Welcome to Washington Square West
Washington Square West has seen many changes through the decades. Washington Square, the park on the ‘hood’s east side which provides its name, was one of the original five squares laid out by William Penn and later became a burial ground for soldiers. Now the area’s identity has broadened further to welcome everyone from stroller-pushing moms to antique hounds.
Neighborhood Overview
Commute Times
City Hall 12m. by train, 8m. by car
University of Pennsylvania 18m. by train, 11m. by car
30th St. Station 14m. by train, 10m. by car
Around the Block
Washington Square West: A Historic District With Bohemian Character
Washington Square West has seen many changes through the decades. Washington Square, the park on the ‘hood’s east side which provides its name, was one of the original five squares laid out by William Penn and later became a burial ground for soldiers. Now the area’s identity has broadened further to welcome everyone from stroller-pushing moms to antique hounds.
What to Expect: Old-world Elegance With a Funky, Fun Edge
Washington Square West is home to Antique Row, which includes both the oldest hospital and the oldest theatre in the country, so the area’s hold on the past is unmistakable. But left-of-center owner-operated boutiques, street signs splashed with the rainbow flags, and a cluster of the city’s best eating maintain the hood’s fresh, contemporary feel. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find a good time here.
The Lifestyle: Shop Til You Drop—then Get a Meal at One of the City’s Best Restaurants
Duck into the tiny, Alice-in-Wonderland-esque pedestrian side streets to get lost in colonial times. Shop for a new home accessory at Beaux-Arts Vintage or a homemade bar of soap at Duross & Langel. Grab an incredible meal at critically acclaimed restaurants like Amis, Vetri, or Barbuzzo. Then get in touch with your wild side at one of the district’s famous bars like Woody’s.
Unexpected Appeal: a Haven for Young Families
Thanks to the presence of the excellent General George McCall K-8 school, Washington Square West is becoming extremely popular with young parents.
The Market: Look for Two- to Four-story Rowhouses and a Mix of Condos and Low- and Mid-rise Apartments
While the area is largely populated with stately rowhouses, you’ll also spot some beautiful Greek Revival architecture in Washington Square West. Condos on Spruce St. and Pine St. are quick to be snatched up.
You'll Fall in Love With: Living in an Urban Residential Oasis Joined by a Tight Community
The evocative beauty of Washington Square West creates a civilized hideaway nestled inside busy Center City. Thanks to a highly active neighborhood association, both retailers and residents are a tight-knit bunch with much invested in making the area as pleasant and inviting as possible. Hippies and sophisticates, artists, and businessmen all call one-of-a-kind Washington Square West home.
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