History
The history of Queen Village might be best conveyed through the history of its names. According to the Queen Village Neighbors Association, when the neighborhood was first populated by Swedish settlers in the 1600s, it was "Wiccaco" –- the Lenni Lenape Indian word for "pleasant place." After founding Philadelphia in 1682, William Penn changed the area's name to Southwark, even though Southwark didn't officially become part of Philadelphia until 1854. And then in 1970, the neighborhood's name changed again, this time to Queen Village in recognition of Queen Christina, Sweden's queen at the time of the neighborhood's initial settlement.
Although Wiccaco started as a small settlement, it grew rapidly starting in the late 17th century. In 1808 the neighborhood received one of its most well-known landmarks, the Sparks Shot Tower, and the early 1900s saw the rise of the neighborhood's famous Fabric Row. When I-95 was built in the 1950s, however, Southwark's population actually began dropping, and many houses were destroyed in the highway's construction. Thankfully, the neighborhood began to slowly bounce back in the 1960s, thanks largely to artists moving into the South Street area.
Today South Street is one of Philadelphia's busiest nightlife and shopping areas. Most of Queen Village is quieter, however, featuring residential streets peppered with restaurants, shops and historic buildings.
Boundaries
West: 6th Street
South: Washington Avenue
East: Delaware River
North: South Street
Transportation
Queen Village is served by several SEPTA bus routes, including the 57 and 25 going north and south, and the 40 and 64 going east and west.
Parking in Queen Village consists of metered and non-metered street parking and some paid lots. Since Queen Village borders busy South Street, it can be difficult to find parking sometimes, especially in the northern section of the neighborhood. Those parking at a meter in Queen Village should keep a close eye on the time; the South Street area is a favorite ticketing ground for the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
As for biking, the only streets in the neighborhood with bike lanes are Columbus Boulevard and Washington Avenue. Even without designated lanes, however, many of the neighborhood's streets are easy to navigate by bicycle.
Education
Elementary school students in Queen Village attend Meredith Elementary School, which is located at 5th and Fitzwater Streets and serves grades K through 8. High school students attend Furness Horace High School. Students may apply to attend a school outside of their neighborhood though the School District of Philadelphia's Voluntary Transfer Program.
Queen Village is also home to one of the branches of the Settlement Music School, which offers music and dance lessons for children and adults.
Real Estate
Most of Queen Village's real estate is row homes, and house and apartment rentals are available. Home prices have increased dramatically since the early 2000s, and homes and condos in the neighborhood now sell for anywhere between $230,000 to $1,500,000.
Restaurants & Bars
Cafe Fulya
This Turkish restaurant and coffeehouse is a great spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don't miss the wide selection of pastries. BYOB.
727 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
267-909-9937
Cochon
Named after the French word for pig, Cochon focuses on, well, rustic French pork dishes. BYOB.
801 East Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-923-7675
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
Giant portions and award-winning desserts are the hallmarks of this deli.
700 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-922-3274
The Latest Dish
Just off of South Street, this eclectic bar and restaurant offers a wide variety of meat and vegetarian/vegan dishes.
613 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-629-0565
O'Neals Pub
This sports bar and restaurant features occasional shows and events upstairs and a great outdoor patio in the summer.
611 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-574-9495
Southwark
Named after Queen Village's previous title, Southwark serves excellent food with locally sourced ingredients.
704 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-238-1888
Points of Interest & Things to Do
Fabric Row
These few blocks feature most of Philadelphia's fabric stores, as well as other shops and restaurants.
4th Street between South & Catherine Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Gloria Dei Old Swedes' Church
Built by Queen Village's Swedish settlers, the Gloria Dei Church is over 300 years old. Look for flea markets here in the summer.
Columbus Boulevard & Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-389-1513
Mario Lanza Park
Cute neighborhood park. Part of the park is sectioned off for dogs.
200 Queen St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
The Shubin Theatre
A tiny, 43-seat theatre, the Shubin features an ever-changing variety of shows, from comedy to drama to dance.
407 Bainbridge St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-592-0119
South Street
Eclectic is a good word to describe South Street. Currently one of Philadelphia's centers for shopping and nightlife, South Street also has a strong history in the arts and punk rock.
Sparks Shot Tower
Only a handful of shot towers are left in the United States, and this tower constructed in 1808 is one of them.
101 Carpenter St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
