WELCOME TO RITTENHOUSE
Well established and desirable, Rittenhouse Square is the epicenter of high-end Center City. Towering high-rises and the famous Rittenhouse Park lined with classy restaurants and shopping—it is and always has been the place to be.
RITTENHOUSE - RICH IN HISTORY AND CULTURE
Looking to create a vision of a greener city, William Penn planned lush, large parks all throughout Philadelphia. Perhaps none as famous or well known as Rittenhouse Square Park. The park was originally known as Southwest Square due to it’s location, but was quickly renamed after David Rittenhouse, a respected inventor and astronomer who established Philadelphia’s first paper mill. In the beginning, not many people lived near Rittenhouse Square, so it did not see nearly the action of most other parks in the city.
In the mid 19th century, however, numerous new construction projects began taking place on Rittenhouse Square. This construction and desire for new housing and development quickly propelled Rittenhouse Square into the sought after landmark it is today with some of the highest apartment pricing in the city.
RITTENHOUSE REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS
One of, if not the pricest area in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square offers luxury apartments and high-end brownstones alike. Incredible views of the park matched with convenient restaurant access and close proximity to the highest end shopping the city has to offer. The median list price in Rittenhouse is $495K, with the median sold home going for over $520K. However, it is not uncommon to find apartments selling for $1.5M+ with some selling significantly higher. A few of the buildings you are sure to see in your search of Rittenhouse include the Dorchester, Park, The Versailles, Rittenhouse Claridge, and many more, many of which offer incredible amenities.
The real estate in Rittenhouse ranges from the historic high rises and brownstones on the surrounding streets, to the newer more modern high-rises of the past few years. You’ll find doorman buildings with large and luxurious lobbies where service is the name of the game. The residents of Rittenhouse can expect top quality amenities, such as mid-building pools, spas, or valet parking, with more high-rise buildings than almost any other part of the city.
PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE
Rittenhouse is generally seen as inhabited by an older demographic, but given the popularity of the nearby shops and restaurants, there are recently plenty of younger professionals inhabiting the residences of the area. The average age of a Rittenhouse resident is 34 years old, and most residents of the area earn between $76K and $125K per year. Of the 12,000 or so residents of Rittenhouse Square, about 95% are white collar workers, and about 54% of the population is female. A surprising 92% of the population of Rittenhouse are households without children, likely due to the younger demographic and the older demographic being the two largest populations of the area. However, this doesn’t stop plenty of families from visiting the park on a nice sunny day!
THE PARK
One of the main reasons why Rittenhouse Square Park is so popular is because of it’s unique design. Many different curved pathways take park visitors through the center of the park from almost any direction, allowing for beautiful views and access to different routes through the grounds. A fountain greets park-goers in the center, along with ornate statues where there are always performers and benches for excellent people watching.
The beautiful design of the park is no surprise, considering it was designed in 1913 by architect Paul Phillippe Cret, who designed the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. On any given spring or summer day, you can find countless people strolling through the park, having picnics on the grass lawns, or sitting on the benches enjoying the ample shade that the massive trees of the park provide. It’s no secret why this is one of the most desirable outdoor urban areas in the country.
The park is also host to a weekly farmers markets, flower markets, and art markets during the warmer months of the year. Find the outer perimeter of the park packed to the gills with people and merchants selling various beers, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and many many more hand-crafted and homemade goods. The park is a perfect place for young families to take their kids, walk the dog, or just enjoy the weather.
HOTELS
Due to it’s proximity to many cultural attractions, art galleries, shopping and restaurants, Rittenhouse Square is home to many hotels. The Rittenhouse Hotel and the Warwick Hotel are among the two most popular, both offering luxurious stays and comfortable living quarters. These hotels are mid to high price point stays, but offer the best in location and proximity to all Rittenhouse has to offer. 1715 on Rittenhouse is a boutique hotel which hosts quaint, yet sophisticated rooms and a luxurious atmosphere to enjoy.
RESTAURANTS
As perhaps the premier high end area of Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is home to some of the priciest and most lavish restaurants in the city. Many of these restaurants are directly on the square, and many others can be found nearby as one travels north on 18th Street.
Rouge, Devon, and Parc are three of the Square’s favorites and sit in a row along the 18th St side of the Park. With outdoor seating, open views of the park, and excellent cuisine, these options are pricier, but worth every penny.
As one makes their way further north, you can find restaurants and bars lining the street on both sides. Tria, Love, A.Kitchen just to name a few. These spots are less pricey then some of Rittenhouse staples, but offer delicious food and are great trendy spots for brunch or a fun date night out.
NIGHTLIFE
Rittenhouse is also near some of the best nightlife in Philadelphia. Tens of bars and speakeasy’s nearby, as well as a few blocks from Vesper, or Drinkers for the rowdier crowd. There is no shortage of a place to grab a cocktail around the Square: The Library Bar, A.bar, Howl, Bob & Barbara's—just to name a few.
SHOPPING
A huge portion of the allure surrounding Rittenhouse Square is it’s proximity to shopping. Take a walk east down Walnut or Chestnut street to find all the high end retail shopping Philadelphia has to offer. Anthropology, Lulu Lemon, Warby Parker, Free People, Rag & Bone, Vince, Theory, and so much more. On Chestnut check out the Shops at Liberty Place or Uniqlo, H&M and many more mid-range shopping for all your retail needs.
SCHOOLS
PUBLIC:
- Penn Alexander School (Elementary)
- William M. Meredith School (Elementary)
- Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Middle)
- Girard Academic Music Program (Middle)
- Penn Alexander School (Middle)Central High School
PRIVATE:
- St. Peter’s School
- Friend’s Select School
- The City School At Spruce Hill
- The Goddard School of Philadelphia
- Roman Catholic High School
