The Old City Arts District of Philadelphia is Bucolic Example of Urban Renewal

The Old City Arts District of Philadelphia is a neighborhood in the downtown area, situated near the Delaware River and just a few blocks from the city's popular historic district. It is generally described as the area between Front Street and Sixth Street to the east and west and Vine St. and Walnut St. on the north and south. It is characterized by charming renovated row homes, cobblestone streets, and a wealth of galleries, restaurants, and nightlife locations.

The Old City Art Association refers to this area as "Hipstoric'', a combination of trendy and historic. Like much of Philadelphia in the 1970s, the area known as Old City had become quite run down, with large numbers of vacant buildings, homes, and businesses, dotting what had once been a grand landscape of beautiful colonial buildings. Warehouses and light industry also gave the area a less than bucolic look. In one of the best urban regentrification programs to happen in the city of Philadelphia, however, this historic area improved bit by bit as residents interested in preserving its historical integrity arrived to purchase dilapidated homes and turn them into showpieces. As a matter of fact, the area was the fastest growing neighborhood in Philadelphia from 1970 to 2000, increasing in population by about 1000 percent. Artists who were looking for cheap studio space quickly grabbed up the warehouses as well, and turned them into studios, galleries, or homes, or all three.

The fact that area is also home to seven of the 20 most visited sites in Philadelphia - including Franklin Court, the U.S. Mint, Elfreth's Alley, and Christ Church - have also helped to cement Old City's reputation as a favored neighborhood. Today, interspersed with that history are mom-and-pop shops, boutiques, bistros, coffee shops, and still the occasional machine shop or other light industrial operation.

The Old City Arts District, especially after dark, is a favorite destination of young professionals, especially those in their 20s and 30s. An estimated 100 bars and restaurants are located within the neighborhood's boundaries, offering food of a variety of cultures and plenty of live music and dancing, especially on weekend evenings. Some of the city's top-rated restaurants are here, attracting not only city residents but also foodies who come in from the suburbs just to enjoy a fine meal in a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Shopping is equally as top-notch in the Old City Arts District. Art lovers will be thrilled with the eclectic collection of galleries here, offering everything from traditional oils and watercolors to cutting edge modern art for the collector of contemporary pieces. Visitors will also find handmade jewelry and other craft-type items designed by some of the city's best artisans. In addition to galleries, visitors will also find clothing stores, gift shops, and much more. Service-oriented establishments are also numerous, including salons, spas, medical buildings, real estate offices, and much more.

Homes in the Old City Arts District are quite costly, even those that require some renovation. Generally, they are favored by those who work in Center City and prefer to reach their jobs on foot or via a short elevated train or subway ride.