West Philly Landmarks Featured on Drexel’s Happiness Map

The project began with a simple request: pick one place in Philadelphia where you feel happy.

The answers to this question became the foundation for the Happiness Map, created by Drexel’s Happiness Lab, which studies the science of well-being. Out of 243 responses, the most frequently named spots were curated into a list of 28 locations that bring joy: from major public green-spaces to tucked-away gems.

University City was well represented on the map. Among the student favorites were Cira Green (129 S 30th St), with its sweeping rooftop views; the lush and peaceful James G. Kaskey Memorial Park & BioPond; and the welcoming café Maison Sweet (2930 Chestnut St), described by one student as the kind of place where you might end up staying longer than planned.

They feel safe, offer beauty and access to nature, and create opportunities for connection.

The choices reflect a larger truth the Happiness Lab emphasizes: places that lift our mood tend to share certain qualities. They feel safe, offer beauty and access to nature, and create opportunities for connection.

For West Philly residents, the map is a reminder that happiness doesn’t always require a big trip or special occasion. Sometimes it’s just around the corner: on a rooftop, in a quiet garden, or at a café table – ready to offer a moment of joy in the middle of your day!

See the full Philly Happiness Map list here, and visit the exhibit at the W.W. Hagerty Library at Drexel University to learn more.