West Philadelphia
| Type | Region |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia |
| ZIP code(s) | 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) |
| 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.[1]
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.
See Also
References
- ↑ "West Philadelphia". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025