University City

One of the most workable and livable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, University City is an engine for economic growth. Home to University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the University City Science Center, the area boasts world-class medical institutions and fosters science and innovation. In addition, it's quickly becoming a destination for food lovers and culture seekers, with internationally acclaimed dining, museums and galleries. Easily accessible via 30th Street Station, Amtrak and Septa, University City has seen an explosion of idyllic parks and green spaces. Looking forward, large-scale development projects will bring the neighborhood closer to Center City through expansion projects on both sides of the Schuylkill River.

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Geography
University City's boundaries are the Schuylkill River to the east; Spring Garden Street, Powelton Avenue and Market Street to the north; 52nd Street to the west; and Woodland Avenue, University Avenue, and Civic Center Boulevard to the south.

Within these boundaries are the smaller neighborhoods of Cedar Park, Garden Court, Spruce Hill, Squirrel Hill, Powelton Village, Walnut Hill, and Woodland Terrace.

City of Philadelphia Planning Commission, District Plan: University South West

Getting Connected

Community Development Corporations
University City District  
Schuylkill Banks 
People's Emergency Center

University City's Community Associations
Cedar Park 46th Street to 52nd Street, Kingsessing Avenue to Larchwood Avenue
Garden Court 45th Street to 52nd Street, Cedar Avenue to Locust Street
Powelton Village 31st Street to 39th Street, Spring Garden Street to Lancaster Avenue
Spruce Hill 40th Street to 46th Street, Market Street to Woodland Avenue
Squirrel Hill 46th Street to 49th Street, Baltimore Avenue to Kingsessing Avenue
Walnut Hill 45th Street to 52nd Street, Market Street to Spruce Street
West Powelton Lancaster Avenue to Powelton Avenue to 42nd Street

Media 
WXPN member-supported radio of the University of Pennsylvania

Local Landmarks

Clark Park at 43rd St. & Baltimore is home to one of the largest and most well-stocked farmers' markets in Philadelphia. Every Saturday morning year-round, over a dozen vendors offer local produce, organic fruits, heirloom vegetables, milk, eggs, cheeses, meats and much more.

The University City Science Center is the oldest and largest urban research park in the country supporting technology commercialization and technology-based economic development. This Flying Kite partner provide incubators for innovators, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. (Check out our Inventing the Future tag for more.)

The Porch at 30th Street Station offers abundant seating, vibrant seasonal plantings, ongoing performances, fitness classes and a variety of special events such as The Porch Beer Garden and mini-golf.  

The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to presenting the work of living artists. Programs, exhibitions and admission to the museum are always free  

Local 44 is a neighborhood beer spot offering craft brews and tasty food in a relaxed, casual environment. The adjacent Bottle Shop at Local 44's offers an amazing take-out selection over 400 varieties to choose from.

University City Dining Days is the neighborhood's take on restaurant week. Three-course meals -- at $15, $25 or $30 price points -- are available from the area's diverse restaurants, including Iron Chef Jose Garces' Distrito and Sangkee Noodle House.

The White Dog Cafe, brainchild of sustainability pioneer Judy Wicks, is a Philadelphia legend, serving up locally, organic foods.

Lil Pop Shop is the place to go to cool down with some paletas in exciting flavors like red hot mango chili pepper and goat cheese with cherries.

World Café Live is a 40,000-square-foot art deco-style music hall showcasing live music and entertainment. The three-tiered 300 seat venue offers full food and beverage service during performances. 

Second Fridays is an art crawl and community event celebrating the history, beauty and vitality of Lancaster Avenue.

The Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum showcases the work of the late, great African American painter and her surviving gamily.

University City is filled with exciting ethnic dining option, including Manakeesh Cafe Bakery, maker of amazing breads and pastries, Kabobeesh, a halal kabob shop, and Koreana.

Getting Around
SEPTA offers a range of travel options to University City -- the Market-Frankford Line, trolley routes and the LUCY bus routes. Contact Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or visit SEPTA.org for schedules, fares and maps. For regional travel, Amtrak services 30th Street Station. University City also boasts some of the most bicycle-friendly streets in Philadelphia, with roughly 25 miles of bike lanes.

The University City Science Center has partnered with Flying Kite to showcase innovation in Greater Philadelphia through the "Inventing the Future" series.