Looking in phila (Philadelphia, Belmont, Mill Creek: apartments, renters, mortgage)

[PhilaWings]

Looking to spend 500-700 on a small space in the city. Any suggestions on areas or advice?

[thekish]

With your budget you will probably need a roommate.

[PhilaWings]

Someone care to explain to me. Why the landlords insist on screwing the renters when it comes to paying? Found a nice three bedroom for 800 a month in port richmond today. But cannot find a studio in my price range?

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by PhilaWings

Someone care to explain to me. Why the landlords insist on screwing the renters when it comes to paying? Found a nice three bedroom for 800 a month in port richmond today. But cannot find a studio in my price range?

I'd be skeptical of the quality of that property or the immediate block. Port Richmond is a decent working-class neighborhood but not necessarily one that people seek out right away. At the very least, I'd say you got an unusually good deal.

[sassylassy]

I'm in the heart of Port Richmond and pay about 800.00 for my monthly mortgage not rent. I have a 3 bedroom home on a nice block close to the 3 major churches in the area. It takes me 5 min to get from my house to center city and the bus terminal is close by. This does help if you do not drive or want to pay for parking. Port Richmond is a good choice rather then paying an outrageous amount on a one bedroom apartment downtown.

[hazfora]

Originally Posted by sassylassy

I'm in the heart of Port Richmond and pay about 800.00 for my monthly mortgage not rent. I have a 3 bedroom home on a nice block close to the 3 major churches in the area. It takes me 5 min to get from my house to center city and the bus terminal is close by. This does help if you do not drive or want to pay for parking. Port Richmond is a good choice rather then paying an outrageous amount on a one bedroom apartment downtown.

I would be interested to know what it really costs to own a home. In your case $800 for mortgage sounds really cheap, but what other costs should one budget for if owning not renting? I am currently paying $975 plus about $250 for utilities (water, sewer, trash alone costs $107.92 minimum per month) for a 1500 sq ft apartment in a small beach town on the Eastern Shore, VA with no public transport and I don't own a car. I am desperate to move to an urban area. While I love my space and the beach view, I just want to have a 1br and a small den to convert to my art studio/creative workshop and be close to grocery shopping and have access to public transport. Please someone help me find the right place to move to Philadelphia. I've lived in Wash DC, NYC, Baltimore, and now Cape Charles, VA and I want to move back to city life.

[MikeNigh]

Originally Posted by hazfora

I would be interested to know what it really costs to own a home. In your case $800 for mortgage sounds really cheap, but what other costs should one budget for if owning not renting? I am currently paying $975 plus about $250 for utilities (water, sewer, trash alone costs $107.92 minimum per month) for a 1500 sq ft apartment in a small beach town on the Eastern Shore, VA with no public transport and I don't own a car. I am desperate to move to an urban area. While I love my space and the beach view, I just want to have a 1br and a small den to convert to my art studio/creative workshop and be close to grocery shopping and have access to public transport. Please someone help me find the right place to move to Philadelphia. I've lived in Wash DC, NYC, Baltimore, and now Cape Charles, VA and I want to move back to city life.

For a one bedroom I'd say you'll need around $170k to $220k. That should be for 600-800sqft max. If you are into art I think you'd find the olde city area and their apartments pretty cool.

[james777]

Originally Posted by hazfora

I would be interested to know what it really costs to own a home. In your case $800 for mortgage sounds really cheap, but what other costs should one budget for if owning not renting? I am currently paying $975 plus about $250 for utilities (water, sewer, trash alone costs $107.92 minimum per month) for a 1500 sq ft apartment in a small beach town on the Eastern Shore, VA with no public transport and I don't own a car. I am desperate to move to an urban area. While I love my space and the beach view, I just want to have a 1br and a small den to convert to my art studio/creative workshop and be close to grocery shopping and have access to public transport. Please someone help me find the right place to move to Philadelphia. I've lived in Wash DC, NYC, Baltimore, and now Cape Charles, VA and I want to move back to city life.

There are plenty of neighborhoods with excellent public transportation in Philadelphia that would be affordable for you, but you are going to have to come to the city and look around. I would avoid the artsy, trendy, gentrified neighborhoods because you would be paying a premium for that. The not so well known neighborhoods will give you more for your money, not to mention fewer tourists and night clubbers disturbing your peace. Look to the lesser known areas of South, Northeast, and Northwest Philly. If you need a realtor recommendation, or have specific questions, feel free to DM me.

[criedman101]

Originally Posted by PhilaWings

Looking to spend 500-700 on a small space in the city. Any suggestions on areas or advice?

I think the area of Port Richmond would be a great start. I think that's a fairly decent neighborhood with lots of transit, and you might be able to find a place within your price range. If you choose Port Richmond, you'll have to move to an area near Kennsington, which means it won't look as pretty as Port Richmond does. But you'll still have lots of transit options available to take you downtown fairly fast.

You could also afford a studio apartment in University City, or the surrounding West Philly neighborhoods (I wouldn't go past 48th st though & avoid Mill Creek, Belmont & Haverford).

Try Zillow, Padmapper, and Craigslist for help.