would like to purchase in philly moving from low crime city NYC

[hanoka]

Thank you all for your advice, I have not had the opportunity to go to Philly as expected this summer, but hope to visit soon. I will definately keep an open mind. Visiting various neighborhoods at diffrent times is the best way to get a feel for where would be suitable. I would like to live in a diverse area. I read on another thread a response by by Carter19104 who suggested West philly, I have looked at the maps and University looks like it is in West Philly, however everything i have heard of West philly over the years is not good! Is Milbourne and Upper Darby in the North? I still expect to move to Philly. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by hanoka

Thank you all for your advice, I have not had the opportunity to go to Philly as expected this summer, but hope to visit soon. I will definately keep an open mind. Visiting various neighborhoods at diffrent times is the best way to get a feel for where would be suitable. I would like to live in a diverse area. I read on another thread a response by by Carter19104 who suggested West philly, I have looked at the maps and University looks like it is in West Philly, however everything i have heard of West philly over the years is not good! Is Milbourne and Upper Darby in the North? I still expect to move to Philly. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

Yes I agree, getting a good feel for the neighborhoods you're interested in is a good strategy.

University City is actually a section of West Philly, although some realtors and higher-end homeowners may try to say otherwise. Its eastern border is the Schuykill (SCHOOL-cull) River with Center City being on the other side. Although the University of Pennsylvania jump-started gentrification in the area over a decade ago, a mix of people of all socioeconomic levels still patronize the restaurants and small businesses there. I lived there on two occasions and I'd definitely recommend it to someone like yourself who is used to urban living. Be prepared to pay $400-500K for a home there.

Just beyond West Philly lies Millbourne. It's a small borough in Delaware County that is somewhat notable for its assortment of internationally-themed small businesses. After a three-minute drive through that town, you will arrive in Upper Darby. It's a working-to-middle class suburb that is convenient to transportation into the city as well as some highways. The 69th St shopping area offers midscale urban retail, a movie multiplex and the venerable Tower Theater concert venue. The area around 69th Street may not be the most attractive to buy a home. The Drexel Hill section further out may be considered the most upscale. Not including Drexel Hill, I'd venture to say you'd pay less than half for your home than in University City.

[MReiser]

Originally Posted by hanoka

Thank you all for your advice, I have not had the opportunity to go to Philly as expected this summer, but hope to visit soon. I will definately keep an open mind. Visiting various neighborhoods at diffrent times is the best way to get a feel for where would be suitable. I would like to live in a diverse area. I read on another thread a response by by Carter19104 who suggested West philly, I have looked at the maps and University looks like it is in West Philly, however everything i have heard of West philly over the years is not good! Is Milbourne and Upper Darby in the North? I still expect to move to Philly. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

I see some mention of looking in the Mt Airy/Germantown area - based on your criteria of price (originally 80-150k, but possibly up to 200-250k), you can afford to live in the inner ring suburbs to the north of Mt Airy as well. Nice towns, decent diversity, affordable housing - look at Oreland, Glenside, Ardsley, North Hills, Roslyn, Jenkintown, Rockledge, Cheltenham, Erdenheim, Laverock....I could go on & on. Starter houses in these towns usually begin in the 190k through 230k range.

[hanoka]

Thank you very much Tone509 and MReiser, the information you have provided is vey helpful. I am not able to afford $400-500K for a home in University City or Center City.I would'nt mind finding a property which I have to do some work. What area can I find a Brownstone townhouse for a reasonable $250K or is that a joke? Maybe a two or three story home?

[sleek]

Originally Posted by hanoka

Thank you very much Tone509 and MReiser, the information you have provided is vey helpful. I am not able to afford $400-500K for a home in University City or Center City.I would'nt mind finding a property which I have to do some work. What area can I find a Brownstone townhouse for a reasonable $250K or is that a joke? Maybe a two or three story home?

You're lucky Im home with the sniffles and bored


Untitled Document (broken link)

5357 Wingohocking Ter

Philadelphia - Germantown, PA 19144
Price: $169,900
Bedrooms: 4
Full Baths: 2


Here are some cute places in Germantown.

Property Details for Listing # 5013119

Real Estate

Be prepared to be stunned when you open the door into this handsome Victorian ""American Mansard"" Twin. Glistening refinished wood floors reflect the rays of this bright & sunny home, but looking about the room, your eyes are drawn to the other details, too - original finishes on all the high baseboards, the open staircase's spindles & ballustrades, the windows' framing and even the beamed ceiling. The well-appointed Dining Room follows suit and the NEW Kitchen is a dream>>>


Real Estate

146 W Sylvania St

Philadelphia - Germantown, PA 19144
Price: $170,000
Bedrooms: 4
Full Baths: 1
This home has been totally renovated with new windows, carpeted throughout, modern kitchen with dishwasher, recessed lighting, powder room in basement and fireplace in master bedroom for those cozy romantic evenings. This property is a ""Must See"". Don't miss out on this unique opportunity, come see for yourself. "


Real Estate

4964 Rubicam St

Philadelphia - Germantown (East), PA 19144
Price: $160,000
Step back in time to an 1880's home renovated w/many original details lovingly restored.Pocket doors, flawless, orignal ceilings w/ hand- molded, concave plaster crown moldings and orignal medallions.No quick, Bruce hardwood installed here. The post civil war floors have been unearthed and restored. This semi detached home is very large and done with custom colors indicative of the day. The kitchen is a twist w/ modern cabs and absolute marble.You can see and feel the quality. master bdrm has work space made in the ajoining rm. with custom desk for your in home work area needs.laundry is off the main bath as well. Third floor has two more sunny bedrms. The yard has just been laid with fresh sod and antique style pavers.A new, privacy fence is on the way as well.This quite street is a find. One way traffic makes for a peaceful neighborhood. vacant and on lock box.



Real Estate

No need to fix up this home, everything is new! This big twin in historic Germantown has just been renovated including new roof, new heating system, new central air conditioning, all new electrical system, new plumbing system, new windows, new siding, new kitchen with all new cabinets, new countertops, new stove, new microwave, new dishwasher, new sink with disposal, all new flooring, all new lighting, two new ceramic tile full bathrooms, new doors & hardware, plus all the walls and woodwork have been refinished and freshly painted. There are many other great features: Front porch, first floor laundry room, full basement with high ceiling, new economical gas heat & central air conditioning, rear concrete patio, fenced in back yard. High quality renovation...this house is perfect!

239 W Abbottsford Ave

Philadelphia - Germantown, PA 19144
Price: $149,900


Real Estate

NOW PRICE REDUCED $7,000!!! Just waiting for the right family to make it their own! Rare 4 story detached home in Germantown. Yard with patio, storage shed and off-street parking!Wonderful details abound in this Mid 19th century Gem. Originally built as a parsonage for the Church next door.Front Entrance leads right into formal dining area or Large living room. Small Den or informal dining area looks into the kitchen-there is a space and set up here for a potential pot belly stove! Back yard has a wonderful fish pond and patio. Basement is clean and ready for potential refinishing or as storage. Second floor has a HUGE bathroom with a large jacuzzi and Seperate Shower stall. Two bedrooms on Second floor.The third floor has two bedrooms as well. Front bedrooms on each floor are oversized. Third floor is a dormer bedroom-great for a Child's room or as a large office. Property has excellent hardwood floors throughout and all systems are well maintained

6116 Morton St

Philadelphia - Germantown, PA 19144
Price: $133,000

[sleek]

and hey if you can spring higher here are couple cute places:

good safe area of west mt airy:

Real Estate

346 W Durham St

Philadelphia - Mt Airy (West), PA 19119
Price: $219,900


highly desired one way block in the heart of West Mount Airy. This VERY well maintained home shows pride of ownership. Features include: open front porch, hardwood floors, formal living rm with fireplace, formal dining rm, updated kitchen, hall bath with original subway tiles, 3 bedrooms, garage and front yard or garden. Newer roof. Conveniently located and within walking distance to an array of wonderful shops, restaurants and public transportation.


Real Estate

5726 McMahon St

Philadelphia - Germantown (East), PA 19144
Price: $195,000

This home is where old world meets new charm.This 3 story twin has been lovingly redone with todays style.It has 5 bedrooms,a full bath on 2nd & 3rd floors & is worth owning.Enter this home thru the new full view screen door & new entry door into the livingroom that offers a ceiling fan for summer comfort,a cozy fireplace and recessed lights for added ambience.New items include the roof,gutters & downspouts,all windows,all interior doors replaced with six panel doors with french handles,new exterior doors,all light fixtures & ceiling fans,new carpet thruout,new sinks,tubs,toilets,plumbing and ceramic tile in bathrooms,kitchen has new stove,cabinetry,counters,tile floor,microwave & fixtures,new hot water heater & newer house heater in basement,finished basement with recessed lights,new 1/2 bath,washer & dryer.house has been completely painted inside & out.outside features a front porch & nice size back yard,back shed newly sided.Please come see & show & sell

[hanoka]

thank you Sleek for taking the time to post all the info. it is very much appreciated