You’ll find the best apartments in Philly in some of the best neighborhoods throughout the city. The hard part is narrowing down the search. That’s where your ‘must have’ list comes into play.
Asking yourself what amenities are important to you — a pool, a fitness center, a rooftop with a great view, etc. — can really help make your Philadelphia apartment hunt easier.
As you create your list of desired features though, don’t forget to add in the need for a usable outdoor space. You need somewhere functional and fun, where you can hang with friends or grab a moment of peace on your own under the sun.
For some of the best options on the market today, check out these 10 apartment complexes with great courtyards and gardens in Philadelphia.
Source: Rent. / Anova at uCity Square
Not exactly at ground level, but also not up on the roof, the courtyard at Anova at uCity Square packs in the amenities. The grills, pool and outdoor eating area are all contained in this space. There’s also a great lounge set up, with dual tabletop fire pits and a ton of seating.
Living in University City puts you at the academic heart of Philadelphia. This is the neighborhood that’s home to Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania and many other colleges. As a result, the area is full of affordable and casual places to eat and drink along with a crowd that’s culturally diverse, hip and active.
Source: Rent. / The Pepper Building
Sleek lines and pops of greenery give the courtyard at The Pepper Building seriously modern vibes. It’s a minimalist approach to a functional outdoor space with a two-color palette, a few overflowing planters and a variety of seating choices. Grab a spot on the couch, sit under an umbrella at the table or get comfortable in a lounger.
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s a bit more posh and high-end, Rittenhouse Square is the place for you. With its namesake park serving as the area’s anchor, you’re surrounded by chic bars and classy restaurants in addition to boutique shops, art galleries and day spas.
Source: Rent. / The Poplar
Without the space to create a traditional courtyard, The Poplar takes the mood of the space and moves it up onto the roof. This massive area holds a variety of amenities. Beyond the pup park, playground, splash pad and pool though, you’ll find this perfect hangout spot. By day or night, there’s nothing like congregating around a fire pit, especially when you have great views to keep you company.
Home to a lot of local artists, the East Poplar neighborhood is culturally diverse and creative. You’ll find a variety of international cuisines to enjoy as well as some unconventional art galleries. For some extra green space, head to East Poplar Playground. This 4.8-acre park has a spray ground, pool, sports fields, basketball courts and tennis courts along with a classic playground.
Source: Rent. / One Ardmore
It’s a double-decker courtyard that knocks your socks off at One Ardmore. Start by snagging a seat on the green grass of the top level and look down into the lower courtyard. While this garden-like area sits up high, below you’ll find places to kick back and hang, warm up around a fire and enjoy a meal with friends.
Located about 12 miles from Philadelphia, in Ardmore, you’ll find this community in the Main Line neighborhood. It’s not far from a variety of colleges, including Bryn Mawr and Villanova, while also being within walking distance of great shopping and fine dining. For those who commute into the city, you’re also able to walk to the SEPTA Ardmore train station for an easy ride into Philadelphia.
Source: Rent. / The View at Old City
The courtyard at The View at Old City is quite a sight to see. This tranquil space has it all, including the pool and grilling area with great prep space and a bar-height table long enough for a huge gathering. There’s also the perfect outdoor lounge space, with a coffee table fire pit, oversized couch and lots of chairs. You can swim, eat and lounge all within steps of each other.
If living beside history is important to you, then you need a community like Old City. This neighborhood is truly the birthplace of American independence which means there are all kinds of museums and historical points of interest throughout the area. In fact, the view at The View at Old City is of Ben Franklin Bridge, named for one of the city’s most famous residents. This is where you’ll find the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as well.
Source: Rent. / The Enclaves
A funky art display companies the little garden at The Enclaves. With a series of sculptures on the wall, and incorporated into the garden’s awning, this is definitely a unique space. Flowers and a variety of bushes intermingle and a bricked walkway cuts through this tranquil space. There’s even a bench if you want to take a little break here.
To the south of the city, close to a golf course and sports arenas, you’ll find Packer Park. This is a smaller neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere. Highly walkable, and with plenty of green space, the relaxing vibes are easy to access.
Source: Rent. / Apex Manayunk
Imagine how nice it would be to sit down to dine al fresco surrounded by fantastic greenery. Then, imagine how this space gets even better at night thanks to some excellent mood lighting. The garden/dining area at Apex Manayunk has all this. The raised plant beds actually form the booths where you can grab a meal with friends, surrounding you in greenery on three sides as you sit.
Set along the Schuylkill River, and its waterside walking trail, calling the Lower Northwest home gives you easy access to some of the area’s natural beauty as well as great shopping and dining. Nearby suburbs broaden your options when you want to head out, yet you’re not far from the hubbub of Philadelphia’s city center either.
Source: Rent. / Mansion at Bala
A gazebo and a little island of a garden are all you really need to get the essence of a relaxing spot, right? It works for Mansion at Bala. Placed within a much larger lawn, the oversized, wooden gazebo sits alongside meticulous landscaping. Essentially an island of flowers, plants and bushes among the green grass, this is a great spot to take a break.
To the west, Wynnefield is another ideal area of Philadelphia for those who want an urban neighborhood with proximity to outdoor activity. This spot is where you’ll find Fairmount Park. With over 2,000 acres spanning across the Schyulkill River, this amazing green space has hills, trails, waterfront and woodlands. You can fish off the pier, go off-road biking and horseback riding or tour historic mansions around the property. Outdoor concerts take place here, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art sits on edge of the park. This is also where you’ll find the oldest zoo in the country
Source: Rent. / Tower Place
Secluded from the noise of the city with a row of pruned bushes and greenery, and a wood-paneled divider, the cool lounge at Tower Place does not disappoint. This outdoor gem is the perfect piece of a larger courtyard. An extra long, curvy couch is the ideal spot for relaxing, and the large umbrella overhead keeps you cool in the shade. Other seating areas nearby provide more opportunities to sit down and connect with a friend or two.
When you call the Avenue of the Arts North neighborhood home, you’re living in the center of Philadelphia’s arts and entertainment scene. This strip of Broad Street, in the city’s center, focuses on arts and cultural institutions. It’s where you’ll find Opera Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. There are a variety of galleries and theaters as well.
Source: Rent. / Brookview Elkins Park
There are a lot of wooded areas around Brookview Elkins Park, as well as great landscaping and plant beds full of flowers. The true community gem in all this greenery though is the wooden gazebo. With built-in seating and plenty of architectural detail, this is a beautiful spot to commune with nature.
About a 20-minute train ride or a 9.4-mile drive, Elkins Park lets you live in a quieter, more laidback Philadelphia neighborhood without being too far from the city center. While near Philadelphia’s most popular historical and cultural sites, Elkins Park has its own bit of history. You can tour Lynnewood Hall, the largest surviving Gilded Age mansion in the area, or visit local museums. There are plenty of parks, including a bird sanctuary and so much more.
Pick an apartment with one of the best gardens in Philadelphia
When living in a city with so much to offer on every level, narrowing down the best Philadelphia apartment for you may not be so easy. That’s why you’ve got to think about amenities, and what’s most important to you. It’s also why you need a great outdoor space to effectively take it all in. Find your dream apartment garden and schedule your tour today.
Featured Image Source: Rent./ The Enclaves
Source: rent.com