Moving to Philly, looking for rowhouse (Oxford, Lincoln: for sale, house, living in)

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Haha, word. I believe it's already happening in Port Richmond and probably Bridesburg too in some ways. I have a newfound appreciation for Oxford Circle though as my co-worker just bought a house there (brand new renovation finished basement, etc. $90,000) and I have been showing her around that area for Months. It is very diverse and accessible and the commercial activity seems intact and convenient. I hope immigrants and others continue to make it something cooler. FKD has more problems but hopefully can turn around as well. The area around FKD Transportation Center would be ultra convenient and a real urban experience for many people.

About a month ago I had business to tend to @Pratt and Frankford. Now, I'm used to these types of neighborhoods and people, but it's not an "experience" I much care for ... this was 10:30 a.m. and it was still "raw." There's nothing charming or cool about Bridge and Pratt, and I'm not sure if it's the type of "urban experience" many people are seeking.

[Clark Park]

I'll chime in. University City has a lot of young people, not just students and grad students, but young professionals and younger transplants who work at CHOP, HUP, Drexel, UPenn, etc. Its a great neighborhood that's lively, vibrant, with nightlife, and good shopping. It's safer than most of the other neighborhoods mentioned - not to suggest the other places are dangerous or "war zones" - but safer nonetheless. A little pricier than the other areas discussed, but we have well maintained Victorian rowhouses, along with the large "Twins" and single mansion-sized houses.

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by phillyrichb

So far it seems like Frankford and Kensington have attractive housing but aren't safe. What is Germantown like? I really like a working class community because I was raised in one myself and it just feels genuine to me. Are there any questions anyone has to help me with my search?
Thanks,
Rich

Yeah. Do you need racial diversity or would you rather be with people of a similar ethnicity?

[phillyrichb]

I really don't care about the racial composition of somewhere. I'm white and I wouldn't want to be the only white person in the neighborhood but I think that I would be fine in most neighborhoods.

[pman]

temple hospital isnt on regional rail. the closest stop is north philly. its between the allegheny and erie stations on the bsl. one could transfer at north broad though.

[alphamale]

Originally Posted by phillyrichb

I'm 26 years old. I just graduated from my masters program. I'm moving in June I'm from the Chicago area, specifically in Bridgeport. I'm moving for my job at Temple Hospital. I'll be working at Temple University Hospital which seems to be on the North side. I want to buy and my top is $225,000. I want a house that is a walk up. I have seen neighborhoods like Kensington, Frankford, Port Richmond, and Bridesburg that seem to have a nice housing stock. I'm single and don't have children. If I did they would go to private schools. I don't have pets and don't need a large yard. I will keep a car and I want a neighborhood that is a real community of working class people. I really like the rowhouse architecture. I think that it seems like such an efficient way to live. Oh, and Coke.
Thanks,
Rich

Welcome to Philly!

[james777]

Do you have a maximum time for a commute?

I recommend two areas:

1) Far south Philly, several blocks north and south of Oregon Avenue. There are lots and lots of rowhouses, mostly working class communities, and plenty of stores, conveniences, and parks everywhere. It sounds far, but it is no further than Manayunk, East falls, or the suburbs. Your commute would be easy, just take the Broad Street subway as it is a straight shot north, and the area is a lot safer than many others recommended so far.

2) The area of Northeast Philly around Torresdale Avenue, from Harbison or Robbins up to Cottman or Rhawn. Lots of red brick row homes built in the 1950s on scenic tree lined streets. I always liked the area and it was always very safe, but I don't know what it is like now. Your commute would be a little more complicated as you would have to change among bus and rail lines.

[Larry Bowa]

Originally Posted by james777

Do you have a maximum time for a commute?

I recommend two areas:

1) Far south Philly, several blocks north and south of Oregon Avenue. There are lots and lots of rowhouses, mostly working class communities, and plenty of stores, conveniences, and parks everywhere. It sounds far, but it is no further than Manayunk, East falls, or the suburbs. Your commute would be easy, just take the Broad Street subway as it is a straight shot north, and the area is a lot safer than many others recommended so far.

2) The area of Northeast Philly around Torresdale Avenue, from Harbison or Robbins up to Cottman or Rhawn. Lots of red brick row homes built in the 1950s on scenic tree lined streets. I always liked the area and it was always very safe, but I don't know what it is like now. Your commute would be a little more complicated as you would have to change among bus and rail lines.

That area of NE Philly has changed for the worse.

[Gcs15]

I am 25 and just bought a house for around $200,000 in Manayunk. It is 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, and 2200 sq ft. Only four blocks to Main St and a five min walk to the train. The train takes you to Temple and is only a 10-15 min ride at most. The area fits what you are talking about and is only mins from the main line which has awesome private schools if you decide on kids.

[Larry Bowa]

Did the op even say he's going to use public transportation to get to work? He says he has a car ...