francisville 17th and Poplar

[Pennsport]

Don't forget about the Spring Garden district either. It's cose to Fairmount, a lot safer and nicer (aesthetically) than both Francisville and Brewerytown, borders Center City and has it's own neighborhood feel. Additionally, there are a lot of Brownstone apts. that are reasonably priced. Limited parking though, which I know is one benefit you mentioned in your initial post.

Good luck!

[pman]

Originally Posted by flipistanisalsera

Wow, your repsonses were an eye opener! I keep hearing that Girard west of 19th is fine now so I thought that would rank highest. There are a couple of higher end condo buildings at 28th and Poplar, which is just 2 blocks to 30th and Girard. Guess it's those 2 blocks that make or break it. I thought Loft District either tied or 2nd because of location, 7th and Melon because it is so close to No Libs and then Francisville. I drove multiple ways to 17th and Poplar and wasn't thrilled with any of them when thinking about walking my fluffy white dog. I know it borders Fairmount Art Museum but the Ridge divide makes it feel more isolated. Thank you again for your insight!

yep, it's improving, and rapidly, but ridge, for now, still is more of a divider. girard is decent from 19th to corinthian. francisville's best sections are near fairmount ave, and 19th to corinthian...it seems likley that it will improve west to ridge in fairly rapid fashion. ridge itself may be contingent on a large new development at 16th and ridge (basically, whether it really breaks ground in march or not). Spring garden ten years ago is basically francisville today. it's really become a pretty nice neighborhood...and there aren't a lot of bad blocks so if you live north of fairmount ave, the closer to fairmount ave the better.

[flipistanisalsera]

Hey Pennsport, SpingGarden has become a pretty pricey area. I'd prefer to stay here (actually I'm at 16th and North so not sure if I'm in Fairmount or Spring Garden but the rents have gone up.) I think they've gone up everywhere in the city. Aside, from the 5% down, it's cheaper for me to buy than rent. If only I had long term plans for Philadelphia...I don't need high end stuff- an IKEA kitchen is fine but things either seem to be new rehabs for ridiculous money or something I'm not comfortable living in. And it rents. The last rental I looked at in my price range at 16th and Mt vernon was 700 sq foot, last updated in 1980, with a water stained ceiling for $1200. It's why I keep ending up in fringe neighbhorhoods. I'm 40 y.o- way past the student housing phase of my life.

[pman]

Originally Posted by flipistanisalsera

Hey Pennsport, SpingGarden has become a pretty pricey area. I'd prefer to stay here (actually I'm at 16th and North so not sure if I'm in Fairmount or Spring Garden but the rents have gone up.) I think they've gone up everywhere in the city. Aside, from the 5% down, it's cheaper for me to buy than rent. If only I had long term plans for Philadelphia...I don't need high end stuff- an IKEA kitchen is fine but things either seem to be new rehabs for ridiculous money or something I'm not comfortable living in. And it rents. The last rental I looked at in my price range at 16th and Mt vernon was 700 sq foot, last updated in 1980, with a water stained ceiling for $1200. It's why I keep ending up in fringe neighbhorhoods. I'm 40 y.o- way past the student housing phase of my life.

spring garden is fairmount to spring garden, broad to the park. mostly in your neighborhood, buying is still more expensive. that changes with some of the new condos in francisville. certainly you might want to consider girard west of ridge in one of those buildings, seems like you get more for your money up there. there's definitely a need for more rentals, a large building like the divine lorraine would help a lot.