The Fishtown Newcomer Guide
This is the one page to bookmark. It links to everything else on the site — the civic basics you have to set up, and the businesses worth knowing as you settle in. Work through it in whatever order matters to you; nothing here is time-sensitive except moving day itself.
The basics
Things to set up whether or not you care about picking a favorite coffee shop.
- 🔌 Internet and Utilities in Fishtown
How to set up electric, gas, water and internet service after moving to Fishtown, with the utilities you'll need to contact in your first week.
- 🚗 Parking and Transportation in Fishtown
Getting a residential parking permit, moving-day no-parking permits, and getting around Fishtown by train, bike, or on foot.
- 🗑️ Trash and Recycling Day in Fishtown
Find your exact trash and recycling collection day by address, plus the rules for bins, bulk items, and what actually happens if you miss a week.
Getting to know the neighborhood
Picked businesses worth knowing in your first few months.
- 📦 Movers in Fishtown
Local movers who know Fishtown's rowhomes and narrow streets — the single highest-urgency need when you're actually moving in.
- 🔧 Handyman Services in Fishtown
Reliable handymen for the small, immediate fixes that come up right after moving into a Fishtown rowhome.
- 🚿 Plumbers in Fishtown
Plumbers who know Fishtown's older rowhome plumbing — for the leaks, clogs, and water heater problems that can't wait.
- 🌡️ HVAC in Fishtown
Heating and air conditioning companies who service Fishtown's rowhomes, from window units and mini-splits to older gas furnaces.
- 🐕 Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Fishtown
Dog walkers and pet sitters serving Fishtown — a high-urgency need in one of Philadelphia's most dog-heavy neighborhoods.
- 🛒 Groceries in Fishtown
Where to buy groceries in walking distance in Fishtown, from full supermarkets to the corner spots worth knowing for a quick trip.
- 🛋️ Furniture Stores in Fishtown
Furniture and home-goods stores in Fishtown worth knowing when you're furnishing a new place, from vintage finds to full showrooms.
- 🏋️ Gyms and Fitness in Fishtown
Gyms, studios, and fitness options in Fishtown, from full gyms to boutique classes, picked for newcomers building a routine.
- ✂️ Pet Groomers in Fishtown
Dog and cat groomers in Fishtown worth booking for regular grooming, in a neighborhood with a lot of dogs.
- 🏠 Realtors in Fishtown
Realtors who know Fishtown's market — for buying, selling, or renting in the neighborhood.
- 🎨 Art Galleries in Fishtown
Art galleries and studios worth knowing in Fishtown, from fixed gallery spaces to a mobile gallery that comes to you.
Everything in one place
Want the full list of picks and sponsors without going category by category? See the directory.
Get the free First 30 Days checklist
A one-page list of everything to set up after moving to Fishtown: utilities, parking permit, trash day, and the places worth knowing. Plus a few short emails over your first weeks. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.