would like to purchase in philly moving from low crime city NYC (Darby: middle-class, apartment)

[hanoka]

I would like to purchase a house in Pennsylvania,I have considered philly but have been advised that crime is very high. I would like to live in a racially diverse area, how is west german town, I dont think I can afford Mt.Airy. What area in Montgomery county are good.

[rainrock]

How big of a house are you looking for? A new house or previously owned? What price range are you looking for?

[hanoka]

I have done some research, maybe anywhere from 80k-150k, I dont mind if I find something in a decent neighborhood that may need some work. I like victorians, or Brownstone, definately an older house with some character.

[FindingZen]

Granted Philly is a lot cheaper than NYC... but even here $80-150K won't get you very far if you're looking for a safe and/or convenient location.

Crime is a very popular topic on this forum. Although some would debate this, the general consensus is that it primarily occurs in poorer neighborhoods between people who know each other. Beyond that, it's probably not much different from pre-Giuliani NYC.

There are few if any Germans in Germantown these days. It's a majority black neighborhood with housing stock similar to Mt Airy. Some homes could use some TLC but if you're comfortable in that environment, you may be able to get a good deal.

For diversity within the city, Mt. Airy and University City are really your best bets. However UC, being just across the river from Center City (downtown), is even more expensive than Mt. Airy.

For a $150K home, your best bet might be Upper Darby, a primarily working-class suburb just beyond the western border of the city in Delaware County. It's not glamourous but it has convenient transit connections via bus and light rail to the Blue Line El(evated) train that goes into the city. The flipside is that your property taxes may be high in order to support the kinda okay school district. The community is diverse. Street wisdom is useful within a half-mile or so of the 69th Street transportation center after dark.

[newmarlig]

You won't get a lot. You should check craigslist. There are a few on there in your price range. Just post the location and somebody(ies) will let you know if it's ok.

[dorado0359]

I do not mean to sound harsh or offend you in any way, but for $80-$150K you will not find a Brownstone or Victorian anywhere in the state.

However, on-the-other-hand, if you are willing to rent an apartment or townhouse, I think you can get exactly what you are looking for. You can probably rent a brownstone for that price near the University of Pennsylvania or Drexel University. Plus, these areas will give you the diversity that you are looking for since they are in close proximity to the Universities.

[Khmer]

Millbourne, which is just next to Upper Darby, is a very diverse area. It's a very small borough .. only about 8 blocks, 4 of which have larger old twin houses.

The street I live on is like the U.N. ... Korean, Filipino, African & African-American, Bangladeshi, Indian, Greek, Cambodian, Chinese, Vietnamese ... I'm sure I missed someone.

Houses are in the $120-$180 price range.

[FindingZen]

I agree Khmer, Millbourne is definitely like the United Nations. It's a neat little area that's affordable and convenient.

I guess I tended to group Millbourne in with Upper Darby but I now remember that it's actually its own distinct area.

Originally Posted by Khmer

Millbourne, which is just next to Upper Darby, is a very diverse area. It's a very small borough .. only about 8 blocks, 4 of which have larger old twin houses.

The street I live on is like the U.N. ... Korean, Filipino, African & African-American, Bangladeshi, Indian, Greek, Cambodian, Chinese, Vietnamese ... I'm sure I missed someone.

Houses are in the $120-$180 price range.

[YoungEntrepreneur888]

i would go farther than upper darby if you have the commute-ability and the dollars.. look to media or glenside... i used to live in philly and i ain't movin' back too much of everything - random or not

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by YoungEntrepreneur888

i would go farther than upper darby if you have the commute-ability and the dollars.. look to media or glenside... i used to live in philly and i ain't movin' back too much of everything - random or not

The OP stated a budget of $80-150K to buy a home. That would be impossible in Media or Glenside let alone virtually all middle-class communities in the metro.