Buying in Powelton Village? What You Need to Know

Powelton Village, the neighborhood just above Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia, has a long history. Today, the area is known for its lovely Victorian homes and its slew of up-and-coming local businesses.

Like many areas of Philadelphia, Powelton Village got its start not as a neighborhood, but as an estate. The land that makes up the area was originally owned by the Powel family. Samuel Powel purchased 96 acres of land in West Philadelphia in the 1700s. By the mid-1800s, the land was sold off to developers and the Pennsylvania Railroad and many of the houses that still stand in the neighborhood were built. Today, buying a home in the neighborhood can mean buying a piece of history. It also means buying a home in a vibrant community.

Housing Styles

One of the highlights of the neighborhood is the architectural design of the homes. Most of the homes were built over a period of 50 years, from 1860 to 1910, according to the Powelton History Blog. While there are some rowhouses in the area, two or three-story single or double homes are more common. Some of the earlier houses were built in the Italianate style, which was inspired by the architecture of Italy but actually originated in the UK. While some Italianate homes could be grand in stature and large in size, the ones found in Powelton Village tend to be more modest, usually consisting of two stories.

Historic Houses

Although many of the homes in Powelton Village have historical value, the area isn’t a Philadelphia Historic District. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, but that doesn’t offer the area’s houses or architecture the same kind of protection. If the neighborhood was a Philadelphia Historic District, then you would be expected to follow specific rules and get permission from an advisory board before making any changes to the exterior of your home.

Neighborhood Activities

While it might not be a recognized historic district by the city just yet, the neighborhood does have a lot of community pride. Regularly occurring events in the area include the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival, which is held in the summer, and the annual Hamilton Street Porch Sale. One recent addition to the neighborhood, Drexel Park, gives residents a place to walk their dogs or enjoy breathtaking views of the Center City skyline.

If you love gardening, the area just so happens to be home to one of the city’s oldest community gardens, the Summer Winter Community Garden. If you snag a plot at the garden, you’re free to plant what you want in it (as long as you don’t plant a tree).

Local Conveniences

Living in Powelton Village means you’re close to life’s necessities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and drugstores (as well as fun boutiques and specialist stores). If you drive, you’ll find ample street parking. There’s also plenty of public transit options, including the 10 trolley and the Market-Frankford elevated line, as well as SEPTA’s regional rail and Amtrak, all within walking distance. In the spring, summer, and fall, you’ll find a number of farmers’ markets in the area, which give you access to fresh, local produce and other foods.

If you want an area full of historic charm and modern vibrancy, consider Powelton Village when you’re looking for a home.

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Amy Freeman