Located west of the enchanting Delaware River in southern Philadelphia lives the incredibly historic urban neighborhood of Northern Liberties, Pennsylvania. As a part of Philadelphia County, the lively neighborhood of Northern Liberties is known for beautiful public parks, numerous trendy boutique shops and art galleries, small bars and tasty restaurants, an array of churches, and some of the most lively nightlife in all of Philadelphia. The neighborhood has relatively lower crime compared to other areas in the city which makes it a reasonably safe place to live in Philly. Home to 17,351 residents, Northern Liberties is heavily recognized for its rich history and preserved historical sites and buildings. Northern Liberties is also home to fantastic organizations like the German Society of Pennsylvania, the Yards Brewing Company, and has resided numerous notable people like the major League Baseball outfielder and manager, Gabe Kapler, and American football kicker, Jake Elliott. Known to especially attract young families, entrepreneurs, and college students, the fairly hipster hotspot of Northern Liberties provides excellent proximity to Philadelphia’s city center.
Northern Liberties, Philadelphia History
The former industrial area of Northern Liberties was founded by William Penn in 1682 and drew in several early American industries due to its location along creeks and the Delaware River. As once one of the most populated cities in the U.S., many people were attracted to Northern Liberties given the plenitude of jobs and career opportunities in and around its borders.
Resting on the site of an old brewery, Northern Liberties wasn’t incorporated until 1854 when the Act of Consolidation caused it to become a part of Philadelphia. This incorporation took place for over 20 other formerly independent cities as well. Nonetheless, Northern Liberties has a reputation of being one of the first suburbs in Philadelphia. Today, Northern Liberties is one of the city’s most fascinating and vibrant neighborhoods and is now known for preserving Federal-style buildings, Greek Revival, and Italianate architecture that are still graciously standing thanks to the Northern Liberties Historic District.
Location and Transportation
The active neighborhood of Northern Liberties is situated on the far southeastern edge of Pennsylvania and touches the east side of the Deleware River. Northern Liberties is bored by Poplar to the west, Fishtown, Ludlow, and Olde Kensington to the north, and the most popular– Old City to the south. The distance from Northern Liberties to Philadelphia’s Center City is 2 miles which will take you on the road for just over 10 minutes southwest.
There are a variety of ways of exploring and traveling to Northern Liberties. The majority of people in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia commute by car, train, or bus. However, many locals tend to journey by bike as well. If you’re not in the mood for exercise or hefty gas prices, you can take the Spring Garden Station which sits on the southern edge of Northern Liberties– this will bring you to and from the Center City in approximately 15 minutes. The neighborhood also operates the SEPTA’s Market-Frankford El which has a trolley line and stops at Girard and Spring Garden– miraculously in the center of I-95.
People/Lifestyle/Culture in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
Back in the 1980s, Northern Liberties’ had more affordable costs of living compared to Philidalphias’ center which brought in a thriving community of budding artistic individuals, musicians, and people who couldn’t afford the big city expenses. This “hipster” community brought back vitality and interest to the neighborhood which had declined in the previous years. Nowadays, Northern Liberties is thriving with quirky shops, international restaurants, convivial entertainment, and remarkable artistry that is recognized all over the world.
Many of the like-minded and friendly residents in Northern Liberties tend to lean on the liberal side of the political spectrum. Nonetheless, the inherent charm of Northern Liberties is especially fit for hipsters, artists, young families, students, or those on the lookout for a unique, funky place to reside in Philly. The residents can enjoy the neighborhood’s green spaces, urban terrain, dog parks, and countless amenities and attractions available within and outside of the neighborhood’s limits. Overall, you’ll find the nightlife in Northern Liberties to be bustling, the dining to be trendy, and the streets to illustrate the creative skill of the community.
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Eat, Do, Shop in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
As one of the hippest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Northern Liberties is home to numerous restaurants to dine at, sites to visit, and places to shop in. In fact, Northern Liberties is said to be one of Philly’s best areas for dining and drinking. You’ll also be just minutes away from incredibly notable places like The Fillmore Philadelphia and the Frankin Square!
If you’re looking for a place to eat within the boundaries of Northern Liberties, the renovated and former 50s styled diner of Silk City is now a popular dining spot for enjoying classic American dishes. You can even have a drink out in their large outdoor beer garden! The Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat is another great choice for a bite to eat in Northern Liberties. This BYOB family restaurant offers a wide selection of Jewish flair and classic Southern dishes while in a casual and inviting atmosphere.
While living in the Northern Liberties, you’ll have close access to several fun places to take the family. One of which is the North Bowl– a bowling alley that was formerly a mechanics garage and is now a bustling complex with bowling lanes on two separate floors, an arcade, and several bars with great drinks and tasty food. If you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, Liberty Lands Park is an ideal place to spend the day and relax in the neighborhood of Northern Liberties. This beautiful two-acre park features a lovely community garden, a children’s playground, a butterfly garden, and much more!
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For when you’re in the shopping mood, The Piazza at Schmidt’s (The Schmidt’s Commons) is the crown jewel of Northern Liberties. This 80,000 square foot plaza serves as a gathering site as well as a shopping and dining complex! Additionally, the Architectural Antiques Exchange is a unique antique store that is a great place to shop– especially for collecters. The 30,000 square-foot warehouse features gothic, French, Colonial, English, Victorian architectural pieces, and antique furniture such as doors and mantels.
- Silk City
- 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-592-8838
- Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site
- 532 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-597-8780
- Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat
- 800 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-925-1150
- North Bowl
- 909 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-238-2695
- Liberty Lands Park
- 913 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-627-6562
- The Piazza at Schmidt’s
- 1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-987-5986
- Architectural Antiques Exchange
- 721 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123, +1 215-922-3669
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Map of Northern Liberties
Explore even more places to eat, visit, and shop with this map of Northern Liberties below!
Real Estate
Due to thousands of new residential units and commercial spaces, the population in Northern Liberties is predicted to double in the upcoming years. The residential and commercial development districts in Northern Liberties are some of Philadelphia’s most attractive due to the short commute time to Center City as well as having charmingly historic buildings and homes. The properties are highly versatile with many maintaining unique characteristics of their original architecture. The former residence of the American writer, Edgar Allan Poe is an excellent example of the neighborhood’s passion for historical preservation. Contrastingly, Northern Liberties also contains an array of homes with a fresh twist of modern features. The Northern Liberties Neighbors Association is a non-profit that works to keep the neighborhood connected, safe, involved, and shares a calendar of events as well.
According to Redfin, the current median house price in Northern Liberties is $550,000 which has increased by 12.8% since last year. It takes a median of 66 days for a home to be sold in this neighborhood. On the other hand, the average monthly rent in Northern Liberties sits at $2,052 as stated by RentCafe. Sites like dance clubs, bars, global restaurants, and bike trails are especially present near the northern part of Northern Liberties. Contradictorily, the south side of Northern Liberties will give you close access to numerous public schools that are all served by the School District of Philadelphia.
Conclusion
If living in Northern Liberties is on your list of things to do, Suburban Moving can help give you an easy and stress-free relocation! Give us a call at 610-314-6868 or fill out the “Request a Quote” form so our experienced Northern Liberty moving services can get your move started!
