of Philadelphia’s famed Friendship Arch; and the South Street area, Philly’s “funky” neighborhood located at what was historically the southern boundary of the city.

No matter what your background or interests may be, there are perfect Phila luxury condominiums and/or Philadelphia high-rise condominiums out there for you. If you would like more information about Philly luxury condos currently on the market, please call expert Realtor PCS Kurfiss Sotheby’s at 866.KURFISS today.