Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Northern Liberties (NoLibs)
What is the Cost of Living in Northern Liberties?
The average rent is around $2500 per month. Of course, rents vary depending on the size and location of the rental property. Median home prices are around $530,000 in 2026. Some condo prices can start in their $300,000 range. This is one of the more expensive neighborhoods of Philadelphia, but the price is driven by the demand for living in this popular location. The cost of living is moderate compared to top neighborhoods and other East Coast cities.
What is the crime and safety rating?
The Northern Liberties Neighbourhood is considered one of the safest and most desirable areas to live in Philadelphia. It has a lower crime rating/measurement than other parts of the city. However, it is not completely crime-free, and it is good to take the standard precautions for safety in urban settings.
What is the community culture like?
Northern Liberties is often described as hip, creative, and energetic. It is full of boutiques, galleries, parks, and trendy bars and breweries. The farmers’ market is incredibly popular and draws people from all around the city. Liberty Lands Park features a dog park, a playground, and many people enjoy this outdoor space. It is often described as a small town in a big city, having a sort of suburban neighborhood charm to it. Is very walkable and pet-friendly.
What is the nightlife and food scene like?
There is an excellent range of options for casual and trending dining, as well as a very strong craft beer scene. It is a fun place to be if you are looking for a bite to eat or a place to hang out at night.
What is transportation like?
The neighborhood is very walkable, and there are a lot of things for daily needs found within walking distance from homes. Should you need to travel to other areas of the city, there is easy access to SEPTA buses on the Market-Frankfurt line at Spring Garden, along with several other stops. It is a short and easy ride into areas like Center City.
What are the pros of living in Northern Liberties?
- Vibrant food scene, great nightlife scene, arts, and shopping scene
- An incredibly walkable neighborhood with very easy public transit access to other popular spots in Philadelphia
- A great community in one of America’s largest cities, with plenty of parks and green space
- One of the most laid-back and safe-feeling spaces in Philadelphia
- A mix of housing types and styles, mixing new and historic, bringing an eclectic yet still upscale vibe
What are the drawbacks of Northern Liberties?
No neighborhood is 100% perfect, and each one is going to have its quirks or drawbacks. What a drawback is, of course is subject to opinion, but these are some of the most frequently shared about northern liberties.
- More expensive to live in compared to the rest of Philadelphia
- Parking can be a challenge
- Nightlife can bring some noise and crowds, so living here means not minding an urban setting that has hustle and bustle for a lot of the day
- Rapid development has changed the character a little bit, and some long-time residents are reluctant