By Realtor and Retirement Real Estate Specialist Carmel Archdekin
What are the Center City neighborhoods that appeal most to those empty-nesters moving back from the ‘burbs?
Topping the list is Rittenhouse Square, long the city’s most prestigious address. Its combination of high-end shopping, abundant dining options, and the city’s premier outdoor living room give it lots of appeal, and adding to that appeal are plenty of large elevator buildings to choose from. Most of these buildings are older established properties, but some have been updated and renovated, and newer properties are being added to the mix.
Society Hill is another popular destination for returning empty-nesters. With Old City immediately to its north and South Street and Head House Square along its southern edge, the tranquil, largely residential neighborhood is nonetheless convenient to great restaurants, clubs and unique boutiques, not to mention the Delaware waterfront.
Several of the apartment buildings and condos lining the Ben Franklin Parkway also appeal to older urbanites. Culture lovers enjoy easy access to the city’s Museum Row as well as great eateries in nearby Logan Square and along Fairmount Avenue.
While other Center City and adjacent neighborhoods may be more family- or student-oriented, it is possible to find housing options perfect for the mature urbanite in just about all of them. Washington Square West has some highly desirable condos such as Center City One, new residential developments along South Broad Street make the Avenue of the Arts worth considering, and developments along the Delaware riverfront offer easy access to Northern Liberties, Fishtown and East Passyunk.