Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia PA

Why is this neighborhood called "Graduate Hospital"? Well it's kind of a long story...The medical institution began in 1889 as Philadelphia Polyclinic Hospital. In 1916, it became affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Medicine, serving as a clinical teaching hospital for doctors who had already graduated from medical school and so it eventually became known as Graduate Hospital, essentially because it was the hospital associated with Penn's graduate medical program. The original hospital has long closed but what is currently there is now Penn Medicine at Rittenhouse, located at 18th and Lombard.

Graduate Hospital Home Types

Graduate Hospital is appealing because it offers a different value proposition from Rittenhouse Square. Buyers can get a larger townhouse or rowhome, often with outdoor space or a roof deck, while still being only minutes from Rittenhouse.

The housing stock is a mixture of renovated older rowhomes, new construction townhomes with outdoor space and/or roof decks and sometimes parking, midrise condos buildings, smaller condo conversations and a staple in this neighborhood with over 20 acres of land, Naval Square which is a fully gated community with townhomes and condos, parking, pool and fitness center. The neighborhood has experienced substantial redevelopment and residential investment over the past couple of decades. Recent development has reinforced its position as one of Southwest Center City's more sought-after residential areas.

Graduate Hospital Lifestyle

I would describe Graduate Hospital as “Center City convenience with a neighborhood feel.” It's a particularly good fit for residents who want walkability, restaurants, historic architecture, parks, proximity to the river, and a quieter residential atmosphere overall. It tends to feel less polished/formal than Rittenhouse, but more residential and established than some of the newer development-oriented neighborhoods farther south. Despite its urban setting, Graduate Hospital has several small parks and is close to some excellent outdoor amenities. Julian Abele Park is a neighborhood green space at 22nd Street, while Carpenter Green Park provides another small community gathering space. Julian Abele Park Carpenter Green Park. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk and Schuylkill River Trail are especially valuable. The boardwalk extends approximately 2,000 feet over the river and provides excellent skyline views, walking and biking opportunities.

Neighborhood Boundaries

Graduate Hospital runs from South Street to the north, and to Washington Ave. to the south and from Broad Street to the east to the Schuylkill River to the West. The area is also known as SoSo or South of South, and Center City South.