Dog Walkers in Southwest Center City (Graduate Hospital)

Southwest Center City is located southwest of Philadelphia’s city center which includes the core business and financial district as well as the Avenue of the Arts. The neighborhood is also the location of the Graduate Hospital and is within walking distance of many central business district offices and services along with several restaurants, retails shops, churches, and some light industry located within its borders. Residents can pop over to local convenience stores or eateries on foot and walking is a common method to navigate the area. 

Philadelphia winters are not always amenable to walking as they can be cold and wet. Snowfalls are usually light, however, storms with heavy snow do occur. You and your dog will need to be dressed for cold weather when venturing out during winter. Summers are often hot and humid and can be uncomfortable so choose earlier or later times of day to walk so you and your dog do not get overheated.

Because Southwest Center City is so conveniently located, plenty of recent residential development has taken place here. There are still some vacant, undeveloped properties in the region, especially in the southern sections. The terrain is flat and well developed while paved sidewalks make it easy to traverse the area on foot. Residential properties consist mostly of, densely packed town and row houses with some low rise apartments and housing complexes. 

There are 22 churches located here, many of which feature grand historical architecture and lend their beauty to the community. There are trees along the narrow roadways in the neighborhood which creates a 'village' feel. Because some of the roads and alleys are so narrow, many streets have only one-way traffic in the area. Although this does not affect pedestrians and their pooches, you should be aware of traffic patterns in the area when crossing thoroughfares with your dog on a leash.

Located just north, Schuylkill River Park provides 26 acres of green space and greenways, seating areas, lawns, and trees along the river. Most importantly for those with energetic pups, you can access the Schuylkill River Trail here. This greenway extends for 10 miles along the waterway and gives pet owners plenty of pathways to exercise their pooches.

Other local parks include Catharine Park which has playground equipment and benches that provide seating in this shady little area and Julian Abele Park with grassy areas and paved paths. Julian Abele Park contains a mural by a famous local artist and the perimeter fence and gate were designed by the same artist as well.

Marian Anderson Park is located in Southwest Centre City and provides recreation and athletic fields and facilities as well as an outdoor pool to enjoy on a hot day. Paved paths around the property make a greenway destination for locals and their canine companions.