Interracial couple seeks safe south Philly neighborhood (Philadelphia, Washington: renting, home)

[starspangledleaf]

Hey everyone,

My husband and I are currently looking to buy our first place (right now we are renting in Chinatown). Philadelphia's neighborhoods seem to be ever-changing and we're trying to find a neighborhood that could suit us and our budget of $240,000.

Our main concern is safety. I know nothing really of Philly south of Washington St. (particularly east of Broad) and am looking for some advice. Here's the thing: I'm white, my husband is black and so we obviously want some place where that won't be an issue. My only experience with south Philly was was about 10 years ago where we were not so well-received walking through at night and caused a bit of a ruckus...but I know Philly has changed a lot since then.

So, any advice on where an interracial couple in their late 20's would feel comfortable in South Philly?

[jazzy jeff]

As a center city resident I feel that the South Philly neighborhood that comes closest to CC is the East Passyunk district as far as diversity is concerned. But I think there are other areas that you would feel safe in as well, such as Pennsport.

[starspangledleaf]

Thanks Jeff! I was wondering about Pennsport.

[jazzy jeff]

Originally Posted by starspangledleaf

Thanks Jeff! I was wondering about Pennsport.

2nd and 3rd St just south of Washington Ave is quickly becoming a young professional (Yuppie) neighborhood. The home prices may be higher then what you are looking for though.

[cattusbabe]

I am also inter-racially married, black women/white husband. IRR couples of all types are very common in Philadelphia so I really doubt that you would have problems anywhere you decide to move. The neighborhoods that could be a problem would more than likely not be on your radar screen for other reasons not having to do with your IRR.

We are an older couple and we live in East Oak Lane. There are A LOT of IRR couples here. On my block alone my husband and I are one of IR three couples. Quite frankly it is that way here and through out most of the Northwest section of Philly. The vibe up here is more "married with children" however so that may not work for a young married couple. That said Center City and the like is easy to get to.

[Mimidae]

Originally Posted by cattusbabe

I am also inter-racially married, black women/white husband. IRR couples of all types are very common in Philadelphia so I really doubt that you would have problems anywhere you decide to move. The neighborhoods that could be a problem would more than likely not be on your radar screen for other reasons not having to do with your IRR.

I'd agree, except OP says that only ten years ago, she and her then-boyfriend were walking through a part of South Philly and got harrassed. Which is disappointing to hear, but given that, I can understand why she's asking it now.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by starspangledleaf

My only experience with south Philly was was about 10 years ago where we were not so well-received walking through at night and caused a bit of a ruckus...but I know Philly has changed a lot since then.

Maybe I'm an old fart, but 10 years doesn't sound like a long time for a neighborhood to change dramatically. I know you're in your late 20s, so 10 years seems like a lot to you, but I would be surprised to see significant change in a neighborhood in that amount of time.

What area were you in where you had a problem?

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[starspangledleaf]

Hey Cattusbabe,
I have heard good things about the Northwest for interracial couples, such as Mt. Airy, but it is a bit too far from CC for us. We don't own a car so prefer areas that are closer to CC and easily bikeable/walkable/short bus ride. I think all of South Philly would be close enough for us in that regard.

JacksonPanther,
When we had our 'incident' I was not familiar with Philadelphia as I was here specifically visiting the boyfriend so hadn't figured out the lay of the land. I know we were waiting on a bus to transfer to, from the Target store in South Philly when it happened though, so I am assuming Pennsport?

[rotodome]

My gf and I got harrassed 8 years ago right in Center City. These things happen.
It was still a good place to live overall.

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by starspangledleaf

Hey Cattusbabe,
I have heard good things about the Northwest for interracial couples, such as Mt. Airy, but it is a bit too far from CC for us. We don't own a car so prefer areas that are closer to CC and easily bikeable/walkable/short bus ride. I think all of South Philly would be close enough for us in that regard.

JacksonPanther,
When we had our 'incident' I was not familiar with Philadelphia as I was here specifically visiting the boyfriend so hadn't figured out the lay of the land. I know we were waiting on a bus to transfer to, from the Target store in South Philly when it happened though, so I am assuming Pennsport?

What race were the troublemakers?