Are all houses in Philadelphia row houses? (North East, Clark: condo, neighborhoods)

[Will307]

I'm considering moving from "HOTASSLANTA" to another major city somewhere along the east coast or Midwest in maybe another year or so. I've really been looking into Philadelphia as it has a lot to offer for me. But one thing I am concerned about is finding a house. I know Philly is an oooold city so there are a lot of row houses there and I absolutely hate row houses, well for living. I'm from the Midwest and I'm used to freestanding houses all around. I need my house to have space from the next house to breathe, my own front and backyard and driveway. If there are any in Philly which parts of the city are they in and how affordable are they? Are they close to the subway lines? Are near Center City? Thanks.

[MikeNigh]

There are a few detached houses in some great inner neighborhoods like this -

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=phila...15.41,,0,-6.84
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=phila...,,0,-5.26&z=19

However otherwise you'll have to go to the suburbs.

If you like suburban type living it would be best for you to live in the suburbs and near a regional rail line if you need to work in the city. This way you avoid the extra taxes for living in the city. Otherwise if you want the life style of subways, trolleys and being able to walk to everything then you'll have to take a condo or rowhome.

[joephilly]

MikeNigh shared some places in West Philly, near Clark Park, which is pretty close to Center City. A bit further out, sections of North West Philly might also have homes like what you're looking for.

West & East Mount Airy neighborhoods: http://goo.gl/maps/5wVLc
Germantown, especially the Tulpehocken section: http://goo.gl/maps/tMKz1
Chestnut Hill: http://goo.gl/maps/b47Bs
East Falls: http://goo.gl/maps/ZUy7G
All have good access to SEPTA regional rail lines (not the subway), and a mix of row homes, twins, and singles. I'd consider all but Chestnut Hill somewhat affordable neighborhoods, but single homes like these examples demand a premium.

There's also the Andorra section of Roxborough in the North West, but it's not served by rail: http://goo.gl/maps/bg1oB

Over towards the North East sections of the city, there's Bustleton, not served by rail: http://goo.gl/maps/FwI8N and Fox Chase/Burholme which do have a rail line: http://goo.gl/maps/5PmYJ

[RightonWalnut]

Quick response, no. Not every home is a rowhome.

[mancat100]

Most homes are attached - either in full rows or in doubles. Singles exist, but they are a small minority in the city

[MikeNigh]

Originally Posted by Will307

I'm considering moving from "HOTASSLANTA" to another major city somewhere along the east coast or Midwest in maybe another year or so. I've really been looking into Philadelphia as it has a lot to offer for me. But one thing I am concerned about is finding a house. I know Philly is an oooold city so there are a lot of row houses there and I absolutely hate row houses, well for living. I'm from the Midwest and I'm used to freestanding houses all around. I need my house to have space from the next house to breathe, my own front and backyard and driveway. If there are any in Philly which parts of the city are they in and how affordable are they? Are they close to the subway lines? Are near Center City? Thanks.

Any possibility you can elaborate on why you hate row houses? There are certainly very attractive rowhomes which even have backyards / frontyards and / or their own parking space.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by Will307

I'm considering moving from "HOTASSLANTA" to another major city somewhere along the east coast or Midwest in maybe another year or so. I've really been looking into Philadelphia as it has a lot to offer for me. But one thing I am concerned about is finding a house. I know Philly is an oooold city so there are a lot of row houses there and I absolutely hate row houses, well for living. I'm from the Midwest and I'm used to freestanding houses all around. I need my house to have space from the next house to breathe, my own front and backyard and driveway. If there are any in Philly which parts of the city are they in and how affordable are they? Are they close to the subway lines? Are near Center City? Thanks.

I find the rowhomes much more desireable than the SFH's.

What's the attraction to the SFH's? When I look at them, I see a gazillion windows all over the place, on all four sides, which means safety issues.....you also have grass to mow everywhere, which means you lose a couple hours every summer weekend to maintain it.

What are the plusses?

[LHM]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

I find the rowhomes much more desireable than the SFH's.

What's the attraction to the SFH's? When I look at them, I see a gazillion windows all over the place, on all four sides, which means safety issues.....you also have grass to mow everywhere, which means you lose a couple hours every summer weekend to maintain it.

What are the plusses?

I know! Why would anyone ever want windows or grass?

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by LHM

I know! Why would anyone ever want windows or grass?

Windows I can understand, but grass?? Grow something useful!!

Grass is such a waste of soil and the upkeep is a HUGE negative for the environment. Half the time it prevents kids from even playing in the yard. So stupid!


But to answer the OP-there are plenty of singles and twins. Rowhomes are not the majority in some neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill, West Mount Airy, Andorra, Somerton, Overbrook Farms and a few other neighborhoods in The Northeast.

[frankgn87]

Yea you are right! Asphalt and concrete is so much nicer then grass..