South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia

Type	Region
Location	Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19145, 19146, 19147, 19148
Boundaries	North: South Street, South: City limits, East: Delaware River, West: Schuylkill River
Adjacent	Center City, West Philadelphia
Major streets	Broad Street, Passyunk Avenue, Oregon Avenue, Snyder Avenue
Transit	Broad Street Line, SEPTA bus routes
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 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.

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

See Also

• Italian Market
• Cheesesteak
• Pat's King of Steaks
• Geno's Steaks
• Passyunk Square
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Philadelphia Phillies