Center City Is the Fastest Growing Area of Philadelphia, New Report Shows

Newly released data from the Center City District shows that Center City is Philadelphia's fastest-growing area. Released on Tuesday, March 4, the annual housing report reveals that one in eight Philadelphia residents reside in Greater Center City. Greater Center City is defined as the area between Girard Avenue and Tasker Street, bordered by the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers.

In just the last year, Greater Center City has added more than 3,800 new housing units. That's an increase of approximately 1,000 units from 2023. According to Greater Center City officials, the growth in new housing in Center City over the past five years can be attributed to the city's 10-year tax abatement policy.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that approximately one-quarter of all the new homes completed in Philadelphia last year were built in the 19123 ZIP code. This ZIP code includes the area in and around Northern Liberties from Callowhill Street to West Girard Avenue and North Broad Street to the Delaware River waterfront.

What makes this particular ZIP code so attractive?

“This geography contains several rapidly developing corridors, with the Delaware River waterfront from Callowhill Street to Penn Treaty Park being the most active,” the Center City District report said. “Spring Garden Street and North Broad are other areas of intensifying development.”

In his analysis for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Clint Randall, Center City's vice president of economic development, said, “What's been really remarkable is that nearly every large parcel between Spring Garden Street and Penn Treaty Park has seen some kind of construction move forward. And you can't say that about other places that are places where there are larger parcels that are still conspicuously waiting for construction to start.”

Randall noted that one can find areas of Center City where more homes can be built. These areas include spots along East Market Street. The East Market development in the 1100 block of Market Street “continues to serve as a model for the type of density and mixed-use development that's possible in Market East,” he added.

What would you say are the best episodes of The Office? Everyone has their own opinion and list, but are there some we can all agree on?

The Office is without a doubt one of the greatest sitcoms of all-time. It was such a strong cast of characters. Of course, nobody could do it quite like Steve Carell's Michael Scott. There are so many iconic episodes and scenes to consider, but are these the five best episodes of The Office?

While everybody has their favorite episodes of the show, that doesn't mean they're necessarily the "best." There's an important difference there. For example, my favorite episode of South Park is "AWESOM-O" but I wouldn't say it's the best or greatest episode of the show (that would probably belong to "Scott Tenorman Must Die"). So, we must understand the difference between our personal favorites and what's the best. Personal biases must be put aside.

That was a challenge for me. Some of my favorite episodes and what I think are the best episodes of The Office aren't going to make the list. I have to put my bias aside and consider what the majority would deem to be the best of the best. Unfortunately, that meant my favorite episode "Gossip" (Season 6 Episode 1) won't be making the list. It kills me every time Michael calls Stanley's wife. Every single time. Likewise, "Gay Witch Hunt" (Season 3 Episode 1) didn't make the final five and will instead be an honorable mention. You really get a sense of Michael's ignorance in that episode and it's a great character builder that also has a ton of laughs at Michael's expense.

Despite a few of my favorite episodes not being included on the list, I stand by the final five. I think the majority of fans would agree that these episodes deserve to be in the Top 10 and then where they fall within there is up for debate. I did do something kind of controversial, though. I'm counting the double episodes as one episode. They're the same thing, just broken up in two halves for the sake of time. To me, and this list, they are considered one singular episode. Don't like that? Create your own list! See what made the final five best episodes of The Office below! Do you agree?

I had to start the list with "Dinner Party." You can't talk about the best episodes of The Office without mentioning it. There are so many hilarious moments it feels like it's just one after the other. Who could forget Michael's infamous "Snip/Snap/Snip/Snap" and him totally botching the way he describes the wine. We learn a lot about Jan in the episode and get to see her true crazy side. There's also Michael's TV, his table, and more. It just might be the best episode of The Office.

https://youtu.be/x0N2ZxQJYTw?si=M0hlv51Dzp_pEqjc If you love cringe comedy, then you probably enjoyed the "Scott's Tots" episode of The Office. Personally, I love it. However, some of my friends and family say it's too cringeworthy to watch! They feel too bad for Michael. While I understand that, you can't feel bad for Michael! He brought it on himself. It's so funny watching him realize what's about to happen and how he tries to get out of it. It's one of those cool moments where we the audience know what's about to happen but the characters in the scene don't and they build it up so well. It's pure Michael.

There are so many great moments in this episode that live on today. Dwight putting the dummy's face on his like Hannibal Lector remains a popular meme online. Michael singing the wrong part of "Stayin' Alive." Even the way they treat Stanley and botch his recovery is hilarious. Yes, it's a two-parter but it's worthy of being named one of the best episodes. It just doesn't get old.

The Office was still finding its groove and developing the characters during Season 1. Michael was a bit more annoying, had a different haircut, and the rest of the crew wasn't fully formed yet. Did Kevin even have a different voice? It sounds like it. However, there were still some gems in Season 1 that let us know this show was going to be funny. The best example of that comes with "Diversity Day" in Episode 2. It really shows Michael's ignorance and how he places trying to be funny over being politically correct or appropriate in the workplace. Even once a professional comes in to train them, he still doesn't understand what he did wrong and continues doing so. We really got a look at Michael Scott here.

Was Jim and Pam's wedding the best TV wedding ever? I think so! There was Michael and Pam's mom, Kevin's feet in the ice machine, and Andy's unfortunate injury. So much happened in these episodes and it still lives on today. In a way, it's different than a lot of other episodes because there's a lot of emotion to go along with the humor. We're finally seeing the greatest will they/won't they of all-time get married! The show really delivered on the wedding episode(s) for TV's greatest couple.