is OXford CIrcle a safe area? (Philadelphia, Rockledge: section 8, renters, crime)

[130st]

hello,

I am thinking of buying an investment property by Oxford circle

Can you pls tell me if this is a good area?

what is the demografic?

i know Mayfair is very close to OXford Cirlce and its a great area

thank you

[slickvic277]

Oxford circle is not the area it once was.This can be said for most of the once strong working class areas of the northeast.I grew up at the frankford,oxford circle boundries and my parents still live there.The area has declined.More violence,crime and drugs then there was in the early and mid 90's(not that there wasnt any then).Lots of the working people of this area have left for the burbs and have been replaced with wellfair and section 8 housing.Driving around my old neighborhood makes me feel like an outsider then a native.Some parts remind me of northphilly.But on the flip side there are still little pockets in these neighborhoods were the people have pride in themselves and there neighborhood.So it depends on were you end buying.But if its an investment property it might not matter to you that much what the place looks like.Seems to be the theme in northeastphilly any more.

[frankgn87]

we are leaving Oxford circle after 25 years or so living here. Fleeing to south jersey. OC ain't what it was 12 years ago. It changed overnight.. Mayfair is not heading in the right direction either.

I would pass on it. In 15 more years it will not be a safe place to be...

[slickvic277]

I agree.As a child I saw kensington fall apart,then as a teen witnessed frankford/oxford circle seemingly change overnight.Then in my early 20's I moved in with my girlfriend in tacony and I must say this is one disgusting place to live very comparable to kensington!I just bought my first house in the mayfair section near pennypack and its much nicer. But has the tall tell sighns of continuing the trend of the sections I've lived in befor.I love my city but might allow myself to retreat to the burbs.which at one time I swore I would never do.I believe the northeast overall is on a decline.

[ajb842]

I still like the Fox Chase section of the city, bordering Rockledge...and some parts of Burholem aren't bad

[Blusey]

Originally Posted by 130st

hello,

I know Mayfair is very close to Oxford Cirlce and its a great area.

thank you

But not close enough.

Oxford Circle is not such a great area although that's not to say it didn't used to be. Like so many other neighborhoods in Philadelphia, this is one that has gone "south." Farther up Rt. 1 (Roosevelt Blvd.) the areas become safer. As a rule, the farther North you go, the safer - and nicer - the area.

[wanderer34]

So what everybody's saying is that just because you see the Chinese, the Indians, some Arabs, a handful ful of Spanish, and some Caribbean and African immigrants, that its going downhill, huh??? I don't really think so, I just think the demographics are changing slightly, that's all!!! Moderator Cut: No need to disparage our neighbors across the river.

[slickvic277]

I dont remember anyone saying anything about chinese,indians or arabs.I'm speeking of personal expierence,property values declining ,catholic schools closing or strugling to stay open,public high schools becoming more dangerous with every passing school year.Then theres the blight;dirty sidewalks unkept properties trashy looking lawns increased crime and drug use,mom and pop deli's going out of buisness.This is real life.This has been going on for along time.Dont believe me take a drive down to oakland and sanger streets in frankford or a walk up cheltenham ave to oxford circle then mabey head down alcott street.I grew up there I went to frankford high I know what has happened.

[K&B]

I have been living in the OC area for only 4 years and I am moving. The problem with OC is that there are more renters than owners and you know renters are not going to take care of something that do not belong to them.