One of Philadelphia's most popular neighborhoods
Long considered one of the toniest neighborhoods in the city, Rittenhouse Square isn’t just an enviable address. It’s a lifestyle.
And since it’s home to a number of hotels, the neighborhood, which spans Market to South streets from north to south and runs east to west from Broad Street to the Schuylkill River Banks, remains an out-of-towner favorite.
Along the Rittenhouse sidewalks — many of which boast seating for alfresco dining and drinking in the warm months — residents and visitors find high-end stores; locally owned boutiques; small galleries; theaters and entertainment; cafes; beer, wine and cocktail bars; and restaurants of all kinds. With all this, the neighborhood buzzes with activity all year long.
About Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood has a reputation for top-of-the-line luxury living. With Rittenhouse Square Park as its fantastically enchanting centerpiece, the neighborhood unfolds with diverse urban beauty and a mesmerizing sense of excitement and adventure. Historical homes, plentiful shopping, and a variety of restaurants contribute to the appeal of the Rittenhouse area.
The neighborhood is scenic and classy while still maintaining that down-to-earth Philly feels, embodying everything that Center City has to offer. The Rittenhouse neighborhood offers a variety of fascinating cultural and historical attractions, and it is a perfect example of Philadelphia’s intricate blend of art, community, commerce, and beauty. The Rittenhouse area has something for any taste, from the upscale to the low-key, from the fun and funky to the ultra-classy. If you want a taste of Philadelphia’s unique brand of glamor, make some time to explore the Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Explore All That Rittenhouse Square Has to Offer
Whether you are looking for a new home for your expanding family or are interested in owning your piece of luxury along its picturesque, tree-lined streets, Rittenhouse Square offers a little something for everyone. Some of the most commonly found properties in the area include:
Vintage Brownstones & Townhouses
New Build Luxury Homes
New Construction Condos
Doorman Buildings
Each of the property types mentioned above can be found in a variety of configurations such as 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, and even larger depending on the property.
Essential Info
Rittenhouse Square, the one-square-block park that gives the neighborhood its name, is more popular with sunbathers, readers, families, artists and even dogs than city founder William Penn ever could have imagined. Festivals, farmers’ markets, fairs, and general merriment make it the city’s best-known — and perhaps, most enjoyed — park.
Getting Here
Rittenhouse Square is easily accessible for out-of-towners: Two train stations, Suburban Station and Amtrak’s 30th Street Station are a short walk or cab ride away from any neighborhood point.
Seekers of superb shopping and fine dining can find both on Rittenhouse Row.
In the Neighborhood
Shoppers can give their wallets a workout on Walnut Street (between Broad and 18th Streets) in the popular Rittenhouse Row shopping district. Featuring high-end boutiques and trend-setting stores, including the first location of Anthropologie, the district offers bountiful shopping and fantastic neighborhood dining.
Another popular park, Fitler Square, has been a community gathering place in Rittenhouse Square for more than a century. The small, half-acre park (located near the Schuylkill River) hosts a variety of seasonal events and offers a relaxing urban retreat to visitors and residents alike.
Luxurious suites, acclaimed inns and historic hotels are just a few of the many places to stay in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Browse hotels in the neighborhood and book your stay below.
Rittenhouse Square Schools & Education
Public & Private Institutions Of Learning
The Philadelphia School District is one the largest in the country and offers over 200 educational facilities. Established in 1818, the school district provides city residents with education options for grades pre-K-12. Public schools in the district include the Albert M. Greenfield School for elementary students and South Philadelphia High School for older students.
In addition to its public school offerings, Philadelphia, PA is also home to a number of colleges and universities. Pierce College and the University of the Arts are two well-known and respected higher education institutes that are both conveniently located in Rittenhouse Square.
Commercial Properties in Rittenhouse Square
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Residential Properties in Rittenhouse Square
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Over 400 Years of Rich History
Rittenhouse Square can trace its history all the way back to 1683. This Philadelphia, PA district was one of the five original parks planned by William Penn together with his surveyor Thomas Holme. 18th Street forms the eastern boundary, and Rittenhouse Square West is the western boundary. Walnut Street is the northern end, and Rittenhouse Square South is the southern border.
This section of real estate was originally called Southwest Square. In 1825, it was renamed after David Rittenhouse, who was a descendant of Philadelphia’s first paper maker, William Rittenhouse. The site of his paper mill was called Rittenhouse Town. David was a clockmaker and a noted figure in the Revolutionary War. He was also an accomplished astronomer who has a moon crater named after him.
As the city grew in the 19th century, it became apparent that Rittenhouse Square was a desirable section of real estate suitable for the erection of luxury homes. Brick manufacturer, James Harper, was the first builder to put up a house on the square. His stately home was built in 1840 at 1811 Walnut Street. His house set a tone for housing construction to consist of luxury homes worthy of such a prime piece of real estate. He bought up the adjoining property and subdivided it into generously sized lots.
While you can find a number of newly constructed 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom homes being built today the district’s rich history still lives on in the architecture of its vintage brownstones and townhouses.