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.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Italian Immigration
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Mario Lanza (1921-1959) - Legendary tenor, born in Bella Vista
- Many entertainers, athletes, and community leaders
Modern Era
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Architecture
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia rowhouses
- Some larger Victorian homes
- Neighborhood-scale commercial buildings
- Italian Market vendor stalls
Community
[edit | edit source]- Mix of Italian-American families and newcomers
- Strong neighborhood organizations
- Active civic engagement
- Walkable streets
Dining
[edit | edit source]Bella Vista offers authentic Italian-American and international dining:
Italian
[edit | edit source]- Ralph's Italian Restaurant - Oldest Italian restaurant in America (1900)
- Mr. Martino's Trattoria - Neighborhood Italian
- Paradiso - Italian BYOB
Other Cuisines
[edit | edit source]- Mexican restaurants near the market
- Vietnamese and Asian options
- Cafes and bakeries
Bakeries
[edit | edit source]- Isgro Pastries - Italian bakery
- Sarcone's Bakery - Bread and rolls
- Termini Brothers - Cannoli and pastries
Getting There
[edit | edit source]Public Transit
[edit | edit source]- Broad Street Line (The B): Ellsworth-Federal Station
- SEPTA Bus Routes: 47, 64
Walking
[edit | edit source]Walkable from Center City (approximately 15 minutes from Washington Square).
Living in Bella Vista
[edit | edit source]Housing
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia rowhouses
- Mix of rentals and owner-occupied
- Moderate to high prices
- Some new construction
Demographics
[edit | edit source]- Italian-American families (longtime)
- Young professionals (growing)
- Artists and creative professionals
- Mixed incomes
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Bella Vista Town Watch". Bella Vista Town Watch. Retrieved December 22, 2025