Graduate Hospital: A Landlord's Neighborhood Guide
Last updated:
· Reviewed by Benjamin Oller, Licensed PA Real Estate Broker, TCS Management Services
Neighborhood Overview
Graduate Hospital sits directly southwest of Center City, sandwiched between South Street and Washington Avenue with the Schuylkill River as its western edge. The neighborhood has seen steady renovation and infill over the past two decades, drawing renters who want downtown proximity without Center City prices. For landlords, it offers a mix of original brick rowhomes, renovated units, and newer townhome construction that appeals to commuters and young professionals.
History & Character
Named in the 1980s for the hospital on its northern edge, which closed in 2007; also called "South of South." Part of Moyamensing until 1854, with mostly 19th- and early-20th-century rowhomes. The Naval Asylum (1833), now the Naval Square condominiums, is a National Historic Landmark. The Odunde Festival has been held here every year since 1975.
Boundaries & ZIP Codes
Graduate Hospital runs roughly from South Street on the north to Washington Avenue on the south, and from Broad Street on the west to the Schuylkill River on the east. The ZIP code covering the area is 19146, which also includes parts of the adjacent Point Breeze area.
Transit
- The B (Broad Street Line) at Lombard to South on the eastern edge
- Walkable and bikeable to Center City
Typical Property Types
- Two- and three-story brick rowhomes, many renovated
- Newer townhome infill construction
- Small multi-unit conversions in larger rowhomes
Landmarks, Parks & Things to Do
- Julian Abele Park; the Triangles on Grays Ferry Ave
- Marian Anderson's house (762 Martin St.); Rex at the Royal
- The west end of South Street; the Schuylkill River Trail nearby
What Renters Look For in Graduate Hospital
- Walking or biking distance to Center City offices and restaurants
- Access to the Schuylkill River Trail for recreation and commuting
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms in renovated rowhomes
- Proximity to the bar and restaurant scene along South Street
- In-unit laundry or washer-dryer hookups
Renter Profile
Graduate Hospital renters are primarily Center City commuters, healthcare and university staff, and young professional couples. They value the short walk or bike ride downtown, access to the river trail, and the mix of residential quiet with nearby dining on South Street. Most tenants stay one to three years, and many compare finishes between renovated rowhomes and new townhomes before deciding.
Major Employers & Demand Drivers
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has been expanding into the western part of the neighborhood since 2017
- Center City and University City jobs are within walking or biking distance
What's Being Built
The 275-unit OCF Realty building at 1601 Washington Ave won zoning approval in August 2025.
Rent Snapshot
| Unit Size | Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio (median) | $1,387 |
| 1BR (median) | $1,859 |
| 2BR (median) | $2,348 |
Source: RentHop, as of Oct 2026. Listing-based figures change monthly and vary by block and condition. For a property-specific number, try our Rent Estimator.
Common Property Issues for Landlords
- Older party walls and flat roofs on original homes may need repair or replacement
- Parking is tight on most blocks; properties without off-street parking may get fewer applications
- Renovated units compete directly with new construction on finishes and amenities
- Properties built before 1978 require lead-safe certification before a new tenant can move in
- Basement moisture can be an issue in older rowhomes near the river
Landlord Tips for Graduate Hospital
- Highlight walking distance to Center City and the Schuylkill River Trail in every listing.
- Updated kitchens and in-unit laundry help renovated rowhomes compete with new townhome construction.
- If buying a renovated property, verify that permits were pulled and inspect the quality of the work.
- Use our Rent Estimator for a current estimate rather than relying on listings from other blocks.
Landlord Alerts for Graduate Hospital
- LOCAL historic district: the Christian Street Historic District ("Black Doctors Row," designated July 2022) covers six blocks from 20th St. to Broad St. and more than 150 properties. Exterior changes need Historical Commission review. Properties in a local Philadelphia historic district need Philadelphia Historical Commission approval before most exterior work, including windows, doors, masonry, roofing visible from the street, and demolition. Check a property's status on Atlas. See the city's historic district list.
- Philadelphia reassessed every property for Tax Year 2027. The median value rose about 3% citywide, new values take effect January 1, 2027, and bills are due March 31, 2027. The appeal deadline for 2027 values (October 5, 2026) has passed. See our rising costs article.
Licensing Reminders
- Every rental unit needs a Philadelphia Rental License — see the rental license guide for the full process.
- Properties built before March 1978 require lead-safe or lead-free certification before a tenant moves in.
- A Certificate of Rental Suitability is required at the start of each new tenancy.
- Check the property's L&I record for open violations before applying for any license or certificate.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Graduate Hospital FAQ
Is Graduate Hospital in a historic district?
The Christian Street Historic District ("Black Doctors Row," designated July 2022) covers six blocks from 20th St. to Broad St. and more than 150 properties. Exterior changes in this district need Historical Commission review.
What types of renters look for apartments in Graduate Hospital?
The area draws Center City commuters, healthcare and university staff, and young professional couples who want to walk or bike to work. Many residents value proximity to the Schuylkill River Trail and the bar and restaurant scene along South Street. Tenants tend to stay one to three years.
How is transit access in Graduate Hospital?
The Broad Street Line's Lombard-South station sits on the eastern edge of the neighborhood, giving riders a quick trip to Center City and North Philadelphia. Several bus routes cross the area, and many residents can walk or bike downtown in under 20 minutes.
What should landlords know about older row homes in Graduate Hospital?
Original two- and three-story brick rowhomes often have shared party walls and flat roofs that may be nearing replacement age. Parking is tight on most blocks. If you are buying a renovated property, check the quality of the renovation and whether permits were pulled.
Do I need lead-safe certification for a Graduate Hospital rental?
If the building was constructed before March 1978, Philadelphia requires lead-safe or lead-free certification before a tenant can move in. Most of the original housing stock in Graduate Hospital falls into this category, so plan for testing and certification as part of your leasing process.
Sources
Rather not deal with this yourself?
TCS Management handles it for Philadelphia landlords. Get a free rental analysis — no obligation.
Get Your Free Rental Analysis