The House That Built the Balboas
“Close the door, you’re lettin’ all the heat out.”
If you’re a die-hard Rocky fan, you know this house. It’s the spot where Adrian and Paulie lived in the original Rocky and later became the Balboa family home in Rocky V. Located in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, this unassuming rowhouse is one of the most popular Rocky filming locations, with several major scenes from the original movie happening right here.
Originally built in 1935, the house at 2822 Rosehill Street, Philadelphia, PA is where some of the most memorable Rocky moments went down. It’s where Rocky nervously asked Adrian out for their first date at the ice rink. It’s where Paulie, in a classic meltdown, tossed Adrian’s Thanksgiving turkey into the alley.
By the time Rocky V rolled around, things got rough. Paulie lost all of Rocky’s money, forcing the Balboa family to move in here with him. That’s when we got a deeper look inside—Rocky’s makeshift basement gym, complete with old boxing memorabilia and his trusty body bag.
What the House Looks Like Today
Like a lot of Rocky filming locations, time hasn’t been too kind to Adrian and Paulie’s house. Sometime in the early 21st century, major renovations stripped away most of its on-screen charm. The entire front porch—one of its most recognizable features—was removed. The house’s classic brick exterior was covered with modern vinyl siding, making it almost unrecognizable to longtime fans.
The original cement porch platform and steps still remain, along with a small trace of what was once a curbed rose garden. But the street itself? It’s seen better days, looking far more worn than it did when Rocky and Paulie paced its sidewalks.
A visitor in 2009 noted: “The street was quiet, you could hear a pin drop. But we felt a little unwelcome by some onlookers. Be quick and respectful if you visit.”
And that’s good advice—this is still a private residence. If you make the trip, be courteous to the people who live there.
Visiting Adrian’s House
If you’re on a Rocky tour of Philly, this location is a must-see—just don’t expect it to look exactly like it did in the movies. The neighborhood has changed, and the house has, too. But standing on that sidewalk, imagining Rocky letting Adrian out that front gate? That’s still something special.
