Philadelphia Housing Market: Trends & Prices

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    Philadelphia Real Estate Market Overview

    (Last Updated – 6/2023)

    There’s a lot to love about the City of Brotherly Love. For starters, U.S. News & World Report ranks Philadelphia as the 119th best place to live in America, the 19th best place in America to retire, and the eighth best place to live in all of Pennsylvania.

    When it comes to actually living in Philadelphia, the cost of living is 4.5% higher than the national average, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2022 Cost of Living Index, but is far less than nearby metro areas like Washington, D.C., and New York City. The median Philadelphia home sale price is also significantly lower, at $250,000, as of April 2023. The national average price for the same month was more than double that, at $507,300, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

    Recommended: Cost of Living in Pennsylvania (2023)

    Residents need to bundle up during the chilly winters, but they can take advantage of all of Philadelphia’s outdoor spaces in the other seasons. Of course, this city is best known for Philly cheesesteaks, but there is also a smorgasbord of food trucks, restaurants, and beer gardens for locals to satisfy their cravings. Read more about home ownership.

    Keep reading to learn more about the Philadelphia real estate market, popular neighborhoods, and housing prices.

    $250,000

    Median Sale Price

    $200

    Avg. Price Per Sq. Foot

    48 days

    Avg. Time on Market

    Philadelphia Housing Market Forecast

    Philadelphia’s housing market is one to follow, with strong signs of buyer competition in its future.

    According to Zillow, Philadelphia median home prices rose by only 0.6% over the past year. Despite a modest spring market, real estate experts expect it to pick back up as we enter the second half of 2023, with prices rising and homes not staying on the market as long.

    So who’s scooping up homes in Philadelphia? Generation Z, for one, has been fueling part of the demand. Philadelphia has reportedly been among the top five cities for Gen Z homebuyers 25 and younger in recent years, and Gen Z home seekers are expected to continue to play a strong role in Philadelphia’s housing market.

    CommercialCafe, a real-estate listing service, named Philadelphia the 13th-friendliest city for Gen Z in a 2022 report. Fast internet, bars and sports venues, commute options, and parks all played important factors.

    Housing market forecast chart

    *Graph taken from Zillow as of 6/2023

    Demographics of the Philadelphia Market

    This vibrant city is packed with interesting neighborhoods and is bordered by charming towns.

    Before exploring the most popular neighborhoods of Philadelphia, stepping back and getting a bigger picture may prove worthwhile. While each neighborhood has its own demographics, it can be helpful to look at Philadelphia as a whole.

    Median Income: $52,649

    Median Age: 34.8

    College Educated: 32.5%

    Homeowners: 52.4%

    Married: 34.6%

    University City

    University City lies in the heart of West Philadelphia and is named for being an academic epicenter of the region. Two distinguished campuses, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, are here.

    Alongside great education opportunities are nationally renowned medical hubs that serve multiple disciplines. Museums, galleries, festivals, and performance spaces can also be found in this dynamic neighborhood.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    52,160

    Median Age:

    23

    Housing Units:

    22,155

    Bike Score:

    92/100

    Walk Score:

    90/100

    Transit Score:

    95/100

    Average Household Income:

    $49,820

    University City Housing Market

    Home values in University City increased 0.5% over the past year, according to Zillow.


    Average Sale Price

    $537,000


    Rittenhouse Square

    Rittenhouse Square is considered to be an oasis in the midst of a bustling city. This pretty neighborhood attracts some of Philadelphia’s chicest residents, as well as students and young professionals.

    From shopping to dining to quiet walks on tree-lined streets, Rittenhouse Square can give residents a taste of whatever it is they’re looking for.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    13,432

    Median Age:

    33.3

    Housing Units:

    9,435

    Bike Score:

    91/100

    Walk Score:

    99/100

    Transit Score:

    100/100

    Average Household Income:

    $140,822

    Rittenhouse Square Housing Market

    Buyers can have a little wiggle room when home shopping in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

    It’s rare for a home to receive multiple offers. Homes typically sell for about 3% below list price and go pending in around 62 days.


    Median Sale Price

    $483,000

    Average Price Per Sq. Foot

    $455


    Bella Vista

    Nice view indeed.

    This area was settled by Italian immigrants, and today visitors and locals alike flock to the famous 9th Street Italian Market, which is the oldest operational open-air market like it in America.

    Today residents come from near and far, and diversity is celebrated.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    39,335

    Median Age:

    36.1

    Housing Units:

    20,794

    Bike Score:

    83/100

    Walk Score:

    97/100

    Transit Score:

    78/100

    Average Household Income:

    $139,868

    Bella Vista Housing Market

    In this somewhat competitive market, some homes receive multiple offers. Homes can sell for about 2% below list price.

    Buyers have discovered Bella Vista over the past year. The average home stays on the market for 50 days, compared with 62 days a year before.


    Median Sale Price

    $590,000

    Average Price Per Sq. Foot

    $404


    Old City

    History buffs will love Old City, as this is the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

    This neighborhood is known for embracing its historic past and looking to the future. Lying next to the Delaware River, Old City can offer residents everything they’re seeking, from culture to art to more historic spots than they’ll know what to do with.

    While many are drawn to Old City, next to the Delaware River, for its reputation as the nation’s most “historic square mile,” modern nightlife and hip restaurants are also plentiful.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    7,021

    Median Age:

    36

    Housing Units:

    4,331

    Bike Score:

    83/100

    Walk Score:

    98/100

    Transit Score:

    98/100

    Average Household Income:

    $158,458

    Old City Housing Market

    The real estate market in the Old City neighborhood is not very competitive; it takes around 100 days for homes to sell in this area.

    Homes do not typically receive multiple offers and sell for around 3% under list price.


    Median Sale Price

    $313,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $354


    Washington Square West

    Modernity meets historic charm in Washington Square West, where cobblestone streets are nestled around luxe high-rise condos.

    For those who like to do a little shopping on the weekends, this area specializes in jewelry, antiques, and artwork. Or you can spend time at the beloved Washington Square Park in the northeast corner of the neighborhood.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    7,216

    Median Age:

    34

    Housing Units:

    4,125

    Bike Score:

    89/100

    Walk Score:

    99/100

    Transit Score:

    100/100

    Average Household Income:

    $102,200

    Washington Square West Housing Market

    The more popular homes in Washington Square West can sell in as little as 25 days, but on average homes in this neighborhood sell after 51 days on the market.

    Some homes receive multiple offers, and the average home sells for around 3% below list price.


    Median Sale Price

    $475,000

    Average Price Per Sq. Foot

    $316



    SoFi Home Loans

    The Philadelphia real estate market is somewhat competitive. This is a big city with charming old neighborhoods, wonderful universities, lots of culture, and a vast menu.

    If you think Philadelphia could be your home sweet home, then you may need to consider your mortgage financing options.

    If you’re buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, SoFi can help you make the process as quick and painless as possible.

    Learn More


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