Bella Vista, Philadelphia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bella Vista
Neighborhood of Philadelphia
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House in the Bella Vista section of South Philadelphia
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Philadelphia
City	Philadelphia
Population  (2010)	5,898
ZIP code	19147
Area codes	215, 267, 445

Bella Vista is a vibrant neighborhood in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its name means "beautiful sight" in Italian. This area is famous for its history and lively community. It is located between 6th Street and 11th Street, and South Street and Washington Avenue. In 2010, about 5,898 people lived here.

Discovering Bella Vista's Past

Bella Vista has a long and interesting history. It started as a less developed area outside the city. Over time, many different groups of people came to live here.

Early Days and Growth

Before 1854, Bella Vista was part of Moyamensing Township. It was not very populated until the 1840s and 1850s. At that time, it became a place where many working-class families lived.

Many Irish immigrants settled here. The neighborhood was also home to a large number of Black residents. Many of these residents were formerly enslaved people from the Southern states. In 1852, the Institute for Colored Youth was founded here. This school helped educate African American students.

Italian Immigrants Arrive

In the late 1800s, many Italian immigrants began to move to Bella Vista. They brought new traditions and businesses. This changed the neighborhood's feel.

One of the first Italian immigrants was Antonio Palumbo. In 1884, he opened a boardinghouse called Palumbo's. It was at 9th and Catharine Streets. This place quickly became a central gathering spot for the growing Italian community.

Changes and Rebirth

In the 1960s, there were plans to build a big highway called the South Street Expressway. This made property values in Bella Vista drop. Many residents moved away to the suburbs.

To help the neighborhood, city planners started calling it "Bella Vista" in the early 1970s. This new name helped give the area a fresh start. The highway plans were eventually canceled.

In the late 1970s, Bella Vista started to become more popular. This was because it was close to Center City. This process is called gentrification. It means an area becomes more expensive and attracts new residents.

Around the same time, many Vietnamese and Mexican immigrants also moved to the neighborhood. They especially settled near Washington Avenue. Even though many Italian-American families have moved, you can still find many Italian shops and restaurants. They are mostly along the famous 9th Street Market.

Historic Places to See

Several buildings in Bella Vista are very important historically. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, the Institute for Colored Youth, the Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House, and the George W. Nebinger School.

Bella Vista Today

Bella Vista is a busy and exciting place to live. It has a mix of old traditions and new developments.

Shopping and Business Hubs

The main places for shopping and business are the 9th Street Market and the South Street Headhouse District. The 9th Street Market is famous for its fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and spices. It's a great place to explore.

Community Life and Growth

Bella Vista was named the best neighborhood to live in Philadelphia by Niche.com in 2016. Because of its popularity, many new homes are being built. Some old buildings are being reused, while others are being replaced.

The Bella Vista Neighbors Association (BVNA) helps the community. They hold meetings about zoning (how land can be used) and safety. They also organize cleanups and social events. They help connect residents with city services.

The neighborhood is served by Police Service Area 1 (PSA1). This police unit works out of the South Street Mini Station.

Culture and Arts in Bella Vista

Bella Vista is a hub for culture and art. There are many events and places to visit.

Festivals and Celebrations

One of the most popular events is the annual Italian Market Festival. This festival celebrates the neighborhood's Italian heritage. It features food, music, and fun for everyone.

Art and Cultural Spots

Bella Vista is home to several important cultural places. The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial offers art classes and exhibits. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a unique outdoor art environment. It features colorful mosaics and sculptures.

Other art spots include the DaVinci Art Alliance and Jed Williams Gallery. These places showcase local and national artists.

Día de los Muertos Celebration

Before Halloween, La Calaca Flaca and the Fleisher Art Memorial host a special event. It is a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altar Celebration and Procession. This event celebrates Mexican traditions and honors loved ones who have passed away. The first celebration took place in 2013.

Education in Bella Vista

The School District of Philadelphia manages the public schools in Bella Vista.

Local Schools

Children in Bella Vista attend different elementary schools. These include the Fanny Jackson Coppin School and the William M. Meredith School. The George W. Nebinger School also serves parts of the neighborhood. As of 2017, these K-8 schools are very popular and often full.

All high school students in Bella Vista attend Furness High School.

Public Library Services

The Free Library of Philadelphia has a branch in Bella Vista. It is called the Charles Santore Branch. Before 2004, it was known as the Southwark Branch. It provides books, computers, and programs for all ages.

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  Santore Branch

Green Spaces and Parks

Bella Vista has several lovely parks and green spaces. These offer places for relaxation and recreation.

Neighborhood Parks

• Cianfrani Park: Located at 8th and Fitzwater Streets.
• Bardascino Park: Found at 10th and Carpenter Streets. It was once the site of Touro Hall and Community Hospital. This park hosts a neighborhood bocce league.
• Palumbo Park: Located on the 700 block of Catherine Street. You can find more info at www.palumbopark.org.
• Palumbo Recreation Center: At 10th and Fitzwater Streets. It is next to Starr Garden, which is at 6th and Lombard Streets.

Community Involvement in Parks

Each park has a "Friends of Parks" group. These are volunteers who help maintain the parks. They raise money to support the trees and plants. They also organize public events. These events include summer concerts, yoga classes, and outdoor movies.

Bella Vista also has a permanent community garden. It is located at 10th and Kimball Streets. This garden is a great place for residents to grow their own plants.