It’s hard to find a neighborhood that checks every box on your list. If you’re looking for a Philadelphia neighborhood with a short commute downtown, plenty of recreation, and a bounty of bars and restaurants at every corner, look no further than East Falls, Philadelphia.
East Falls is famous as the childhood home of Grace Kelly, Thomas Jefferson University, and the Drexel University College of Medicine. It’s a vibrant neighborhood full of activity, natural beauty, and a diverse population of families, students, and professionals.
Living in East Falls, PA offers quiet living with all the amenities you want close by and the excitement of Center City less than ten minutes away. Here’s everything you want to know and why you’ll fall in love with East Falls, Philly!
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East Falls, PA History
East Falls was named for the “Falls of the Schuylkill” and the area is sometimes still referred to by this name. It was once home to well-known waterfalls in Philadelphia which were submerged in 1822 by the Fairmount Dam. In its early history, East Falls, Philly was the highest navigable point on the Schuylkill River. A dock was built at it became a primary transfer point to an Indian path later turned into colonial roadways and then Germantown and Ridge avenues. The river’s power was used in the 1700s and 1800s for wire mills and nail factories and later anthracite smelting.
While the falls, once described as “roaring,” have been gone for more than two centuries, recent efforts have been made to reconnect the East Falls Philadelphia neighborhood with the river. The neighborhood has a growing entertainment district on the Schuylkill River and the Falls Bridge is one of the community’s most recognizable landmarks.
Location & Transportation – Where Is East Falls Philadelphia?
East Falls is a small neighborhood nestled along the Schuylkill River in Northwest Philadelphia next to Germantown, the waterfront East Fairmount Park, and Wissahickon Valley Park. The East Falls zip code is 19129.
East Falls, Philadelphia is a desirable neighborhood for many reasons including its central location. It’s only 7 miles from East Falls to Center City along Kelly Drive, named for Monaco’s Princess Grace Kelly who lived in the neighborhood as a child.
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After moving to East Falls, PA, you’ll be served by two convenient SEPTA stations. The East Falls station is at Midvale Avenue & Cresson Street. The other East Falls train station is Queen Lane at Wissahickon Avenue & Queen Lane just into the Germantown neighborhood. It’s the closest train station to the universities.
What’s it Like Living in East Falls Philadelphia? Population, Lifestyle & Culture
Considering moving to East Falls, PA and wondering what to expect? The population of East Falls, Philadelphia is 10,000 with median household income of $49,600. This walkable and active community is a mix of long-time and new residents, students, families, and young professionals. Residents enjoy very strong community ties with regular events, small businesses, eateries, and watering holes on every street.
East Falls is known for its outdoor recreation, walkability, and parks. You’ll often see neighbors out jogging or walking their dogs. There’s even an active youth runners’ club: the East Falls Running Club, one of many active running groups in Philadelphia. The community is surrounded by the scenic Schuylkill River and two of Philadelphia’s best parks, all offering outdoor recreation year-round. There’s also neighborhood rec centers, small neighborhood parks, and sports clubs that make it easy to stay active and connect with your neighbors.
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East Falls, Philadelphia is best known as the home of two prestigious universities and several highly rated public and private schools. The Thomas Jefferson University East Falls campus dominates the neighborhood with a 100-acre wooded campus and over 50 historic and contemporary buildings. Thomas Jefferson University is a private research university with over 3,200 enrolled students. Drexel University College of Medicine is one of the country’s largest private medical schools. Founded in 1848, the main campus is in East Falls, Philly and houses first- and second-year medical students and biomedical grad students. This large student population adds vibrancy to East Falls with many bars, restaurants, and shops catering to students and millennials.
Less than 10 minutes to Center City, river and park recreation, top universities and schools – it’s easy to see why young professionals and families alike love living in East Falls!
Things to Do in East Falls – Top Attractions, Shopping & Restaurants
Ready to explore the fun things to do in East Falls, PA? You’ll love exploring your new neighborhood on foot with picturesque parks, family-owned restaurants, and rowdy bars on every corner.
One of the best things about living in East Falls? The amazing restaurants within walking distance! Le Bus East Falls is a neighborhood gem. Enjoy from-scratch cuisine, artisan bread and baked goods, and a menu of curated cocktails at LeBus East Falls. The LeBus bakery is sure to be your favorite place for brunch!
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In the mood for Italian? Fiorino is one of the best East Falls, PA restaurants! Fiorino East Falls is a cozy BYOB Italian restaurant run by Franco Faggi who serves up dishes from his native Romagna region of Italy. Slices Pizza East Falls is another favorite among locals. Located next to the Black Squirrel Pub and Haunt, a popular and upscale British-style pub, Slices Pizza is a counter-serve pizza joint with everything from cheesesteaks and hoagies to wings and gourmet pizza by the slice.
East Falls, Philadelphia has plenty of nightlife options to explore too. On game night or for a casual meet-up with friends, you can’t beat Wissahickon Brewing Company, a pet-friendly, family-owned craft brewery with lagers, ales, cider, and alcoholic slushies. Franklin’s East Falls is a hit among students. This neighborhood bar has a large beer selection, pub grub, a patio, and games with karaoke night on Fridays. Around the corner, Billy Murphy’s Irish Saloon has a different vibe. This laid-back dive bar plays 90s music and serves up typical pub food with friendly service.
You’ll enjoy tons of community events year-round. Every year, the neighborhood hosts an open-air dance on Falls Bridge. The event, called the Dance on the Falls Bridge, features live music, Philly food trucks, and an open bar to raise money for the nonprofit East Falls Development Corporation. Residents also benefit from regular programs offered by the Falls of Schuylkill Library including family programs and art workshops.
The Falls Center complex is in the heart of East Falls, Philadelphia and easily recognizable in a restored 1920s Art Deco building. This mixed-use office, retail, and apartment development is home to many medical offices. Get your groceries at Major’s and stop by the East Falls Farmers’ Market for fresh produce and artisan goods. Explore boutiques and small shops throughout the neighborhood like the charming Vault + Vine florist with a café and retail shop inside.
Of course, no mention of East Falls, Philadelphia attractions is complete without discussing parks and outdoor recreation. The neighborhood borders Wissahickon Valley Park, a massive 1,800-acre park beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. Fish at the trout-stocked creek and enjoy over 50 miles of horse and hiking trails.
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East Fairmount Park is also just outside the neighborhood with over 650 acres of open green space on the Schuylkill River. This relaxed and shaded waterfront park is Philadelphia’s largest municipal park and home to the Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row, and the Schuylkill River Trail. The trail runs right through East Falls! At the new East Falls River Landing, enjoy community access to Schuylkill River for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
The neighborhood is also served by the Gustine Recreation Center. Operated by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the rec center offers a gymnasium and youth activities.
Here’s where to find all of these exciting East Falls, Philly attractions.
- LeBus East Falls, 4201 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (484) 255-2100
- Fiorino, 3572 Indian Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 843-1500
- Slices Pizza, 4249 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 843-4747
- The Black Squirrel Pub and Haunt, 3749 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (267) 323-2611
- Wissahickon Brewing Company, 3705 W School House Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 483-8833
- Franklin’s East Falls, 3521 Bowman St, Philadelphia, PA 19129
- (267) 336-7420
- Billy Murphy’s Irish Saloon, 3335 Conrad St, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (267) 844-9683
- Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 685-2093
- Falls Center Live Work Campus, 3300 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 508-2211
- Major’s, 4207 Ridge Ave #1745, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 848-0848
- East Falls Farmers’ Market, 4100 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (484) 452-4215
- Vault + Vine, 3507 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (267) 331-6292
- Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128 (215) 247-0417
- East Fairmount Park, 2839 W Glenwood Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121 (215) 683-3600
- Gustine Recreation Center, 4868 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129 (215) 685-2568
East Falls Philadelphia Map
East Falls Apartments & Real Estate – Average Rent and Home Prices
Is East Falls, PA expensive? It’s actually an affordable neighborhood for renters!
Average rent for apartments in East Falls, Philadelphia is $1,379 according to RentCafe. By comparison, average rent in Philadelphia is $1,774. The most expensive neighborhoods have average rent over $2,600!
Here are some of the most popular East Falls apartments to consider.
- The Avenue at East Falls. One of the highest rated communities in the neighborhood, the Avenue at East Falls apartments range from $975 to $1,825 for studio to 2-bedroom apartments. Amenities include skyline and ocean views, 24-hour doorman, swimming pool, pet spa, car charging station, fire pit & more. The community was formerly known as Charter Court at East Falls Apartments.
- Falls Bridge Lofts. More than 20 floor plans with upscale finishes right on the river. Studio to 2-bedroom apartments range from $1,550 to $2,625.
- Falls Village Apartments. One- to three-bedroom apartments range from $1,400 to $2,145 at this highly rated East Falls, PA apartment building. Each unit in the gated community has a private balcony or patio. Popular with students, the East Falls Village offers a dog park, outdoor lounge, smart thermostats, in-unit washers and dryers, a fitness center, and package delivery lockers.
- Alden Park. Located right at the border of East Falls and Germantown, Alden Park is a highly rated luxury apartment building next to Wissahickon Valley Park. Rent ranges from $944 to $9,025 for studio to 4-bedroom apartments starting at 325 square feet. It won the 2018 Best in American Living award and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation! Amenities include a pet park, sunken English gardens, indoor pool with retractable roof, city views, built-in bookshelves, in-unit washers and dryers, and more.
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Are you planning to buy a house after moving to East Falls? Ready to explore the East Falls real estate and what you can get with your budget? The average home price in the neighborhood is $306,000, up 6% year-over-year. By comparison, the Philadelphia average home price is $242,000.
East Falls, Philly is known for its gorgeous Victorian and Georgian-style buildings and striking historic mansions. Most of the homes in the neighborhood are in the hills with cute, manicured lawns.
You can see homes for sale in East Falls PA to get a better idea of what you’ll find in the neighborhood.
Does living in East Falls, Philadelphia sound perfect? If you’re ready to move to one of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia, the friendly movers at Suburban Solutions are here to help. Give us a call for a free, affordable moving estimate and stellar customer support!
