Elegant and sophisticated, yet enjoyable and welcoming. The Fairmount neighborhood embodies the essence of Philadelphia’s cozy living room, a place that people proudly call home while being conveniently close to Center City.
It is the perfect destination for a meaningful dinner with friends or a chance encounter with a potential special someone. Fairmount is truly exceptional. Allow me to show you why.
What characterizes Fairmount?
Fairmount, aptly named by Billy Penn due to its rolling terrain, has evolved into a vibrant hub of fine art, culinary delights, and natural beauty. The neighborhood proudly hosts the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is famously known for the iconic Rocky Steps, making it a central attraction for art enthusiasts.
This area, teeming with young families and recent graduates, is also one of the greenest parts of the city, with the Schuylkill River Trail and Fairmount Park just minutes away. Whether you choose to cycle alongside the picturesque Boathouse Row or indulge in local craft brews during happy hour, Fairmount offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. So, why hesitate any longer?
Key Facts
- Resident Population: 13,858
- Median Age: 33.5
- Median Rent: $1,700
- Median Home Value: $431,000
Where can you find Fairmount?
Fairmount is situated 2.9 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia, extending north from Fairmount to Girard and east from the Schuylkill River to Corinthian Ave.
Historical Background
The history of Fairmount revolves around its prominent hill, serving as a hiding place for British soldiers during the American Revolution, a vital component of the city’s irrigation system, and an elevated viewpoint of the burgeoning city below. In 1822, Fairmount witnessed the beginnings of urban expansion with the construction of the Fairmount Dam and Water Works.
This architectural marvel even captivated the attention of esteemed figures like Charles Dickens. Consequently, the land surrounding the Schuylkill River, as well as the municipal drinking water, became protected, resulting in the present-day Fairmount Park.
As the 20th century approached, notable institutions such as Eastern State Penitentiary, Girard College, and the Philadelphia Art Museum were established. During this time, Fairmount primarily consisted of rowhomes for the working class, interspersed with larger residences built for corporate magnates.
Today, the neighborhood has transitioned away from its industrial past, placing art at the forefront with a remarkable array of museums, including the Rodin Museum, Philadelphia’s Central Library, the Franklin Institute of Science, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Barnes.
Don’t Miss
Attractions
Eastern State Penitentiary – Embark on a thrilling adventure at the former residence of infamous criminals like “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. This now-defunct penitentiary offers engaging daytime audio tours, captivating artist installations, and interactive exhibits. Learn more about Eastern State.
Philadelphia Art Museum – Located in the heart of the art museum area, the Philadelphia Art Museum is an absolute must-visit for art enthusiasts. Don’t forget to capture a memorable photo at the top of the iconic Rocky steps!
Fairmount Water Works – Take a guided tour of the historic Fairmount Water Works to uncover the fascinating story of Philadelphia’s water and sewer systems. Once the sole water pumping station for the city, it offers a captivating glimpse into its past.
Fairmount Park – Seeking a tranquil spot to relax, enjoy a leisurely read, bike ride, or run along the river? Look no further than Fairmount Park, spanning 2,000 acres of picturesque rolling hills. Don’t miss the enchanting Azalea Garden and the delightful cherry blossom trees.
Boathouse Row – Adorned with captivating lights at night and buzzing with energy during the day, Boathouse Row exemplifies the vibrant spirit of Philadelphia. Visit on a Saturday morning to witness an exhilarating regatta or marvel at the row of illuminated homes at sundown.
A Treehouse in the Sky – Nestled along the Schuylkill River, A Treehouse in the Sky seamlessly blends art and nature. Offering a breathtaking waterfront vantage point, it provides a serene escape from the bustling park crowds.
Good Eats
A Mano – Indulge in delectable prix fixe Italian home cooking at A Mano. Their mouthwatering pasta dishes are a true delight. And don’t forget, it’s a BYOB establishment!
Calaca Feliz – For an authentic Mexican culinary experience in the Fairmount area, Calaca Feliz is your go-to spot. Savor their delicious plates, sip on tasty cocktails, and enjoy the charming outdoor seating on warm evenings.
Bar Hygge – Experience the essence of coziness, known as “hygge” in Danish, while lounging on the comfortable couches of Bar Hygge. Treat yourself to an on-site brewed beer and savor a juicy grass-fed beef burger for the ultimate hygge experience.
Osteria – The Vetri family excels once again! This renowned restaurant offers expertly crafted cocktails, authentic Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas, fresh seafood, and more.
Zorba’s – Mama mia, this place is fantastic! Bring your own booze and savor Greek comfort food in an enchantingly intimate ambiance.
Tela’s Market & Kitchen – Indulge in a delightful brunch and stock up on groceries for the week. The pancakes and specialty lattes are simply divine.
Engimono – Experience friendly staff, prompt service, and consistently fresh sushi.
Lorraine – The quintessential dive bar in Fairmount. Always playing great music, and the outdoor seating in the backyard is a major plus.
Thirsty Dice – Unleash your competitive spirit with a vast selection of classic board games. Oh, and don’t miss out on their boozy milkshakes. This place is perfect for a memorable date night.
Fare – Enjoy a cool atmosphere, excellent happy hour specials, and live music on Wednesdays.
iPHO – A fantastic spot for affordable and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Urban Saloon – Indulge in Southern comfort from brunch to dessert. Be sure to order their famous chicken and waffles!
OCF Coffee House – Explore a wide range of specialty coffee options, complemented by satisfying sandwiches. Plus, they are pet-friendly!
Coffee Cream & Dreams – Experience a cozy neighborhood vibe while savoring amazing coffee and delectable pastries.
Rybread – Delight in made-to-order sandwiches and salads for a quick, yet scrumptious bite.
The Fairview – Embrace the hip downtown loft atmosphere with something to satisfy every palate, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Green Room – Imagine a sports bar that actually serves delicious food. Just a heads-up, it’s cash only.
Shops and Businesses
Fairmount Pet Shoppe – Discover the perfect gift for your four-legged companion or consider adopting a new furry friend into your family.
Ali’s Wagon – Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of gifts and home décor. Find the perfect housewarming present or a delightful candle for your coffee table.
HomeSpun Resale Boutique – Support a charitable thrift store by donating or shopping. It’s a prime destination for thrifting, and 100% of the proceeds go towards Project HOME, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.
Bookhaven – Lose yourself in two floors of well-preserved, reasonably priced used books. Bonus points if you catch a glimpse of the resident bookstore kitty!
Fairmount Bicycles – Your one-stop-shop for bike tune-ups, rentals, and more.
Fairmount Farmers Market – Open every Thursday from 2-5 p.m. Swing by and grab some goodies from local vendors.
Plant’s Etc. – A valuable resource for both plant parents and hosts planning dinner parties. It’s a fantastic gardening hub in the community.
Where to Stay
The Maj Hotel – A trendy, minimalist hotel conveniently situated near the Art Museum district.
How to Get There
To reach Fairmount’s eastern border, take SEPTA’s Broad Street Line to the Fairmount stop. Additionally, several bus routes (48, 33, 32, and 7) provide transportation to and from Center City. Parking might be challenging, but street parking is available with designated lanes for cyclists.