Chicago apartment buildings have a similar design either like this or near ground-level front porch, and when I was a kid near everyone was using them in the summer. You'd be hard pressed to walk down a block and not see near a third of the units with people hanging out in front. They became like backyards, BBQ's and all, but more much social because you could interact with your neighbors.

Today, condo development has destroyed some of these designs and the old apartment buildings don't ever seem to have anyone on the stoop or front porch. I guess people are more indoors orientated now or simply less social with their neighbors, at least in more gentrified neighborhoods. I barely know my neighbors to be honest. Sounds like the times haven't really changed much in Philly.