University City

University City

Type	Neighborhood
Location	West Philadelphia
ZIP code(s)	19104
Boundaries	North: Market Street, South: Baltimore Avenue, East: Schuylkill River, West: 52nd Street
Adjacent	Powelton Village, Spruce Hill, Mantua
Major streets	Market Street, Walnut Street, Chestnut Street, 40th Street
Transit	Market-Frankford Line (30th Street, 34th Street, 40th Street stations), Regional Rail (30th Street Station)
Landmarks	University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Penn Medicine, 30th Street Station

University City is a neighborhood in West Philadelphia dominated by major educational and medical institutions, primarily the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The name "University City" was coined in the 1960s as a marketing effort to rebrand the area, and has since become the official designation for this institutional district. The neighborhood is a major employment center, research hub, and college town within Philadelphia.

University City anchors Philadelphia's "Eds and Meds" economy, with Penn and its affiliated health system representing one of the largest employers in the region.

History

Pre-University Era

The area now known as University City developed in the mid-19th century as one of Philadelphia's first suburbs. The construction of railroad bridges across the Schuylkill River connected West Philadelphia to Center City, enabling development.

Institutional Growth

The University of Pennsylvania relocated to its current West Philadelphia campus in 1872, moving from Center City to a larger site. Drexel Institute (now Drexel University) was founded in 1891. These institutions gradually expanded, acquiring surrounding residential properties.

Urban Renewal

The "University City" concept emerged in the 1960s during an urban renewal effort. The University City Science Center, established in 1963, created a research corridor. Controversially, thousands of homes were demolished for institutional expansion during this period.

Recent Development

Since the 1990s, Penn and Drexel have invested heavily in neighborhood amenities, safety, and commercial development. The neighborhood has become increasingly affluent, with significant private development alongside institutional expansion.

Major Institutions

University of Pennsylvania

Penn is an Ivy League research university and the neighborhood's anchor institution:

• Founded: 1740 (Benjamin Franklin)
• Students: ~25,000
• Campus: 300+ acres
• Notable: Wharton School of Business, Penn Law, Penn Medicine

Drexel University

Drexel is a private research university known for cooperative education:

• Founded: 1891
• Students: ~24,000
• Campus: Adjacent to Penn
• Notable: Engineering, business, and health sciences programs

Penn Medicine

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and affiliated facilities form one of the nation's top academic medical centers:

• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP)
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) - adjacent

Other Institutions

• University of the Sciences (merged with Saint Joseph's University 2022)
• University City Science Center - research park
• The Wistar Institute - biomedical research
• Monell Chemical Senses Center

Commercial Areas

40th Street

The 40th Street corridor offers:

• Restaurants and cafes
• Bookstores
• Boutiques and shops
• Services for students and residents

Walnut Street

The Walnut Street commercial district in "Penn's campus town" features:

• National retail chains
• Restaurants and bars
• Penn-affiliated businesses

30th Street Station Area

The area around 30th Street Station is developing rapidly:

• Schuylkill Yards development
• uCity Square
• Corporate offices and research facilities

Getting There

30th Street Station

30th Street Station is a major transit hub:

• Amtrak Northeast Corridor
• SEPTA Regional Rail (all lines)
• Market-Frankford Line
• Trolley connections

Market-Frankford Line

The "El" serves University City at:

• 30th Street
• 34th Street
• 40th Street

SEPTA Trolleys

Trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 serve the neighborhood.

LUCY Bus

The LUCY (Loop through University City) is a free shuttle connecting:

• 30th Street Station
• Penn and Drexel campuses
• University City Science Center

Biking

Connections to:

• Schuylkill River Trail
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Living in University City

Housing

• High-rise apartments
• Student housing (university-owned and private)
• Historic Victorian homes (in adjacent areas)
• New construction

Demographics

• College students (large population)
• Graduate students and post-docs
• University faculty and staff
• Hospital employees
• Young professionals

Character

University City is fundamentally a college town within a major city:

• Active during academic year, quieter in summer
• Student-oriented businesses
• Institutional presence everywhere
• 24/7 activity around hospitals

Safety

Penn and Drexel operate extensive safety programs:

• Penn Police patrol the neighborhood
• Walking escort services
• Emergency call boxes
• Well-lit streets

University City is generally considered safe, though standard urban precautions apply.

Dining

Student Favorites

• White Dog Cafe - Farm-to-table pioneer
• Sang Kee Asian Bistro - Asian fusion
• Baby Blues BBQ - Barbecue
• New Deck Tavern - Irish pub
• Food trucks - Concentrated at 33rd and Spruce

Upscale

• Louie Louie - French bistro
• Walnut Street Cafe - American
• Various BYOB restaurants

See Also

• University of Pennsylvania
• 30th Street Station
• West Philadelphia
• Powelton Village
• Spruce Hill