Fairmount is a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located northwest of Center City. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, Victorian, Georgian, and Federal style homes, and its proximity to many of Philadelphia’s cultural institutions, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, is a prominent attraction of the neighborhood. The park features a variety of recreational activities, like hiking, biking, and picnicking, and also includes several historical sites such as the Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, and the Japanese Tea House. Fairmount has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, with many bars, pubs, and restaurants, as well as a variety of small shops and boutiques enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The area has a diverse population and it’s known for its friendly, tight-knit community.
Fairmount Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Fairmount, Philadelphia is strong and the neighborhood is a landing point for many Philadelphia transplants. Its abundance of historic urban mansions and charming, well-preserved rowhomes add to the neighborhood’s appeal.
Property values in Fairmount are generally higher than the city average, and the median home values hover around $450,000, topping out at $3+ million dollars for larger properties. Fairmount is also home to luxury condos and apartments, which offer a more maintenance-free lifestyle for city dwellers, with prices ranging upwards of $200,000 into the multi-millions.
Significant development has taken place in recent years, with many new construction homes and luxury apartment buildings popping up. Rental prices in Fairmount are also generally higher than the average in Philadelphia, making it an attractive location for domestic and international investors. Fairmount has seen a steady increase in home values and growth over the past decade and the neighborhood’s proximity to Center City, incredible skyline views, ample public transportation, and its extraordinary amenities all contribute to a stable and thriving real estate market in the neighborhood.’ proximity to Center City, immersive skyline views, ample public transportation, and its extraordinary amenities all contribute to a stable and thriving local real estate market.
Loved by Locals in Fairmount, Philadelphia
- The Schuylkill River Trail: A multi-use trail that runs along the Schuylkill River and offers great views of the city.
- Kelly Drive: A scenic road that runs along the Schuylkill River and popular spot for running, biking and rollerblading.
- Tela’s Market: A local market that sells fresh produce, meats, and other grocery items.
- Fairmount Bicycles: A local bike shop that caters to the cyclist community in Philadelphia.
- The Fairmount Park Conservancy: A local non-profit organization that works to protect, preserve and promote the park.
- Zorba’s Tavern: a cozy tavern that serves traditional Greek fare.
- The Urban Saloon: A local bar that serves a wide variety of beers, cocktails, and pub food.
- Fairmount Run Co.: A local running store that caters to the avid running culture in Philadelphia.
Fairmount Tourist Attractions
- Eastern State Penitentiary: A historic prison that operated from 1829 to 1971, now operated as a museum and annual Halloween event space drawing many visitors each October.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: A world-renowned art museum that features a wide variety of art from ancient to modern times.
- Fairmount Park: A large urban park that features a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
- The Philadelphia Zoo: The oldest zoo in the United States.
- The Please Touch Museum: A children’s museum that allows kids to learn through hands-on exhibits and activities.
- The Franklin Institute: Science museum that offers interactive exhibits, IMAX movies and planetarium shows
- The Fairmount Water Works: A historic waterworks that has been turned into a museum and visitors center.
- The Mutter Museum: A medical museum that features a variety of specimens and artifacts related to the history of medicine.
Fairmount Park Mansions and Historic Buildings
- The Mount Pleasant Mansion: Georgian-style mansion built in 1764 and open for tours.
- The Chestnut Hill Pumping Station: historic water pumping station built in 1869 and now a public museum.
- The Lemon Hill Mansion: Federal-style mansion built in 1800 and open for tours and events.
- The Girard College: historic college founded in 1848 for orphaned boys and open for tours.
- The Fairmount Park Horticulture Center: historic greenhouse built in 1876 and now open to the public.
- The Strawberry Mansion: Federal-style mansion built in 1789 and now open for tours and events.
- The Memorial Hall: Victorian-style building built in 1876 and open to the public as a museum and private event space.