.png){kind=small}
The River Wards section of the city has been growing rapidly and has seen a major resurgence over the past few years. This area, made up of a collection of neighborhoods along the Delaware River, has been drawing comparisons to Brooklyn, New York as a result of its rapid development and growing popularity.
The River Wards area is made up of several neighborhoods, including Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Kensington, and Port Richmond. These neighborhoods have traditionally been working-class areas, known for their industrial past and diverse population. But in recent years, the area has undergone a significant transformation, with an influx of young professionals and artists moving into the area, drawn by the relatively affordable housing prices and the sense of community that the neighborhood offers.
In 2018, Forbes named Fishtown America’s hottest new neighborhood!
Restaurants, Bars, Art, Parks and Shops
One of the main draws of the River Wards area is its vibrant arts and culture scene. The neighborhood is home to many independent art galleries, music venues, and performance spaces, as well as several annual festivals and events. Artists use the neighborhoods as their canvas creating beautiful murals and street art that helps shape these areas. The River Wards is also home to many trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes, offering a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Some of our favorites include Suraya, W.M. Mulhern’s Sons, Hiroki, Apricot Stone, Cafe La Maude, Frankford Hall, Jerry’s Bar, La Colombe, and the list goes on and on. The River Wards area is also known for its parks and open spaces, with several parks, playgrounds and recreational areas, including Liberty Lands, Orianna Hill Dog Park, Penn Treaty Park and Palmer Park. These spaces provide residents and visitors with opportunities for relaxation and recreation, and are great places to enjoy the outdoors, while connecting with the community. The area is also becoming increasingly walkable and bike-friendly, with the development of the Delaware River Trail, which will connect several River Wards neighborhoods to city center, and make it even easier to get around on foot or by bike. You can also easily get to center city by hopping on the Market Frankford Line, also known as The El, and you’ll be there in just a few minutes.
Real Estate
Real estate in this area is booming. You’ll see new construction and new developments going up all over the place. Northern Liberties alone is projected to see more than 4,000 new units go up over the next few years. One of the main drivers of this development is the increasing demand for housing in these neighborhoods. Both Fishtown and Northern Liberties offer a wide range of housing options, from classic row houses and townhouses to modern apartment buildings, many of which have been recently constructed or renovated. The biggest bonus is that housing prices are relatively affordable in these neighborhoods compared to other areas of the city and have made them a popular choice for people looking to buy or rent a home. Home values have also skyrocketed in these areas making real estate here an incredible investment opportunity. It’s a great time to buy here because as the popularity continues to grow, so will the home values.
Community Pride
And finally, the community in the River Wards exudes pride for their neighborhood. In Fishtown, the residents and business owners plaster fish anywhere they can. Locals like to keep their shopping, dining and drinking close to home and support the local businesses. It’s become its own city within a city. It has everything you need right around the corner.
Overall, the River Wards area of Philadelphia is a neighborhood on the rise, with many exciting developments and an ever growing sense of community. Its diverse community, arts and culture scene, and recreational spaces make it a great place to live, work and play, and is being considered as the new Brooklyn of Philadelphia. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call the River Wards area home.