Source: Darren Keck / EyeEm / Getty
The Philadelphia area is quickly resurging as a magnet for millennials to thrive socially and professionally. It offers a vivacious community with a mixture of cultures, ethnicities, artistry, cuisine, and more. Some of our biggest moments in history as a nation are weaved throughout the center of the city including the Liberty Bell, the Chief Tamanend statue, and most importantly, the Rocky statue. If you travel around a little further to 7th and Arch street, you can also check out the African American museum, a cultural and social treasure that less than a handful of states offer to the public. As a millennial just about any metropolitan area you visit will work to keep you, but how many actually succeed? Here are the best regions for you to visit AND stay in Philly.
University City/ West Philly
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air referenced region of Philly is great for those who enjoy nature, street art, and amazing food …. all in that order. It’s also home to three major Institutions including Drexel, the University of Penn, and the University of Sciences hence its second title as University City. This millennial driven space offers great attractions for the early birds or night owls with dozens of bars, restaurants, bookstores, shops, and more. It’s basically the meccas for getting the most fun on a cheap budget.
The Baltimore Avenue doll is featured twice a year ( June 25th and September 17th) where you can literally have any and everything your little “frugal” heart desires for just a dollar. Clark Park located at 2398 Chester Avenue offers a series of of outdoor movies just like your favorite 80s movie from August 21st until September 18th. Its ideal for that perfect first date you want to impress with but while still working figuring how this months rent is going to get paid.
You can find plenty of murals throughout the city featuring historical people, musicians, activists, or simply inspirational quotes. Public transportation is also easily available with a bus, trolley, or train from each corner. Lastly, if you enjoy nature, home gardens, and trails to get a great run Cobbs creek parkway runs right through. If you take anything away from this itinerary understand that West Philly is just lit.
Source: John Greim / Getty
Fairmount/Art Museum
If you love art it would make sense to live right by one of the biggest art museums in the country right, or at least workout with the famous Rocky Balboa statue. The Fairmount/Spring Garden section of Philly offers a variety of art, culture, and outdoors activities. It’s an ideal area for people aged from their mid twenties to late thirties. It’s home to several attractions including the Philadelphia Art Museum, Rodin Museum, Boathouse Row, Eastern State Penitentiary and many more.
If you don’t have the patience for the hustle and bustle of Center City, Fairmount is just a subway ride away and offers a greener neighborhood that is just as popular with Saloons, bars, restaurants, and a few nearby clubs!
Fun Things to Do:
- Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Rodin Museum, 2154 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Electric Factory, 421 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Source: John Greim / Getty
East Falls
East Falls is a great outdoorsy environment and is considered a new up and coming area for millennials. This section is right next to Manayunk and is growing in large part due to its popularity with students from Philadelphia University. One of the best things about East Falls is that it is right along the Schuylkill River and offers a great trail for anyone who enjoys running, or biking. It’s also a great attraction for animal lovers who enjoy having a space to take their dogs out for a run as well. This location is great for students who are transitioning into their postgraduate phase and are looking for a town that offers duality with a nightlife scene and it’s quiet parts as well.
Fun Things to Do:
- Please Touch Museum, 4231 Ave of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Wissahickon Park, Lincoln Dr & Rittenhouse Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Falls Taproom, 3749 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Manayunk
We’ve focused on areas that offer art, history, culture and the great outdoors. We didn’t forget about the party animals though! If you’re looking for somewhere you want to feel safe passing out on your front steps, then Manayunk may (or may not) be the place for you. The section that got its name meaning “ place where we came to drink”, is most popular amongst Philly U, Temple, St. John, and Lasalle students. This town which has an average rental price of $1,000, is a great space for college students and post grad students who still enjoy a taste of college life without the actual college on the same block. You have 30+ bars, restaurants, shops, nightclubs, boutiques, and more.
Fun Things to Do:
- Manayunk Arts Festival, 4312 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
- Stroll the Street: Walk, Shop, and Eat, Main Street, Manayunk,Pa
- Manayunk Roxborough Art Center, 419 Green Lane, Philadelphia, Pa, 19128
- The Grape Room, 105 Grape Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19127
- Chew Philly Food Tours, 4312 Main Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19127
Source: c. Melon Images / Getty
Northern Liberties/ Fishtown
The Fishtown/ Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia was formerly known as a manufacturing area which became virtually a ghost town once outsourcing destroyed stable jobs in the U.S. It wasn’t until the early 90s when NoLibs began to see a resurgence of artistic residents who decided to work to rebuild this area with environmentally friendly businesses and music-geared festivities. It has a surplus of international food sites, historical sites, and shopping centers. This vibrant area is super young and hip. It’s one of the best places to go for brunch or even enjoy some of the coolest and more interesting bars, clubs, and beer halls in town!
Fun Things to Do:
- North Bowl, 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- The Piazza at Schmidts, 2nd street and Germantown Ave, Phila, Pa 19123
- Liberties Walk , 1040 N. American Street, Phila, pa, 19123
Point Breeze
This South Philly neighborhood is an up and coming millennial territory that used to be predominantly occupied by families. It’s located on the east side of the Schuylkill River, North of Passyunk Avenue, and South of the Grays Ferry section of Philadelphia. This area offers a number of youth lead mural art programs throughout the city geared towards building a better community. In nearly a decade, Point Breeze has seen a tremendous growth in residential living, after overcoming a period of abandonment. As this neighborhood continues to expand and grow it seems to be the next best region for millennials to help financially, culturally, and artistically invest in.
Fun Things to Do:
- Pep Bowl, 1200 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Philadelphia’s Magic Garden, 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Philly Dance Fitness, 1170 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Flavors of the Avenue, E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA
To find housing in the area perfect for you check out WhoseYourLandlord.com
words by: Saudia Durrant
