Phillips is a diverse area in many ways: its population includes people of many nationalities; it has a mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses; and it is home to several large employers such as Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Wells Fargo Mortgage and Allina Health Care Services, along with small neighborhood businesses.

Though not an officially designated neighborhood, Phillips also includes the Little Earth residential area.

[3] The neighborhood was named after Wendell Phillips, a 19th century abolitionist.

[5] The $189 million redevelopment of the vacant Sears building at Chicago Avenue and Lake Street into a mixed-use development of offices, hotel, retail and housing located in Midtown Phillips is one of the most important projects undertaken in the city in recent times.

At the east side of the community, along the Hiawatha Avenue transit corridor, the Little Earth Trail connects many smaller neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and multi-use trails.