Editing West Philadelphia

{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = West Philadelphia
| type = Region
| location = Philadelphia
| zip_codes = 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, 19151
| boundaries = North: City Avenue, South: City limits, East: Schuylkill River, West: City Line Avenue
| major_streets = Market Street, Baltimore Avenue, Lancaster Avenue, 52nd Street
| transit = Market-Frankford Line, SEPTA trolleys, Regional Rail (30th Street Station)
| notable_landmarks = [[University of Pennsylvania]], [[30th Street Station]], Clark Park, Cobbs Creek Park
}}

'''West Philadelphia''' (commonly called "West Philly") is a region of [[Philadelphia]] located west of the Schuylkill River. The area encompasses diverse neighborhoods ranging from the institutional district of [[University City]] to the residential communities of [[Cedar Park]], [[Overbrook]], and [[Cobbs Creek]]. West Philadelphia is known for its Victorian architecture, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University campuses, and its historically progressive community character.<ref name="wphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/areas/philadelphia-neighborhoods/west-philadelphia/ |title=West Philadelphia |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>

== Geography ==

West Philadelphia is bounded by the Schuylkill River to the east and extends to the city limits in the west. The region is divided into numerous neighborhoods with distinct characters.

=== University District ===

* [[University City]] - Institutional core with Penn, Drexel, hospitals
* [[Powelton Village]] - Victorian neighborhood near Drexel
* [[Spruce Hill]] - Residential area near Penn

=== Middle Neighborhoods ===

* [[Cedar Park]] - Diverse community along Baltimore Avenue
* [[Walnut Hill]] - Between University City and outer neighborhoods

=== Outer Neighborhoods ===

* [[Cobbs Creek]] - Along Cobbs Creek Park
* [[Overbrook]] - Home to Overbrook High School
* [[Wynnefield]] - Near Mann Center
* [[Haddington]] - Working-class residential

== History ==

=== Development ===

West Philadelphia developed after bridges connected it to Center City in the mid-19th century. The Pennsylvania Railroad established 30th Street Station, and the University of Pennsylvania relocated to its current campus in 1872.

=== Character ===

West Philadelphia became known for:
* Victorian and Edwardian architecture
* Progressive politics
* Community activism
* Diverse population
* University influence

== 30th Street Station ==

'''[[30th Street Station]]''' anchors the eastern edge of West Philadelphia:
* Major Amtrak hub (3rd busiest in U.S.)
* All SEPTA Regional Rail lines
* Beaux-Arts architecture
* Connection to Center City

== Universities ==

West Philadelphia is defined by its universities:

=== University of Pennsylvania ===

Ivy League research university:
* ~25,000 students
* Major employer
* Penn Medicine hospital system

=== Drexel University ===

Private university with cooperative education model:
* ~24,000 students
* STEM and business focus

== Neighborhoods ==

=== Near the River ===

* '''[[University City]]''' - Institutional district
* '''[[Powelton Village]]''' - Victorian homes, student mix
* '''[[Spruce Hill]]''' - Residential near Penn

=== Middle Section ===

* '''[[Cedar Park]]''' - Baltimore Avenue corridor
* '''[[Walnut Hill]]*** - Transitional area
* '''[[Cobbs Creek]]''' - Park access

=== Outer Areas ===

* '''[[Overbrook]]''' - Near Overbrook High
* '''[[Wynnefield]]''' - Mann Center area
* '''[[Parkside]]''' - Near Fairmount Park

== Baltimore Avenue ==

'''Baltimore Avenue''' is West Philadelphia's main commercial corridor beyond University City:
* Independent restaurants and cafes
* Mariposa Food Co-op
* Diverse businesses
* Community gathering spaces

== Parks ==

=== Clark Park ===

Popular community park:
* Farmers market
* Events and concerts
* Green space
* Dog park area

=== Cobbs Creek Park ===

Major park at the city's western edge:
* Golf course
* Trails
* Natural areas
* Recreation facilities

== Getting There ==

=== Public Transit ===

* '''Market-Frankford Line (The L):''' Stations from 30th Street to 69th Street
* '''SEPTA Trolleys:''' Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
* '''Regional Rail:''' 30th Street Station (all lines)

=== The "El" ===

The Market-Frankford Line runs above ground through West Philadelphia along Market Street, providing transit access throughout the region.

{{FAQ
| q1 = What is West Philadelphia known for?
| a1 = West Philadelphia is known for the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, 30th Street Station, Victorian architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and its progressive community character. It spans from University City to Cobbs Creek along the city's western edge.
| q2 = What neighborhoods are in West Philadelphia?
| a2 = West Philadelphia includes University City, Powelton Village, Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, Cobbs Creek, Overbrook, Wynnefield, Haddington, and Mantua. Each has distinct character, from institutional University City to park-adjacent Cobbs Creek.
| q3 = What is Baltimore Avenue?
| a3 = Baltimore Avenue is West Philadelphia's main commercial corridor beyond University City. It features independent restaurants, cafes, Mariposa Food Co-op, and diverse local businesses with a distinctly non-chain character.
| q4 = How do you get to West Philadelphia?
| a4 = West Philadelphia is accessible via the Market-Frankford Line (El), SEPTA trolley routes (10, 11, 13, 34, 36), and Regional Rail through 30th Street Station. The neighborhood has excellent public transit connections to Center City.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[University City]]
* [[30th Street Station]]
* [[University of Pennsylvania]]
* [[Cedar Park]]
* [[Cobbs Creek]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=West Philadelphia - Complete Guide to West Philly
|description=Guide to West Philadelphia, home to Penn, Drexel, 30th Street Station, and diverse neighborhoods. University City, Cedar Park, and West Philly character.
|keywords=West Philadelphia, West Philly, University City, 30th Street Station, University of Pennsylvania, Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia neighborhoods
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:West Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Regions]]