Is it possible in this market?

I know most small homes have gone from $50K to $200K in the past couple decades.

Looking for suggestions on affordable homes that don't list "crack house" on their resume.

Thanks.

The houses up here in the lower Northeast, while at seemingly crazy prices, are still under $150K.

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"Things are starting to get interesting right about now"

All comments made by me on his board are given freely and probably worth what you paid for them.

Try Port Richmond or maybe South Philly as well.

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

I'd recommend looking at duplexes in the Wynnefield Heights section near City Ave. Most of them cost in the 190k-210K with each having two units. The neighborhood is very quiet and sits basically in Fairmount Park. Also there are two nearby buses that would get you into Center City quickly. Most of the duplexes are on streets like Crasnton Rd, lankenau Rd. Many of the renters are a mix of medical students from PCOM, St Joes students, people with small children and senior citizens. Most rents are in the $750 to $850 range.

Also, the regular townhouses in the neighborhood sell in the mid 150's and are about 45 years old with garages and most have central air/heat.

Those duplex homes behind the hospital/TV stations sold for $120k less than 2 years ago. Now, as with most duplexes close to CC, they barely make money at asking price. There are some crime issues that never make it to the news or paper in that area also. My cousin has lived there for the last 3 years (for school), and the crime has been consistently getting worse. He isnt exactly the guy you would want to meet in a dark alley, but his truck has been broken into 2 times and his apt was broken into once when he was sleeping! Fortunately, he was able to disable the robber and hold him for the cops. The med students are prime targets.

I think NE Philly duplexes are the way to go.

I think crime is a growing problem in every section of the city. I've lived in Wynnefield Heights for the past 7 years. I heard that about 15 years back that break ins were really out of control, but it's much better than it used to be. In Philly it's sort of like picking your poison. Personal crime or property crime. I've never had any problems in the past 7 years, yet the neighborhood newsletter has reported that a burglary ring has targeted the area with 3 recent breakins. Most of the crime in the area used to involve car thefts at the hotels in the area, but that seems to have gotten under control. If you look at ritzier neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill or Mt Airy, property crime is an alarming issue. Yet for some reason, nearby Roxborough actually has a lower crime rate than many of the surrounding suburbs. I read that it could be because of the layout of the streets makes it difficult for thieves to be very active.

I've seen plenty of houses in Whitman and Pennsport listed at and above $200k. Yikes!

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Philadelphia Metblogs | Potterdelphia

I live in south Philadelphia between Oregon & Packer area. The houses in this area have sky rocketed in the past year. I don't care if it is a shack, people are scooping them up and putting 50 G's into them. I never saw it like this. The new home build blocks from me in the Packer Park area start at 250,000.00. It is incrediable. But I have to say I love it! I love my neighborhood. I love the closness of my neighbors, the convenience to go back and forth to work, the fun at New Years & all the great restaurants :clapping: . I think housing has gone up everywhere, but if you can find a house down here, go for it. You will love this area!! :razz:

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South Philly is the best!
Silvia

yes, you can still get a house for that price. probably even in a decent neighborhood but it make take some research.