Bella Vista

Bella Vista

Type	Neighborhood
Location	South Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19147
Named for	Italian for "beautiful view"
Boundaries	North: Washington Avenue, South: Tasker Street, East: 6th Street, West: Broad Street
Adjacent	Queen Village, Passyunk Square, Hawthorne
Major streets	9th Street, Washington Avenue, Broad Street
Transit	Broad Street Line (Ellsworth-Federal Station), Bus Routes
Landmarks	Italian Market, Mario Lanza Park, Palumbo Playground

Bella Vista is a neighborhood in South Philadelphia best known as the home of the Italian Market on 9th Street. The name, Italian for "beautiful view," reflects the neighborhood's Italian-American heritage, though the community has diversified significantly in recent decades. Bella Vista maintains a strong neighborhood identity with local shops, restaurants, and the continued operation of America's oldest outdoor market.

History

Italian Immigration

Bella Vista developed as an Italian-American neighborhood in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian immigrants established the Italian Market, opened businesses, and built the tight-knit community that defined South Philadelphia's identity.

Famous Residents

• Mario Lanza (1921-1959) - Legendary tenor, born in Bella Vista
• Many entertainers, athletes, and community leaders

Modern Era

While still retaining Italian-American character, Bella Vista has diversified:

• Mexican and Asian businesses on 9th Street
• Young professionals moving in
• Rising property values
• Mix of old and new residents

Italian Market

The Italian Market on 9th Street is Bella Vista's centerpiece:

• America's oldest continuous outdoor market (founded 1880s)
• Fresh produce, meats, cheeses
• Italian specialty shops
• Mexican and Asian vendors
• Featured in the film Rocky

The market stretches along 9th Street from Fitzwater to Wharton Streets.

Mario Lanza Park

Mario Lanza Park honors the neighborhood's most famous son:

• Small urban park
• Bust of Mario Lanza
• Community gathering space
• Named for the legendary tenor

Character

Architecture

• Philadelphia rowhouses
• Some larger Victorian homes
• Neighborhood-scale commercial buildings
• Italian Market vendor stalls

Community

• Mix of Italian-American families and newcomers
• Strong neighborhood organizations
• Active civic engagement
• Walkable streets

Dining

Bella Vista offers authentic Italian-American and international dining:

Italian

• Ralph's Italian Restaurant - Oldest Italian restaurant in America (1900)
• Mr. Martino's Trattoria - Neighborhood Italian
• Paradiso - Italian BYOB

Other Cuisines

• Mexican restaurants near the market
• Vietnamese and Asian options
• Cafes and bakeries

Bakeries

• Isgro Pastries - Italian bakery
• Sarcone's Bakery - Bread and rolls
• Termini Brothers - Cannoli and pastries

Getting There

Public Transit

• Broad Street Line (The B): Ellsworth-Federal Station
• SEPTA Bus Routes: 47, 64

Walking

Walkable from Center City (approximately 15 minutes from Washington Square).

Living in Bella Vista

Housing

• Philadelphia rowhouses
• Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
• Moderate to high prices
• Some new construction

Demographics

• Italian-American families (longtime)
• Young professionals (growing)
• Artists and creative professionals
• Mixed incomes

See Also

• Italian Market
• Queen Village
• Passyunk Square
• South Philadelphia