Known for being a modern-day version of colonial Philadelphia, the community of Society Hill has a lot going for it. From the unique history to the renewed residential developments, people living in Society Hill enjoy everything about the popular neighborhood.
The area was named after a gathering of well-known merchants called the Free Society of Traders back in the year 1680. These individuals were closely associated with William Penn and played a pivotal role in what the area looks like today.
Society Hill has housed many notable people including the United States founding father, Alexander Hamilton.
Is Society Hill a good place to live? As you wander the area of Society Hill, you’ll walk across cobblestone roads, brick-laid sidewalks, and tall, extravagant buildings. Anyone moving to Society Hill will fall in love with the culture, the great things to do, and the many other nearby amenities in this thriving Philadelphia community.
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History of Society Hill
Background about Society Hill dates back to when it was first established back in the early 1680s. The incredible history of Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood has since landed it a spot on the list of Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
While it started as a commercial hub right along the Delaware River, Society Hill quickly began development as a residential community soon after it was settled. The area blossomed quickly and stood as one of the most highly populated neighborhoods in Philadelphia for many of the early colonial years.
After Society Hill started as a thriving Philadelphia neighborhood, the area went downhill during the late 19th century through about half of the 20th century. Crime hit all-time highs and many of its residents ended up leaving because of the urban decay.
But during the 1950s, new developers created a clear plan of action to renovate and restore the once-popular Philadelphia community to its former glory. Those efforts have stood strong to this day as people living in Society Hill now enjoy being in one of the most affluent neighborhoods across the city. And as more hard-working people keep moving to Society Hill, the area is only getting better.
Society Hill Location & Transportation
Located only 1.8 miles from downtown Philadelphia, the community of Society Hill offers convenient access to everything the city has to offer. It covers an area of about 163 acres and is surrounded by neighboring communities such as Bella Vista, Old City, Queen Village, Riverfront, and Washington Square.
The boundaries of Society Hill extend from Walnut Street on the north side to South Street along the south. It then goes from 7th Street on the west over to Front Street on the east.
As a small community in Philadelphia County, Society Hill only has two zip codes: 19106 and 19147. Anyone moving to Society Hill who wants to get a local phone number will have a 267 or 215 area code.
Most find the community is walkable but it also has numerous bus stops throughout the area provided by SEPTA and PHLASH. This allows people living in Society Hill to benefit from all the standard Philadelphia public transportation options. Getting downtown is as simple as getting on a bus along Walnut street that is headed westbound.
People & Culture of Society Hill
As a thriving business hub, the atmosphere of Society Hill is welcoming to people of all ages. The population in Society Hill is 6,077 with a median age of 36 years old.
As newcomers continue relocating to Society Hill, the area is also becoming more diverse. Current Society Hill demographics show the population is made up of about 86% Caucasian, 5% Asian, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% Black or African American. Among these residents, the median household income is $98,141, which is $30,000 more than the national average.
The culture of Society Hill gives residents living there a dense urban feel that is right in the heart of Philadelphia. You’ll find everyone from young millennial professionals to retirees as well as young families. Local lifestyles range depending on age but it rings true that as long as you can afford to live here, there’s somewhere for you to fit in.
Places to Eat, Things to Do, & Shopping in Society Hill
Philadelphia is a beautiful, historic city with so much going for it, and Society Hill represents its own variety of amenities for residents to enjoy.
Great Restaurants
One of the most popular places to eat in Society Hill is Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. This Italian eatery has a menu centered around seafood and other popular staples of the culture. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable dining experience as they choose from menu items such as artichoke soup, pasta, grilled salmon, scallops, crab cakes, gnocchi, filet mignon, and much more.
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Also showing up on any list of the best restaurants in Society Hill is The Twisted Tail. This fun destination offers South American cuisine and barbecue. Try from their top dishes including the BBQ smoke ribs, roasted salmon, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, steak, and beyond. They even invite local bands to play live blues music throughout the week.
Fun Local Activities
When seeking out the best things to do in Society Hill, most locals will suggest you head over to Washington Square. This 6-acre park was named after General George Washington and represents a wealth of historical knowledge about the area. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk, go for a jog, or simply relax and enjoy a nice day out.
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Another historical landmark and fun place to visit in Society Hill is the Powel House. Once the home of Samuel Powel and his wife, Elizabeth, the colonial-era building now offers paid tours to learn more about their connection to President George Washington. It is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys American history.
Convenient Shopping Destinations
Along with the many fun attractions and great places to get a bite to eat, you’ll also find plenty of convenient places to shop in Society Hill. A long line of shops can be found all the way along South Street, while other nice locations dot the map in other parts of the Philadelphia neighborhood. Enjoy shopping at nice destinations including City Blue, Bella Boutique, CVS, ACME Markets, Walmart, Crash Bang Boom, Sue’s Market, Target, and The Market At Hopkinson House.
List of Society Hill Amenities on the Map
- Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, 212 Walnut St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 238-0499
- The Twisted Tail, 509 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 558-2471
- Washington Square, 210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 597-8787
- Powel House, 244 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 627-0364
- City Blue, 539 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (267) 671-9466
- Sue’s Market, 275 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 982-1678
Society Hill Real Estate – 250 words
Known for its beautiful brick buildings, the housing market in Society Hill is highly desirable for people who are interested in areas around downtown Philly. The median listing price of a home in Society Hill is $691,000 with a median sale price of $396 per square foot. Local properties tend to spend about 66 days on the market and require an average down payment of about 22%.
Society Hill homes for sale range from one-bedroom condos in local high-rises up to multi-million dollar homes and apartments across the Philadelphia community. Regardless of your lifestyle needs, you’re sure to find a great place that fits your specifications.
If you are planning on leasing while you’re living in Society Hill, there are opportunities for you as well. The average price of rent in Society Hill is between $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,700 per month for a three or four-bedroom on average.
With about 660 kids under the age of 18 years old residing in Society Hill, most school-age kids attend campuses that are part of the Philadelphia City School District. The main schools in Society Hill include:
- McCall Elementary
- McCall Middle School
- St. Peter’s School
Moving to Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA
There are so many great things that come with living in Society Hill and you’re sure to love calling this great Philadelphia neighborhood home. If you are preparing for an upcoming transition, the crew of superior Society Hill movers here at Suburban Solutions would love to be a part of making it a success! Give us a call today at (610) 314-6868 or complete the Request a Quote form on this page for a free moving estimate!
