Welcome to Northern Liberties
A trendy neighborhood with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Once an up-and-coming Philadelphia neighborhood, Northern Liberties has fully arrived as a trendy haven for young professionals. This is one of the city’s best neighborhoods for dining and drinking, with a vibrant arts center and an eclectic array of retail. It’s highly walkable and seamlessly mixes residential and commercial areas into one exciting hotbed of life.
Soon after its founding, Northern Liberties’ location just outside Philadelphia allowed it to become a hub for commerce and manufacturing. It was full of factories, warehouses, and breweries. When the manufacturing died, the district was noticed in the early ’90s as artists migrated from the center of the city to enjoy the neighborhood’s charm and affordable studio space.
From gorgeous rowhouses to luxury condos in mixed-use developments, Northern Liberties has a wide array of housing options available. There has been a considerable amount of development since the end of the 20th century, so the homes here are newer than those in many of the surrounding neighborhoods. However, if a historic home is what you’re looking for, they are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Northern Liberties has something for everyone, so long as their list includes a trendy neighborhood full of life and opportunity.
What to Love
- Vibrant art scene
- Mixed-use developments
- High-end boutiques
- Upscale bars and quaint brunch spots
- Walkable, tree-lined streets
Local Lifestyle
An urban center full of green spaces with a vibrant personality all its own, Northern Liberties is full of young professionals, from artists to entrepreneurs to those in corporate industries. The nights and weekends are bustling with activity, and the neighborhood has some of the best entertainment spots in the city.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Northern Liberties has multiple commercial spaces, from new developments to more classic streets lined with boutiques and restaurants.
The Piazza is a groundbreaking mixed-use development. Luxury apartments mix with retail shops and restaurants. It’s home to events and community activities as well, making it an ideal gathering space for locals.
Northern Liberties is known for its brewing history, and both
Standard Tap and
Yards Brewing Company are carrying on that tradition with local, award-winning beers and great food menus.
Silk City is a renovated diner and classic beer garden that serves up classics in a homey atmosphere.
Things to Do
Northern Liberties is a vibrant neighborhood full of excitement, recreation, and annual events. Locals and visitors alike come to this neighborhood for festivals and iconic nightlife spots.
The
2nd St Festival takes place the first weekend in August and has grown to be one of the largest street festivals in Philadelphia. It buzzes with entertainment, and the food and drinks flow generously. It continues to grow every year, so it’s worth coming back to time and again.
Northern Liberties Pop-Up Shop began as a holiday event, but it has expanded to take place several times throughout the year. During the holiday pop-up, vendors and local businesses that don’t have traditional brick-and-mortar spaces gather all in one place for a day of shopping and community.
North Bowl is a lounge and bowling alley with retro-chic decor that throws bowlers back to the days when a date night or night out with friends only required a bowling alley and a rootbeer float.
Schools
Northern Liberties is served by schools within the School District of Philadelphia, many of which are specialized and magnet schools.
