South Philadelphia is the section of Philadelphia bounded by South Street to the north, the Delaware River to the east and south, and the Schuylkill River to the west. South Philadelphia is coterminus with the zip codes 19145, 19146, 19147, and 19148.

As of the 2000 Census, the population was 162,683. It is an area rich in immigrant culture, the home to many Italian-American and Irish-American families who settled in the area starting in the late 19th century. Many residents have lived in the neighborhood for decades, and the lovingly maintained homes bring an air of dignity and stability to many blocks.

On many of the corners you can find a pizzeria or a family-owned variety store. Some parts of South Philadelphia are generally considered great neighborhoods in which to raise a family.

 South Philadelphia is one of the most expansive neighborhoods of Philadelphia and one that, in reality, is made up of many smaller neighborhoods bearing such names as Grays Ferry, East Oregon, Hawthorne, Marconi Plaza, Packer Park, Passyunk, Pennsport, Point Breeze, Queens Village, Tasker and many more.

The area is most famous for its depiction in Sylvester Stallone's 1976 film Rocky which included numerous scenes filmed on location along the waterfront, in the Italian Market, in the row homes and along the numerous narrow streets and street corners of South Philadelphia.

South Philadelphia is also home to the best cheesesteak shops in the city, the Philadelphia Sports Complex, where all major sports teams play, as well as the former Philadelphia Navy Yard.