Welcome to Mantua

Mantua is a neighborhood located in West Philadelphia near the Schuylkill River. The neighborhood boundaries are Spring Garden Street (south) to Mantua Avenue (north) and from 31st Street (east) to 40th Street (west). Mantua is affectionately known as “The Bottom” by many of its residents. This nickname was derived due to its eastern most proximity (bottom) in West Philadelphia just above Center City (Parkway Section).

in recent years the southern border was Hamilton Street

Nearby Attractions

"The community is favorably located near some of Philadelphia most popular tourist attractions, educational institutions and center city. The Philadelphia Zoo is located just south on the other side of the 34th Street Bridge. The country’s first Zoo continues to attract thousands of visitors each week. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is east of Mantua on the other side of the Spring Garden Street Bridge. Located on the Parkway are The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, The Rodin Museum, Eakins Oval and a host of other worthwhile attractions. Also located near Mantua are Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania as well as the Avenue of Technology located on Market Street near both universities. Each of these attractions is within a short walking distance of the neighborhood. Due to this we have witnessed an influx of student’s, employers and empty nesters relocating to our neighborhood. "

Community Organizations

"Mantua has long been recognized as a community with many neighborhood organizations. The organizations work diligently to improve the lives of its citizens, students and neighboring communities. In the 1960’s Dr Herman Wrice formed the Young Great Society aka YGS. YGS aimed to stop gang violence and provide social and recreational activities for the youth. Later organizations such as Mantua Community Planners, Mantua Against Drugs, Concerned Citizens of Mantua and a host of other others were formed. These programs continue to work to feed those in need, provide housing assistance, recreation programs, and job training. ."

Religious institutions, community recreation Center

"The community has a host of religious institutions, recreation/community centers and playgrounds. Miles Mack Playground (36th and Aspen Street) , Butch Ellis Playground (39th and Olive Street), James Wright Recreation Center (34th and Haverford Avenue) each of these recreation locations are named after residents who are no longer with us but devoted much of their time to improving our community. Other recreation locations are The West Philadelphia Community Center (35th and Haverford Avenue), 37th and Mt. Vernon Street Playground, 33rd Wallace Street Playground, Haverford Community Center (39th Street between Mt. Vernon and Wallace Street

Shopping

The primary shopping area is Lancaster Avenue. Located on Lancaster Avenue 40th and above are a plethora of stores. Athletic attires/equipment, furniture stores, house hold supplies, food and produce, hair salons and barber shop.

Within the community are a number of business. These businesses includes many local stores that offer basic produce and household items. The community also has a hardware store, barbershop/hair salons, realestate company, Child and Adult Care Centers, and Pizza Shops.