A Comprehensive Renters' Guide To Philadelphia

Boundaries: Bella Vista is bound by South Street to the north; Christian Street to the south; Sixth Street to the east; and 10th Street to the west.

Nightlife: Bella Vista is mostly about food. Excellent breakfast/lunch/brunch options at Sabrina's, Carman's Country Kitchen and the Morning Glory (better put your name in before you're hungry, though). Fine evening dining at Butcher's Cafe, Ralph's, Little Fish, Pho Ha, Ba Le and Mama Yolanda's, and even finer, more expensive dining at Mezza Luna, Dante & Luigi's and Vesuvio. Sarcone's Deli, Taqueria La Veracruzanas, Isgro bakery and Center City Pretzel Co. are the everyday tastes of Bella Vista.

Recreation: Neighborhood-dwellers get their exercise by strolling along the Italian Market and shopping for stinky cheese, big hunks of meat and fresh produce. Check out the underused bocce court at 10th and Carpenter, the Palumbo Rec Center and smaller parks scattered around. From spring to autumn, bargain hunting's easy at neighborhood sidewalk sales, where families try to make a profit on their heirlooms/used VHS tapes/glassware/other assorted goodies. BV contains neither a Wawa nor a public statue (chances are, it would be the bronze likenesses of the Pope, Rizzo or Dave Schultz beating up Satan).

Culture: The Fleisher Art Memorial

SEPTA: It's all about buses — routes 47, 23 and 2. (Check www.septa.org for more information.)

Parking: Plenty of free, legal spots, including blocks of diagonal parking along 11th Street.

Police district and phone number: Third District, 215-686-3030

Most famous landmark: Italian Market and its immense (and oft-defaced) Rizzo mural. He's huge!

Brief neighborhood history: One day in the '70s, somebody in real estate decided "South Philly" wasn't Old World enough and "Western Queen Village" wasn't tough enough. Imagine the mafia's surprise when they found out they'd been living in Bella Vista all these years. Somebody musta got shot for it.

Boundaries: Adjacent to Manayunk and Roxborough, the neighborhood runs along a stretch of Ridge Avenue that's only a few miles long.

Nightlife: East Falls benefits from neighbor Manayunk's overflow but has hot spots too. The Hidden River Cafe, Johnny Manana's and Vaccarelli's East End Tavern are several that contribute to the neighborhood scene.

Recreation: Venice Island, Houston and Kendrick playgrounds. Discovery and performing arts camps at the Roxborough YMCA.

Culture: Old Academy Players on Indian Queen Lane; Textile Speechweavers of Philadelphia University

SEPTA: Getting there is easy since East Falls is home to the Wissahickon Transfer Center, a major SEPTA hub. You can get to Center City on routes 32, 38 or 61, to the Northeast on routes R and 1, to Port Richmond on route 60 or to Germantown on route K.

Parking: Can be hard to come by, especially since there aren't permit-only blocks to chase away the riffraff. However, for a measly 50 cents an hour (the first two hours are free) you can nab one of the 50 spaces under the Twin Bridges.

Police district and phone number: 39th District, 215-686-3390

Most famous landmark: Falls Bridge

Brief neighborhood history: Formerly called Falls of the Schuylkill and Falls Village, East Falls was named for the Schuylkill River rapids that disappeared after the completion of the Fairmount Dam. Today, it's home to Gov. Ed Rendell.

Boundaries: Most commonly defined, Fairmount is bound by Fairmount Avenue to the south; Poplar Street to the north; Pennsylvania Avenue to the west; and Corinthian Street to the east.

Nightlife: Numerous bars and restaurants, including Bishop's Collar, Bridgid's, Jack's Firehouse, London Grill, The North Star and Rembrandt's.

Recreation: Walking, jogging and bicycling distance to Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive (with Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill), MLK Drive (formerly West River Drive; closed for recreational use on summer weekends) and the Ben Franklin Parkway (which has numerous ball fields and dog parks on its Fairmount side).

Culture: Philadelphia Museum of Art

SEPTA: Several bus routes — namely the 7, 32 and 48 — run through the neighborhood into Center City and South Philadelphia.

Parking: Most of the neighborhood's parking is free, but permits — the standard, citywide rates are $35 for the first year, $20 in subsequent years — are required on some streets (several blocks of Aspen Street and the section of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the high-rise apartments).

Police district and phone number: Ninth District, 215-686-3090

Most famous landmark: Eastern State Penitentiary

Brief neighborhood history: Named for the hill atop which the Art Museum stands, this longtime blue-collar nook has undergone a renaissance of sorts thanks to skyrocketing property values. (Just don't tell the locals they live in the Art Museum neighborhood.) Fairmount Avenue, the neighborhood's main drag, was originally called New Hickory Lane.

Boundaries: Immediately northeast of Center City, its borders are somewhat disputed, but are roughly defined by the triangle created by the Delaware River, Frankford Avenue and Lehigh Avenue.

Nightlife: There are several corner dive bars, but the neighborhood remains quiet and family-oriented. Johnny Brenda's, by the folks at Standard Tap, hosts an influx of hipsters. Go to nearby Northern Liberties for bars and restaurants or Delaware Avenue for clubbing.

Recreation: Penn Treaty Park for biking, walking, jogging and softball games. Fishtown Recreation Center offers classes in swimming, basketball, baseball, football, hockey, martial arts, gymnastics and tumbling. There are several community gardens with free mulch and compost available at the Community Garden Center at Frankford and Berks streets.

Culture: Wander around a sculpture garden on Frankford Avenue and Mercer Street, or if you're looking for something more air-conditioned, the local artists' collective, Bambi, has occasional exhibits. Scribe Video Center offers workshops on how to create, design and broadcast your own controversial videos.

SEPTA: The Market-Frankford El line has four stops: Girard, Berks, York-Dauphin and Huntingdon. Bus routes are 3, 5, 25 and 39.

Parking: Street parking is free and usually plentiful.

Police district and phone number: 26th District, 215-686-3260

Most famous landmarks: Penn Treaty Park and Kensington Soup Company

Brief neighborhood history: Philadelphians like to boast that Fishtown was named by Charles Dickens in 1842 when he visited Eastern State Penitentiary and was taken for a tour around the city. But Sue Sierra, local historian and former executive director of the New Kensington Community Development Cooperation, calls the story "bogus." She believes the neighborhood's name was derived earlier than Dickens' visit, more likely from the area's reputation as a fishing village on the shores of the Delaware. Back in 1730, Anthony Palmer, an English sea captain, bought 600 acres of land in the Fishtown area and several shipyards thrived there. William Penn's statue atop City Hall faces Penn Treaty Park, where he met with local Indians in 1682 to ask, "Can't we all just get along?" in spite of the fact the Europeans planted themselves on land the Indians had lived on for centuries.

Boundaries: Germantown stretches for about two miles along Germantown Avenue northwest from Windrim Avenue. The next neighborhood to the northwest, Mount Airy, starts around Johnson Street, although there is no universally recognized exact boundary.

Nightlife: Numerous bars and restaurants on Germantown Avenue, including the Rib Crib and MacMenamin's.

Recreation: Walking, jogging and bicycling distance to the Wissahickon Creek and Fairmount Park, particularly the bicycle path and historic Rittenhouse Town.

Culture: Deshler-Morris House, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion

SEPTA: Bus routes 23, 26, 53, 65, H (and XH), J and K; and R7 and R8 regional rail.

Parking: Largely on-street parking, mostly free except along Germantown Avenue, which is metered. Some lots.

Police districts and phone numbers: 14th District, 215-686-3140; 39th District, 215-686-3390

Most famous landmark: The old Town Hall

Brief neighborhood history: Germantown, which once encompassed the entire northwest portion of Philadelphia, was one of the city's first recognized neighborhoods, initially identified in 1683. The neighborhood was also the site of a number of Revolutionary War skirmishes and, of course, the Battle of Germantown, wherein the redcoats kicked the original George Dubya's Colonial keister.

Boundaries: Manayunk occupies the territory between the Schuylkill River on the west; Fairmount Park along Henry Avenue and Lincoln Drive on the east; and Parker Avenue. Roxborough is bound by Northwestern Avenue, the Schuylkill River and Fairmount Park above Ridge and Henry.

Nightlife: Weary Main Street shoppers can settle in at one of dozens of upscale restaurants, many with outdoor cafés, or squeeze their way into popular nightclubs like the River Deck, Flat Rock Saloon or Grape Street Pub. Roxborough is a font of out-of-the-way bars and dives at which to escape the madness that is Manayunk. Try Union Jack's, Dawson Street Pub or Farley's for bar culture or the romantic Valley Green Inn for dinner in the woods.

Recreation: Bicycle along the towpath adjacent to the historic Manayunk Canal. A nice day trip will take bikers from Kelly Drive through Manayunk to Conshohocken and Valley Forge. Get back to nature and hike the trails of Valley Green or picnic along the Wissahickon Creek at the Andorra Natural Area, where you'll see woodpeckers, chickadees and deer. Roxborough's Gorgas Park hosts an annual Harvest Festival and Christmas caroling, and kids' sporting events at local rec centers are always big draws.

Culture: Main Street becomes a pedestrian promenade during the annual Manayunk Arts Festival, Canal Day, Indian Summer Festival and other special events. On a quieter scale, North Light Community Center sponsors arts and crafts classes for kids of all ages, and for nearly 20 years, the North Light Players have produced community shows like Godspell. Brass quartets and polka bands perform in Pretzel Park every summer.

SEPTA: The R6 regional rail line is the best route, running from Center City and West Philly, with the Wissahickon and Manayunk stops servicing the area. The route 61 bus also runs from Center City to Manayunk, while routes 9, 62, 32 and 35 run through Roxborough.

Parking: Driving in Manayunk poses some challenges, especially parallel parking on those nasty hills and narrow streets. But there's metered parking and lots and valet service at night. Check with the shops along Main Street for validation stickers available with purchase. A questionably named promotion, 4Play in Manayunk, allows visitors $4 parking and $4 food and drink specials every Wednesday night during the summer. Roxborough's quasi-suburban streets make things a little easier.

Police district and phone number: Fifth District, 215-686-3050

Most famous landmarks: The Manayunk Wall, up which more than 100 cyclists climb each year during the USPRO Championship, and along which hundreds more spectators gather to eat, drink and ogle. Roxborough is home to the city's oldest schoolhouse (1812), on Wises Mill Road and Shawmont Avenue.

Brief neighborhood history: The little mill town of Manayunk was once known as Flat Rock, until those flat rocks were submerged by the mighty Schuylkill; Greek revivalists wanted to call it Udoravia ("place by the water"). They settled on "Manayunk," which comes from a Lenape Indian word meaning "where we go to drink" (that's water, you sots!). Manayunk was once filled with textile mills, where Civil War uniforms and wool blankets were manufactured. No one now living would recall this, but according to John Johnstone at the Roxborough-Manayunk-Wissahickon Historical Society, a religious sect called the "Ridge Hermits" made Roxborough their home; "Kelpius the Mystic" lived in a one-room house dating to 1695 that still stands deep in the woods of Wissahickon Park. Visit at your peril.

Boundaries: Mount Airy is bound by Fairmount Park on the west and Stenton Avenue on the northeast.

Nightlife: The bar/restaurant scene features well-loved oldies and some feisty up-and-comers including Cresheim Cottage Cafe, The Trolley Car Diner, Umbria, North by Northwest and InFusion (which just added a locale in Bella Vista). There is live music at North by Northwest, InFusion and the Sedgwick Cultural Arts Center, which also has dance and theatrical performances as well as art exhibits.

Recreation: Walking, jogging and bicycling distance to Carpenter Woods, Wissahickon Creek, Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Cricket Club.

Culture: Sedgwick Cultural Center, Allens Lane Arts Center

SEPTA: Bus routes 18, 23, 26, 53, H and (XH) and K; and regional rail routes R7 and R8.

Parking: Largely on-street and mostly free, except for metered parking along Germantown Avenue.

Police district and phone number: 14th District, 215-686-3140

Most famous landmarks: Germantown Home, the Johnson House, Awbury Arboretum and Cliveden.

Brief neighborhood history: "During Colonial times, this area was farmland and considered the suburbs of the city," according to the West Mount Airy Neighborhood Association, "so the wealthy city residents retired here during the summer months. As a result, there are many large homes from the 18th and 19th centuries throughout the area. The building which houses The Cresheim Cottage Cafe is dated at around 1748."

Boundaries: Northeast Philly encompasses everything northeast of roughly Frankford Avenue, all the way out to Bensalem, Pa.

Nightlife: It's easy to carve up a neighborhood-pub niche in the Northeast, as corner watering holes are plentiful. They include the Blarney, Red Rooster, Verree Tavern, Grey Lodge Pub — and everybody already knows about Chickie's & Pete's.

Recreation: The Pennypack, Wissinoming or Tacony (pronounced Ta-CO-Nee) Creek parks are good for afternoon strolls, but the Northeast is full of playgrounds and recreation centers. Batting cages and a driving range at Burholme Park are all-age hangouts; and Fox Chase Farm is a good place to show city kids that there's more to life than traffic jams and tract housing.

Culture: Though it's never confused as a cultural hub, there are some overlooked attractions including the Ryers, Knowlton and Glen Foerd, three Victorian mansions that are open for tours.

SEPTA: A plethora of bus routes, including the 1, 8, 14, 18, 19, 20, 24, 28, 58, 59, 66, 67, 70, 77, 84, 88, 127 and 130. Also, the R7 cuts through the Northeast on its way to Trenton.

Parking: Lower population density means few parking problems. There's lots of room to park on the street, and most of the rental developments in the area are equipped with spacious parking lots.

Police districts and phone numbers: Second District, 215-686-3020; Seventh District, 215-686-3070; Eighth District, 215-686-3080; 15th District, 215-686-3150

Biggest crime problem: The 15th District has the highest rates for robberies, burglaries and auto thefts.

Most famous landmarks: Franklin Mills Mall, Tacony-Palmyra Bridge

Brief neighborhood history: The Lenni-Lenape Indians, the Swedes and the Quakers all called the Northeast's farmlands home back in the day. Even after Penn settled in the 1680s, it remained mostly rural with scattered townships. Only after they were incorporated into the city in 1854 did Northeasters start to act like Philadelphians (and that took more than eight decades and the Market-Frankford rail line)

Boundaries: "NoLibs" is north of Center City and is bordered by Girard Avenue to the north; roughly Poplar Street to the south; Sixth Street to the west; and the Delaware River from Poplar to Vine Street on the east.

Nightlife: With Silk City back in action and N. 3rd churning out surprising pub fare, things are looking up in NoLibs. The Standard Tap and 700 Club are the reigning bar champs, while Brown Betty has the cupcakes covered. Las Cazuelas has the city's best Mexican (even though it's BYOB), while the pricey-but-worth-it Pigalle partakes of a Continental flavor. And everybody serves brunch, although in another of the bizarre absences that characterize the neighborhood, it's virtually impossible to eat before 11 on Sunday.

Recreation: Slim pickings, but check out the baseball diamond and tennis courts at Eighth and Poplar or pump up at Ironworks.

Culture: Rock out at The Fire, catch a show at the Triangle Theater or local flicks in N. 3rd's back room. Check out the comics and culture at Tin Man Alley. Or, just ask your neighbor if you can poke around her studio.

SEPTA: Several buses run here, including the 15 on Girard, the 43 on Spring Garden, the 47 (up Seventh and down Eighth) and the 57 (up Third and down Fourth). A trolley line is currently under construction along Girard, and the Market-Frankford line makes two stops in the neighborhood.

Parking: Parking is no biggie, since the PPA doesn't seem to know this place exists. Just watch out for construction zones, as they tend to take up the best spots.

Police districts and phone numbers: Sixth District, 215-686-3060

Most famous landmarks: Ortlieb's Jazz Haus, though the statue of Don Quixote at Front and Girard (a replica of the one in Ciudad Réal, Spain) is ripe for discovery.

Brief neighborhood history: When it officially became part of the city in 1854, it was the 11th largest urban area in the U.S. Also known on the streets as a famous "red light district" and "Philly's first suburb," Northern Liberties has recently undergone skyrocketing property values and mucho trivialization of its historic spots.

Boundaries: Old City occupies the blocks between Delaware Avenue and Third Street (east to west) between Poplar and Chestnut streets (north to south); and between Third and Seventh streets (east to west) between Chestnut and Vine streets (north to south).

Nightlife: The streets of Old City are almost exclusively populated with an ever-changing array of hangouts. Choose from Stephen Starr venues Buddakan, Continental and Tangerine; or diverse small places such as La Locanda del Ghiottone. For music, visit The Khyber; or get your booze on at friendly drinking holes like Race Street Café.

Recreation: Walking — or ambling — everywhere will become your accidental pastime. Independence Park, behind Carpenter's Hall, doesn't offer an enormous green expanse, but can accommodate Frisbee games.

Culture: National Constitution Center; African-American Museum in Philadelphia; Arden Theatre Co.; Philadelphia Fringe Festival; and First Friday, a monthly event featuring exhibits by countless galleries, top the list.

SEPTA: The Market-Frankford line will help you reach points north and west. The Market/Frankford El stops at Second and Fifth streets; and numerous bus lines — including the 17, 21, 33, 38 and 48 — service the neighborhood, so it's easy to get just about anywhere.

Parking: Street spots are basically impossible, thus relegating visitors to the world of parking-garage gouging. Lots around apartment complexes, however, are available to residents and there's some permit parking.

Police district and phone number: Sixth District, 215-686-3060

Most famous landmarks: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall

Brief neighborhood history: The first footprint of the city at its founding in 1701, Old City and its neighboring Penn's Landing quickly developed into a commercial district; latterly, it regroomed itself as a neighborhood of artists who, even more recently, have been priced out by escalating rent. But Old City's still home to all the famouses — namely Ben Franklin's grave (at the Christ Church cemetery located at Fifth and Arch), Independence Hall and that great big bell with the crack in it.

Boundaries: North of Fishtown and south of Bridesburg.

Nightlife: If you're looking for swanky, you won't find it in this gritty province. You will find, however, the world-famous Tacconelli's Pizzeria and the popular Byrne's Tavern, not to mention countless corner bars, delis and pizzerias.

Recreation: Various playgrounds and rec centers are around. Stokley playground (Thompson Street and Indiana Avenue) is home to one of Philly's rare stickball courts. Cohox Field (Cedar and Cambria streets) hosts an annual softball and basketball tournament in memory of Sean Daily, the murdered son of a local police officer.

Culture: A few local art galleries such as Katseye Studio and Gallery Isada, but mostly great local Polish food.

SEPTA: Several bus routes — the 73, 25 and 60 — have stops that will take you anywhere. Also, the Market-Frankford El makes a stop at Kensington Avenue.

Parking: All free.

Police district and phone number: 24th District, 215-686-3240

Most famous landmarks: Multiple church steeples paint the neighborhood's skyline.

Brief neighborhood history: This Philly river ward was established in 1852 and was once known as Balltown (after famed resident William Ball). The neighborhood was then named after Ball's mansion, Richmond Hall, in 1728. Importing and exporting greatly influenced the Port's economy after the industrial boom, attracting immigrants from all different ethnic backgrounds. Such religious and cultural diversity is responsible for the assortment of churches in the community.

Boundaries: Queen Village is bound by South Street to the north; Christian Street to the south; the Delaware River to the east; and Sixth Street to the west.

Nightlife: Watch cool Jersey kids cruise South Street from the balcony at Fat Tuesday's, or go for something a little more local, such as drinks at any number of smaller places like the New Wave Café or O'Neal's. Enjoy virtually any kind of cuisine, from Thai (Tamarind) to Italian (Bistro Romano) to eclectic (Bridget Foy's), plus a ton of tiny BYOBs like Dmitri's and Django. Catch a show at Fillmore at the TLA or just rent a movie at TLA Video—either way, stop first for a Jim's cheesesteak.

Recreation: Queen Village loves dogs — head to Mario Lanza park or just stroll around the neighborhood and find people chatting while their pooches play. Take a walk by the river at Penn's Landing or shop on Fabric Row, a textile-industry hot spot for the past century.

Culture: Settlement Music School, The Shubin Theatre

SEPTA: The 57 bus goes up Third Street and down Fourth Street.

Parking: There are some free spots, mostly on Third. Resident parking permits needed on several streets. Meters on South Street.

Police district and phone number: Third District, 215-686-3030

Most famous landmarks: The Sparks' Shot Tower, between Christian and Carpenter streets and Front and Second streets. Built in 1808, it made ammunition for the War of 1812, and now it's one of only three remaining in the country. Also, the neighborhood boasts the oldest church in Pennsylvania, Old Swedes', which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2000.

Brief neighborhood history: Philadelphia's oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood was settled by the Swedes in the 1600s and originally named Wicaco, an Indian tribal word meaning "peaceful place." William Penn later changed the name to Southwark. Principal development took place in the 18th century. Southwark did not officially become part of Philly until 1854. In 1965, the name was changed to Queen Village (mostly a marketing ploy to separate the area from the neighboring Southwark housing project) to pay homage to the Swedish Queen Christina, for whom Christian and Queen streets are also named.

Boundaries: The name Rittenhouse Square is broadly used informally to designate the neighborhood surrounding the square itself, at its greatest extent encompassing most of the western half of Center City, from Arch Street on the north side to South Street on the south; and from Broad Street on the east side to the Schuylkill River on the west.

Nightlife: Bar Noir, Loie, Walnut Room, and the list goes on and on. If that's not your scene, anti-hipster, go give Pat Burrell batting tips down at the Irish Pub. The eating scene is divine, as well, including favorites Melograno, Tampopo and Rachael's Nosheri.

Recreation: Rittenhouse Square offers the quintessential meeting place.

Culture: The Kimmel Center's not far. Neither are the theaters on and around the Avenue of the Arts. It's not quite Old City on First Friday, but there's an ample number of art galleries.

SEPTA: There's easy access to every train, trolley and bus imaginable.

Parking: Metered and non-metered parking spots abound if you're willing to parallel park, but can be scarce on nights and weekends. Garages and lots also offer monthly rates.

Police district and phone number: Ninth District, 215-686-3090

Most famous landmark: The square itself, where Philadelphians congregate with their small dogs, small children, musical instruments, laptops, picnic lunches ... you get the gist.

Brief neighborhood history: One of the original five squares in William Penn's master plan, it was known as Southwest Square until it was renamed in 1825 to honor David Rittenhouse, the first director of the U.S. Mint and onetime president of the American Philosophical Society.

Boundaries: The neighborhood is bound by Chestnut Street to the north; South Street to the south; Delaware Avenue to the east; and Seventh Street to the west.

Nightlife: Headhouse Square, with Artful Dodger and the Dark Horse pub is right there. It's also within walking distance of both South Street and Old City.

Recreation: Penn's Landing, Independence Historical Park

Culture: Independence Seaport Museum. If historic isn't enough culture for you, there are always the Old City galleries.

SEPTA: Bus routes 12 and 40 run nearby.

Parking: Get out your permit. Not much comes for free around here.

Police district and phone number: Sixth District, 215-686-3060

Most famous landmark: The Society Hill Towers, three 30-story condo buildings designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei.

Brief neighborhood history: William Penn sailed up the Delaware and landed here. After settlement, it became a shipping hub. And there's also those little incidents surrounding a nation's birth that happened a matter of blocks away.

Boundaries: South Philadelphia's boundaries are disputed, but by some accounts begins at South Street to the north; the Delaware River to the east and south; and the Schuylkill River to the west.

Nightlife: Looking for action any night of the week? Head to South Street, the block where South Philadelphia begins. Between Sixth and 27th streets — technically South Philly, as the Queen Village folks stake claim to what's east of Fifth — the neighborhood offers an array of popular watering holes. You'll find Bob and Barbara's, Tritone (featuring eclectic live music and inexpensive late-night fare), The Jamaican Jerk Hut (spicy grub served up in a tree-filled outdoor dining room) and Ten Stone, the area's bar/restaurant/poolroom hangout. At Victor Café (filming site for Rocky Balboa's Italian restaurant), you'll even find singing waiters. There are lots of Vietnamese restaurants and Southeast Asian supermarkets in the area, and, of course, delicious Old World Italian bakeries tucked away on the tiny South Philly blocks. And, 24-7 (except Christmas and New Year's Eve), you can get bona fide, award-winning Philly cheesesteaks at Pat's King of Steaks or Geno's, both on Passyunk Avenue.

Recreation: South Philly is home to Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park and the Wachovia Center. It has dozens of neighborhood ballparks for football, baseball and soccer; centers offering indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, basketball and hockey courts and the venerable Christian Street YMCA.

Culture: Mario Lanza Museum, Marian Anderson Residence/Museum, Mummers Museum

SEPTA: In addition to the Broad Street subway (orange line), which travels along Broad from Pattison Avenue to Fern Rock, over a dozen bus routes service the area, including the 2, 7, 12, 17, 23, 29, 40, 47, 57, 64, 79, C and G.

Parking: Mostly free, on-street parking, but in some neighborhoods, permits are required. Still, just park in the middle of Broad if you so desire.

Police districts and phone numbers: Fourth District, 215-686-3040/3041; 17th District, 215-686-3170

Most famous landmarks: Mummers Museum, Philadelphia Naval Yard

Brief neighborhood history: Simply defined, South Philly is composed of over a dozen neighborhoods, including Bella Vista, East Oregon, Grays Ferry, Hawthorne, Packer Park, Passyunk, Point Breeze, Southwest Center City, Tasker and Southwark, the oldest district in all Philadelphia. Originally settled by the Dutch and Swedes in the 17th century, Jewish and Italian immigrants settled here in the 19th century. In the last 100 years, African Americans, Hispanics and Asians have also made it home. A recent development boom has increased property values in this area by approximately 45 percent since 1996. South Philadelphia is considered the city's "Little Italy" because of its world-famous Italian Market and the large Italian-American population that has been living in the area for centuries. The 1976 movie Rocky put South Philly on the map with its authentic neighborhood scenes. Today, a mural at Eighth and Montrose streets titled Rocky's Gym memorializes the fictional boxer.

Penn's Office of Off-Campus Living, 4046 Walnut St., 215-898-8500, www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving, offers a wealth of information about rentals in the surrounding neighborhoods, including a confidential "Rate your Landlord" survey. Drexel's off-campus housing office is in the Creese Student Center, 215-895-1328, www.drexel.edu/studentlife/oca/och.

Boundaries: University City's boundaries are 29th Street and the Schuylkill River to the east; Spring Garden, Market and Powelton Avenue to the north; and Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue and part of Woodland Avenue to the south. The district extends to about 50th Street to the west.

Nightlife: The quintessential college bar scene is alive and well at hot spots like Smokey Joe's and Cavanaugh's.

Recreation: Clark Park, UPenn skating rink and Pottruck Center, Drexel's Daskalakis Athletic Center

Culture: The Arthur Ross Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art, Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Drexel Museum

SEPTA: LUCY runs a loop through University City; route 30 runs directly through University City. Easy access to 30th Street Station.

Parking: The majority of the neighborhood requires parking permits.

Police District: 18th District, 215-686-3180.

Most famous landmark: Franklin Field

Brief neighborhood history: Penn opened in 1751 and was home to the nation's first liberal arts curriculum and first medical school. The Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry was founded in 1891, and Drexel gained university status in 1970.