Bella Vista (Italian for “beautiful site”) is located between South Street and Washington Avenue, and between 6th and 11th streets, in other words just west of Queen Village.
This neighborhood consists primarily of two and three story row-homes on well-kept streets. The neighborhood is home to the Italian Market, where one can find purveyors of meat, fish, cheeses, baked goods, produce and much more. There are storefronts as well as outdoor stalls all staffed by friendly, long-established merchants.
The community is known for its annual festivals, including the Italian Market Festival and the Bella Vista Fiesta. For recreation, there are also community gardens, a community recreation center and a bocce league that plays at Bardascino Park (10th and Carpenter Streets).
Restaurants featuring every type of cuisine and ranging from totally casual (think Pat’s King of Steaks) to white tablecloth formal can be found – including Villa di Roma, Café Nhu Y, Dante and Luigi’s, and Fitzwater Café. There are also numerous wonderful bakeries and Italian water ice establishments when you crave dessert.
The neighborhood is close to the southern end of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, with the Rock School of Ballet, the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and other arts and cultural institutions within walking distance.
One last thing - Bella Vista is a great neighborhood in every respect – and PS – it’s only five minutes from the major sports venues, Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and the Wells Fargo Center! You will love living here!