1. The kids have moved on. Your hallways are suddenly spared the echoes of silly
bickering and your bathroom is almost always vacant. Everything seems so large
and, as time goes on, unnecessary. Without the hustle and bustle of raising a
family, the quiet streets seem extraordinarily boring. This is your time now, all of
it. What do you want to do?
More and more empty nesters are tired of fixing leaky roofs, cleaning and
landscaping, or paying others to do it for them. Their house becomes a burden of
too many rooms that are longing to be filled with people again. Many are making
the life changing decision to move back to the city.
And be warned: it is life changing. You will downsize dramatically, but you will
gain a lifestyle that leads to more freedom, less isolation and less stuff.
So, after half a lifetime spent working your way into safe neighborhoods with great
schools and large yards, you may wonder--why Philly?
Your needs have changed. Perhaps you want to be closer to your city-dwelling
children, or would love to catch a play, grab a glass of wine, take an art class, and
not have to plan an entire weekend around it? Whatever the reason, the city now
has a lot to offer you.
Since 2000, revitalization of Philadelphia has developed center city and its
outlying neighborhoods into thriving spaces with tight knit communities and a ton
of amenities. There is still more work to do, but the point is, it’s growing up, and
its inhabitants care a whole lot about seeing it succeed.
Universities have branched out, providing a wealth of jobs and investing in
building up their surrounding neighborhoods. Dilworth Plaza, a large concrete pit
inhabited mostly by pigeons, was renovated and reformed into Dilworth Park, a
green landscape complete with Garces cafe and ice skating in the winter. Sister
Cities Park transformed the small piece of land on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
into an incredible oasis with a playground, garden, cafe, fountain, and a spacefor
rentals. Even the Divine Lorraine was finally saved from demolition and given the
promise of a new life.

2. Now more than ever it is obvious that Philadelphia’s government, investors, and
people are taking charge to create the city they want. The city you want.
So, where to begin?
Let’s take a look at several neighborhoods that have seen an influx of happy
empty-nesters moving into condos,apartments, and single family homes.
Washington Square West
What’s it all about? Considered one of Philly’s safest neighborhoods, its design
promotes small, pedestrian friendly streets and less traffic. It’s park provides
peaceful escapefrom the hustle and bustle, while playing hostto markets and
festivals year-round. It also boasts someof the greatest dining experiences in the
city. Talula’s Garden has an ingredient specific concept, where everything is fresh
and local. They have a daily market, where customers can grab and go and still
supporthealthy lifestyles. American cuisine at The Farm and the Fisherman, asian
fusion at Cheu Noodle Bar, brunch at Tria Cafe, Caribbean creations at Mixto, and
countless more...you want it, they got it!
What makes it different? Some of Philadelphia’s oldest attractions are located
here, such as the famous Walnut Street Theatre, the oldest theater in the United
States, and Antique Row. It is a mix of apartments, condos, and single family
homes. The park provides peaceful escapefrom the hustle and bustle, while
playing hostto farmer’s markets and seasonal events.
Is it for me? Are you craving the Rittenhouse experience but without all the
people? This is perfect for you. It is walking distance to anything you might need
(including a city park!) but removed enough from the center of the city to still feel
like home.
Avenue of the Arts
What’s it all about? The stretch of broad street has undergone major
transformations--a few noteworthy examples being the addition of the Kimmel
Center, the revamping of Dilworth Park and the proposed renovation of the Ritz

3. Carlton. The city is making it accessible to not only tourists but permanent
residents by adding luxury apartments and condos.
What makes it different? It sits in the middle of all the action, so you’ll always be
in close proximity to galleries, performing arts, shopping, restaurants, hotels, cafes,
and the famous Wilma Theatre. Shop at the Reading Terminal, take a quick walk
to Rittenhouse or grab brunch in South Philly. It’s all nearby. Plus, you’ll have
easy access to all modes of public transportation.
Is it for me? If you are sick and tired of the quiet life and want to be in the middle
of it all, this is your speed. The hustle and bustle, bright lights and stream of people
will complete your city experience. After all, you can always relax in your condo.
Rittenhouse Square
What’s it all about? Rittenhouse Square is the oldest of these neighborhoods to
have been scrubbed to a sparkle by demanding locals. It is a wonderful example of
what can happen when a neighborhood bands together with business owners and
local government to create the kind of environment they want. Now it is probably
the most well-known park in the city. It is cocooned byone of a kind restaurants,
local businesses, cafes, condos,and luxury apartments. It is not only close to
shopping, but a mere leap across the street in any direction. The park hosts a
spectacular farmer’s market, art fairs, and galas, not to mention an array of events
all year round.
What makes it different? The Rittenhouse community is strong. The small
businesses have relationships with the locals, understanding that they wish to
maintain a way of life that promotes beauty and quality, and create environments
that do so. They often contribute to galas and fundraisers that are held in the park.
It is quite the opposite of what you expect to find in the middle of a city, making it
not only a desirable place to live, but a true commitment to a way of life.
Is it for me? The original empty nester destination--it’s like Florida but way
cooler. The park is perfect for the empty nester who is tired of isolation and craves
to be near people--especially creative people. If your fantasy of living in the city
involves your choice of store or glamorous boutique, artisanal bakeries, thriving
local businesses, and a beautiful landscape--this is for you.
Fairmount

4. What’s it all about? Fairmount is a little like the suburbs of Center City, but it
wasn’t always like that. Ten years ago, the area near Community College of
Philadelphia was riddled with pockets of crime. Now, families stroll their babies
and young couples sip beer on outside patios. Small businesses on Fairmount Ave
are expanding furiously. The population is diverse and includes people of all ages
and backgrounds. Plus, you have a pick of apartment, condo, orsingle family
home.
What makes it different? It is a bit more out of the way than the other
neighborhoods, which makes it a great escape, even though you can still walk to
the city. You can attend art classes at the Philly Art Center, grab an espresso, shop
at an indoor market, eat out in one of its many restaurants, grab a cocktail, go to
the Rodin Museum, Art Museum, or Barnes Foundation. Shop at whole foods. Go
for a walk on the kelly drive “loop” or rent a bike. Go for a wild, historical tour of
the Eastern State Penitentiary or Laurel Hill Cemetery. Do all of these things
without leaving your neighborhood.
Is it for me? Missing the trees? The suburbs ain’t got nothin’ on Fairmount Park.
The neighborhood is just that--a neighborhood. If you want to grab a bus and be in
center city in 10 minutes, but still want to leave it behind when you’re ready to go
home, Fairmount Park is it.
Fitler Square
What’s it all about? Fitler Square remains poshand charming, keeping speed with
its metropolitan locale while neatly blending in an intimacy one might associate
with a small suburban town. It is close to restaurants, such as FDR and Tria,
without being planted in the middle of it all.
What makes it different? Philadelphia's Department of Parks and Recreation
supplies annual plantings as well as contracts for services that include lawn
mowing and tree and shrub care, gardening, and trash cleanup. It’s a short walk to
Rittenhouse, where boutiques grow like dandelions. Further east is the shopping
district on Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
Is it for me? Do you dig Rittenhouse but hate the crowds?Wish you could walk a
few blocks to center city but escapeback into your quiet space?Fitler Square is it.

5. Society Hill
What’s it all about? A mix of apartments and single family homes, Society Hill
provides a cozy setting among city life. Redeveloped and totally restored in the
1960s, it has remained a neighborhood of great character and pride. The business
owners and residents are very involved with keeping the neighborhood respectable
and beautiful. The area boasts well-known restaurants (Bridget Foy’s, Positano
Coast, the Headhouse to name a few), a lively farmer’s market, plenty of small
businesses, Ritz Theatres, Penn’s Landing, South Street, Society Hill Playhouse,
and more.
What makes it different? Society Hill is quaint and charming, with its
cobblestonestreets and Headhouse market (a restored original built in 1805 to
offer shelter to merchants). It is also relatively quiet. Although a quick walk to
many destinations, it exudes a peacefulness even in daytime.
Is it for me? Like Washington Square West and Fitler Square, it is less populated
with tourists than some of the other neighborhoods, yet it is very much the city.
South Street is very close, as well as some exceptional options for an afternoon or
night out.