University City Strides Forward

Philadelphia, 18 March 2002 – Where is $2 billion being spent on construction? Where have home prices rocketed 59% over five years? The answer: University City.

For the comprehensive story behind these facts and more, consult the second annual University City Report Card. Published by the University City District (UCD), the Report Card quantifies University City’s economic impact on the Philadelphia region, the high educational attainment of its population, and its diversity. Information about University City’s employment and labor force, commercial development, population, housing, transportation, and arts and entertainment, as well as the public’s perceptions of the area are included. Twenty pages of color charts, statistics, and illustrations portray University City as one of the most dynamic districts of Philadelphia.

Pedestrian traffic is up 26% during the day and 86% at night since 1999 along 40th Street, University City’s commercial spine.
Rental occupancy is at 98.5% (comparable with Center City)
University City is one of the most racially diverse neighborhoods in the city.

Data sources for the Report Card include reports from the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Realist, Claritas, Pennsylvania Economy League, and others.

Updated annually, the University City Report Card will be valuable to residential and commercial real estate developers, retailers, journalists, realtors, and anyone requiring current information about University City. To obtain a copy, contact the UCD at 215 243 0555. The Report Card is free for 1-9 copies; for 10 or more, the cost is $5 each.

Celebrating its fifth year of operation, University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for University City's diverse urban community. The UCD's programs to improve streetscapes and parks, remove trash and graffiti, provide technical assistance to home- and business owners, increase public safety, and publicize University City's advantages have improved the quality of life since 1997

Release Date: Monday, March 18th 2002