Fishtown: A Landlord's Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood Overview

Fishtown is one of Philadelphia's most talked-about neighborhoods for young renters. Once a working-class fishing community on the Delaware River, it has spent the past decade becoming a destination for restaurants, music venues, and new construction. For landlords, that means strong demand for row homes and small multifamily properties, but also rising expectations for finishes and a renter pool that shops around.

Boundaries & ZIP Codes

Fishtown generally runs from the Delaware River on the east to Frankford Avenue on the west, and from York Street to the south up to roughly Lehigh Avenue to the north. The area overlaps with parts of Kensington, and the boundary between the two is debated depending on who you ask. The ZIP codes that cover Fishtown are 19122, 19123, 19125, and 19134.

Transit

The Market-Frankford Line (the El) runs through Fishtown with stops at Girard and Berks, giving riders a roughly ten-minute ride into Center City. The Route 15 trolley runs along Girard Avenue, connecting to Northern Liberties and Port Richmond. Several bus routes including the 3 and the 25 cut through or along the edges of the neighborhood.

Typical Property Types

• Two- and three-story row homes
• Converted duplexes and triplexes
• New construction townhomes
• Small apartment buildings

What Renters Look For in Fishtown

• Walkability to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops on Frankford Avenue and Girard Avenue
• Proximity to the Market-Frankford Line for Center City commutes
• Updated kitchens with stainless appliances and stone or quartz counters
• In-unit laundry or at minimum a washer-dryer hookup
• Dedicated parking or at least a permit-friendly block

Renter Profile

Fishtown renters are primarily young professionals in their 20s and 30s, many working in Center City or remotely. They value walkability, proximity to the Market-Frankford Line, and the neighborhood's dining and nightlife scene. Turnover is moderate, with most tenants staying one to two years. Expect applicants who compare several listings before deciding, and who are willing to pay a premium for modern finishes.

Common Property Issues for Landlords

• Many older row homes have flat roofs that are nearing the end of their lifespan — inspect before buying and budget for replacement
• Basement dampness is common in older Fishtown row homes; tenants notice musty smells quickly
• Properties built before 1978 require lead-safe certification before renting under Philadelphia rules
• Parking is tight on most blocks; properties without off-street parking may get fewer applications
• Narrow streets and shared party walls mean noise complaints come up more than in detached housing

Landlord Tips for Fishtown

• Highlight walkability and transit access in listings — proximity to the Girard station is a major selling point.
• Updated kitchens and in-unit laundry command a noticeable rent premium here.
• Be aware of parking constraints; properties with dedicated parking stand out.
• Seasonal timing matters: list in spring or early summer for best results.

Licensing Reminders

• Every rental unit in Fishtown needs a Philadelphia Rental License — see the rental license guide for the full process.
• If your property was built before March 1978, you must obtain lead-safe or lead-free certification before a tenant can move in.
• A Certificate of Rental Suitability is required each time a new tenant signs a lease.
• Renew the Rental License annually through eCLIPSE; L&I sends a reminder about 45 days before it expires.