Philadelphia is known for having several rainy days each month and throughout the year. Powelton residents should have good rain gear available to them for walks about the neighborhood with their pets. If your dog does not like the rain, you can even get a doggy raincoat or umbrella to keep your pup dry. Summers in Philly are hot and humid. Hot summer days are uncomfortable for walking with your dog and avoiding muggy conditions by walking your dog in the morning or evening is advised.
Drexel University is located to the south of Powelton and is a dominant landscape feature with its grounds and campus. There are several university buildings, some multi-story, in the neighborhood, but restrictions on building heights have recently been placed, preventing any further development of tall structures in the area.
The neighborhood is historic and there are many Victorian style, single-family homes in the community with large properties, beautiful architecture, and mature shade trees. Lush with green landscaping, this area is shady and tranquil on residential streets with brick sidewalks for pedestrians to enjoy strolls in the neighborhood.
There are some slight inclines in the area, although no prominent hills requiring pedestrians to climb steep slopes. The east side of the neighborhood is a rail yard and is not a pedestrian-friendly area. Trolley tracks run on main thoroughfares in the region like Lancaster Avenue and pedestrians with pets need to look out for vehicles and trolleys when crossing roads.
Drexel Park is located on the east side of Powelton and provides an open space with green lawns and paved pedestrian paths. A paved “circle” with benches is situated in the park and there are some shade trees along the border of the park. Dog walkers can take their pets on a leash and must clean up afterwards.
Saunders Park to the west is a heavily treed, urban park with some open lawn and lots of shade. There is a paved pedestrian path through the park for dog walkers to enjoy with their pets and the Lancaster Jazz and Arts Festival is held annually!
The River is located to the east of Powelton and north along the rivers, large parks like West Fairmount Park provide many miles of greenways for hikers and their hounds to burn off energy. These parks are not within walking distance for most Powelton residents, but have parking lots to accommodate visitors to their green spaces.