Editing South Philadelphia

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = South Philadelphia
| type = Region
| location = Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148
| boundaries = North: South Street, South: City limits, East: Delaware River, West: Schuylkill River
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]], [[West Philadelphia]]
| major_streets = Broad Street, Passyunk Avenue, Oregon Avenue, Snyder Avenue
| transit = Broad Street Line, SEPTA bus routes
| notable_landmarks = [[Italian Market]], [[Pat's King of Steaks]], [[Geno's Steaks]], Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field
}}

'''South Philadelphia''', commonly called '''South Philly''', is a region of [[Philadelphia]] located south of South Street. The area is known for its distinctive Italian-American heritage, iconic food scene (particularly [[cheesesteak|cheesesteaks]]), and passionate sports culture. South Philadelphia is home to the [[Italian Market]], the nation's oldest outdoor market, and the city's major sports venues including Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/south-philadelphia/ |title=South Philadelphia |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

The region encompasses numerous distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from the historic rowhouses of Queen Village to the modern sports complex in the far south.

== History ==

South Philadelphia was settled in the 17th century, with the earliest European inhabitants being Swedish colonists who established communities along the Delaware River before William Penn's arrival. The area remained largely rural until the mid-19th century.

=== Immigration Waves ===

South Philadelphia's character was shaped by successive waves of immigration:

'''Irish Immigration (1840s-1880s):''' Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine settled in areas like Pennsport, establishing the neighborhood's working-class identity.

'''Italian Immigration (1880s-1920s):''' The largest wave brought Italian immigrants who established the [[Italian Market]] and transformed South Philadelphia into "Little Italy." Italian-American culture remains deeply embedded in the neighborhood.

'''Eastern European Immigration:''' Jewish and Polish immigrants settled in parts of South Philadelphia alongside the Italian community.

'''African American Migration:''' The Great Migration brought African Americans to South Philadelphia, particularly in western sections.

=== Sports History ===

South Philadelphia has been Philadelphia's sports center for over a century:
* '''Baker Bowl''' (1887-1938) - Home of the Phillies
* '''Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium''' (1909-1970) - Home to the A's and Phillies
* '''JFK Stadium''' (1926-1992) - Site of the 1985 Live Aid concert
* '''Veterans Stadium''' (1971-2003) - Multi-purpose stadium
* '''Current Complex''' (2003-present) - Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, Wells Fargo Center

== Neighborhoods ==

South Philadelphia contains numerous distinct neighborhoods:

=== Core Neighborhoods ===

* '''[[Passyunk Square]]''' - Centered on East Passyunk Avenue, known for acclaimed restaurants
* '''[[Bella Vista]]''' - Italian-American neighborhood home to the Italian Market
* '''[[Queen Village]]''' - Historic neighborhood with Swedish colonial roots
* '''[[Pennsport]]''' - Historic Irish-American neighborhood

=== Other Neighborhoods ===

* '''[[Point Breeze]]''' - Transitional neighborhood experiencing revitalization
* '''[[Grays Ferry]]''' - Working-class neighborhood along the Schuylkill
* '''[[Whitman]]''' - Named for poet Walt Whitman
* '''[[Girard Estates]]''' - Planned early 20th-century community
* '''[[Packer Park]]''' - Residential area near sports complex

=== Southwest Philadelphia ===

* '''[[Eastwick]]''' - Site of major urban renewal
* '''[[Elmwood]]''' - Working-class residential area
* '''[[Kingsessing]]''' - One of the oldest settlements in the region

== Food and Culture ==

=== Cheesesteaks ===

South Philadelphia is the birthplace of the [[cheesesteak]]. [[Pat's King of Steaks]] invented the sandwich in 1930 at 9th and Passyunk, and [[Geno's Steaks]] opened across the street in 1966, creating the city's most famous culinary rivalry.

=== Italian Market ===

The [[Italian Market]] on 9th Street is America's oldest continuous outdoor market, featuring produce vendors, butcher shops, cheese stores, and specialty food sellers. Though less exclusively Italian today, the market retains its character and remains essential to South Philadelphia identity.

=== East Passyunk ===

East Passyunk Avenue has emerged as one of Philadelphia's premier dining corridors, featuring acclaimed restaurants including Laurel, Will BYOB, and numerous other chef-driven establishments.

== Sports ==

South Philadelphia's sports complex hosts all major Philadelphia professional teams:

* '''Citizens Bank Park''' - Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
* '''Lincoln Financial Field''' - Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
* '''Wells Fargo Center''' - Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

The complex is accessible via the Broad Street Line (NRG/Pattison Station) and major highways.

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Broad Street Line (The B):''' Stations at Snyder, Oregon, Pattison (Sports Complex)
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 2, 7, 17, 23, 29, 45, 47, 68, and others
* '''SEPTA Trolleys:''' Routes 15 (Girard Avenue) terminates at 63rd Street

=== Driving ===

Major routes include:
* I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway)
* I-95 along the Delaware River
* Broad Street north-south through the center

{{FAQ
| q1 = What is South Philadelphia known for?
| a1 = South Philadelphia is known for its Italian-American heritage, iconic cheesesteak shops (Pat's and Geno's), the Italian Market, and the sports complex housing the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers. It's one of Philadelphia's most distinctive and culturally rich regions.
| q2 = Where did the cheesesteak originate?
| a2 = The cheesesteak was invented in South Philadelphia at Pat's King of Steaks in 1930. Pat Olivieri created the sandwich at 9th and Passyunk, and Geno's opened across the street in 1966, creating the city's most famous culinary rivalry.
| q3 = What is the Italian Market?
| a3 = The Italian Market on 9th Street is America's oldest continuous outdoor market, operating since the 1880s. It features produce vendors, butcher shops, cheese stores, and specialty food sellers. Though less exclusively Italian today, it remains essential to South Philadelphia identity.
| q4 = How do you get to the sports stadiums?
| a4 = The South Philadelphia Sports Complex is accessible via the Broad Street Line (NRG/Pattison Station), which connects directly to Center City. Major highways including I-76 and I-95 also provide access.
| q5 = What neighborhoods are in South Philadelphia?
| a5 = South Philadelphia includes numerous neighborhoods: Passyunk Square, Bella Vista, Queen Village, Pennsport, Point Breeze, Grays Ferry, Whitman, Girard Estates, Packer Park, and parts of Southwest Philadelphia including Eastwick, Elmwood, and Kingsessing.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Italian Market]]
* [[Cheesesteak]]
* [[Pat's King of Steaks]]
* [[Geno's Steaks]]
* [[Passyunk Square]]
* [[Philadelphia Eagles]]
* [[Philadelphia Phillies]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=South Philadelphia - Complete Neighborhood Guide to South Philly
|description=Guide to South Philadelphia, home to the Italian Market, Pat's and Geno's cheesesteaks, and Philadelphia's sports complex. Neighborhoods, history, food, and getting around South Philly.
|keywords=South Philadelphia, South Philly, Italian Market Philadelphia, Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia cheesesteaks, Philadelphia sports complex, South Philly neighborhoods
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Regions]]