Each week we will be giving you the lowdown on different Philadelphia neighborhoods. We’ll be exploring the history, the shops, dining, entertainment options and the people who make each Philly neighborhood unique. Check in every Monday to see what Philly neighborhood we will be highlighting next. And If you would like further information on any area, or you would be interested in checking out some Philadelphia homes for sale, send me an email at mickey@themickeygroup.com

Is it Graduate Hospital, Southwest Center City or SoSo?

It seems that when a neighborhood is classified as “up and coming”, there’s plenty of people lined up ready to christen the area with its new nickname. The neighborhood located between South Street and Washington Avenue and from Broad Street to the Schulykill river has undergone a transformation in the past few years, adding new housing, retail, green space and dozens of new residents. One of the biggest projects to come along includes a mixed use property coming along at 21st and South street, which will include offices, apartments, a 2nd location for Honey’s and a City Fitness. Plus the neighborhood is home to what many consider the best bar in the city, Grace Tavern.

Clearly the neighborhood is a unique area with its own identity, so what do we call it? Graduate Hospital? South of South? Southwest Center City? G-ho? SoSo? The list goes on and on. Graduate Hospital seems to be most commonly used, but seeing as it’s name is derived from a now defunct hospital, perhaps South of South is more appropriate? In a city with as many neighborhoods as Philadelphia has, the lines tend to get blurred and geographical identities are often confused. Perhaps Graduate Hospital is now the common vernacular, but neighborhood nicknames can only come about organically. All we can do is wait and see what the new residents of that area between South Street and Washington Avenue come up with in due time.

mickey@themickeygroup.com , or check out my other website, www.themickeygroup.com