Society Hill
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Center City |
| ZIP code(s) | 19106 |
| Established | 1682 |
| Named for | Free Society of Traders |
| Boundaries | North: Walnut Street, South: Lombard Street, East: Front Street, West: 8th Street |
| Adjacent | Old City, Washington Square West, Queen Village |
| Major streets | 2nd Street, 3rd Street, Pine Street, Spruce Street |
| Transit | SEPTA Bus Routes, walkable from Market-Frankford Line |
| Landmarks | Headhouse Square, Society Hill Towers, Physick House |
Society Hill is a historic residential neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia, known for its meticulously restored 18th-century Georgian and Federal architecture, cobblestone streets, and prestigious residential character. The neighborhood is named for the Free Society of Traders, a company of English investors granted land by William Penn in the 1680s. Society Hill is widely regarded as one of the most successful urban renewal projects in American history.[1]
The neighborhood combines colonial charm with modern amenities, making it one of Philadelphia's most expensive and sought-after residential areas.
History
Colonial Era
The land was originally granted to the Free Society of Traders, a group of Quaker merchants who invested in William Penn's colony. Though the company failed by 1723, the name persisted.
Society Hill developed as a wealthy residential district in the 18th century. Many prominent colonial figures built homes here, and the neighborhood retains houses dating to the 1700s.
Decline
By the early 20th century, Society Hill had declined significantly. Many historic houses had been subdivided into apartments or converted to commercial use. The neighborhood became a mix of warehouses, factories, and deteriorating residential properties.
Urban Renewal
In the 1950s and 1960s, Philadelphia undertook one of America's most ambitious urban renewal projects in Society Hill:
- Substandard buildings demolished
- Historic houses restored
- New townhouses built in compatible styles
- Society Hill Towers constructed (I.M. Pei design)
- Infrastructure improvements
The project attracted middle-class families back to the city and established Society Hill as a national model for historic preservation combined with new development.
Architecture
Society Hill contains one of America's finest collections of 18th and 19th-century residential architecture:
Colonial Era (1700s)
- Georgian townhouses
- Brick construction with painted shutters
- Narrow footprints, multiple stories
- Interior courtyards and gardens
Federal Era (early 1800s)
- More refined classical details
- Larger windows
- Elegant doorways
- Marble stoops
Society Hill Towers
The Society Hill Towers (1964), designed by I.M. Pei, added three modernist high-rise apartment towers. Initially controversial, they are now recognized as significant modern architecture that coexists with the historic fabric.
Urban Renewal Townhouses
New townhouses built during urban renewal were designed to complement historic architecture:
- Similar scale and materials
- Contemporary interpretation of traditional forms
- Maintained streetscape continuity
Landmarks
Headhouse Square
Headhouse Square features a preserved market shed (1804-1805) and hosts:
- Outdoor markets (seasonal)
- Farmers market on Sundays
- Community events
- Restaurants with outdoor seating
Hill-Physick House
The Hill-Physick House (1786) is one of Philadelphia's finest Federal-era townhouses:
- Museum open to visitors
- Former home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, "Father of American Surgery"
- Beautiful period gardens
Historic Churches
- St. Peter's Church (1761) - Episcopal, featuring enclosed pews
- Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church (1768)
- St. Mary's Church (1763) - Oldest Catholic church in Philadelphia
Three Bears Park
A small neighborhood park featuring sculpture of three bears, popular with children.
Living in Society Hill
Housing
- Historic townhouses (most common)
- Society Hill Towers apartments
- Some rowhouses from urban renewal era
- Among Philadelphia's highest housing prices
Demographics
- Affluent professionals
- Empty nesters
- Long-term residents
- Families in larger townhouses
Character
Society Hill offers:
- Quiet residential streets
- Exceptional architecture
- Walkability to Old City and Center City
- Strong neighborhood association
- Limited commercial intrusion
- High property values and taxes
Getting There
Walking
Society Hill is highly walkable:
- Old City (adjacent)
- Independence Hall (5 minute walk)
- Center City (10-15 minute walk)
- Penn's Landing (5 minute walk)
Public Transit
- Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station (northern edge)
- SEPTA Bus Routes: 12, 40, 42, 57
Driving
- I-95 (Columbus Boulevard exit)
- Limited street parking
- Few garages in the neighborhood
Dining
Society Hill is primarily residential with limited restaurant options:
- City Tavern (in Old City, adjacent) - Colonial-era tavern
- Headhouse Square restaurants
- 2nd Street cafes and casual spots
- Most dining in adjacent Old City
Shopping
Limited commercial activity:
- Antique Row (Pine Street, adjacent to Washington Square West)
- Some specialty shops
- Most shopping in Old City or Washington Square West
See Also
References
- ↑ "Society Hill". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025