I am looking at a great row house in an area that seems to be a bit of a risk - Swain St btwn 15th/ridge ave.
I am new to the city and have explored around in fairmount/art museum area frequently. Although this is address is outside of where things are happening it is a short distance to some really great properties and areas. I am a single woman in my early 30's. The st seems to be quitet compared to some other streets beyond 20th. It is one block N of fairmount and 3 blocks to many luxuary townhouses south of fairmount - still a big risk??

That's pretty fringey, I would say. If you're not used to urban living, you might want to look elsewhere for the near term. Others may have different opinions, though.

it really depends on how long you are willing to wait till it's not "fringey" anymore. personally, this is one of the areas in which i will look for a house when my financial situation improves.
1. it's locational value is thru the roof (so close to center city)
2. right on the broad st. line
3. redevelopment is creeping it's way north
4. and there's talk of the redevelopment of the divine lorraine.

i think the redev. of the divine lorraine is the x-factor in this area. once that gets going you're going to see a lot of investment follow. when that will happen is anyone's guess.

Thank you for the input - with so much gentrification going on in so many areas of the city I felt hopeful that this perfect house would soon be in "not" such a fringey area. The block itself is quiet I have been traveling there in the evenings and spending some time just observing the neighborhood.

Any other opinions are welcome - big decision for a new comer to the area.

Looks like that particular block isn't bad.

http://www.realcities.com/multimedia...oot/index.html

I'd be careful, though. Have you talked to any of the neighbors yet? I'd definitely do that... don't start out saying you're thinking about moving there and get a feel for friendliness. Then ask about the area and say you're thinking about moving there. See what they say.

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if it's a great rowhouse and you're comfortable w/ the neighborhood, then i say do it. you'll probably see some significant improvement there over the next 10 years if you're going to be there for that long.

the area around spring garden is improving now but it's def a risk. if the DL doesn't get renovated it will cast a long shadow. Does anyone know how Lofts 640 are renting (near broad and fairmount)?

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The DL was just re-purchased and is a go by a reputable developer.

excellent! i def'ly want to buy that area now.

maybe I will too. I always hoped it woudl see a turn.

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