I am considering the Gypsy Lane Condos in East Falls as a place to buy a 2 bedroom/2 bath unit. The prices look to be in the 160's for such a unit. Does anyone know anything good or bad about this development. I think this could be a good compromise in that I can get downtown and to the suburbs fairly quickly. I also like the park setting.
Any info about this place is appreciated!

Back in 2001 I looked at several units there before I ended up buying the house I'm living in now. I was very impressed with the way they looked inside. They were deceptive in that they were all unexpectedly quite spacious. The ones I saw all had beautiful hardwood floors and nice, fairly modern kitchens. In general, the building looked to me like it was designed for an upscale market. I hope I'm remembering correctly.

I also remember that there is a guard at the gate, which you have to go thru in order to get into the complex.

Hope this helped.

There isn't too much of a neighborhood around there is there? Is the college much of a problem?

Palvar:
Though I didn't buy a unit at Gypsy Lane Condos, I am right in the same neighborhood. I have NEVER had any problems with the college being right there. In fact, they have done much to beautify the area, which was kinda junky looking about 3-4 yrs. ago.

I'm not sure what you mean when you ask, "There isn't too much of a neighborhood around there is there?" What are you looking for in terms of a neighborhood? Shopping? Schools?

If you mean the people in general..........I tend to be a keep-to-myself type of person, and don't spend any time sitting on the front steps chatting up the neighbors. I do have one neighbor who I've gotten to know a little, and we chat whenever we see each other coming and/or going, but that's about it.

I didn' think the college would cause much of a problem but wasn't sure. As for there "not being much of a neighborhood" I meant that the apartment complex just seems to sit by itself, nothing else around on that side of the road, parkland perhaps?

Though I can see how one would enjoy the escape it provides. I have nothing against the place, just was wondering what it was like.

One thing I will say about the area........it is VERY VERY VERY quiet and peaceful. Most nights in the months when you keep your windows open, you cannot hear a single sound coming from outside. Since it is located somewhat close to the railroad tracks, you will hear an occasional train going by, but I swear to God, after living here for less than a few months, I NEVER even hear the trains go by anymore. It just sort of blends in.

I have really never lived in such a quiet place.

Well, I just moved from renting a one bedroom condo at Gypsy Lane. The good point is that the apartment ( apparently the condos started life as a Korman Suite apartment complex in the '60s) was spacious and there were tennis courts and a swimming pool on the property. It was an easy commute to the expressway or Lincoln Drive. The bad point was that it was boring to see the same boxy red brick buildings with the faux mansard roofs everywhere. There was nowhere to walk except the school house lane path through the Philadelphia University property or the nearby riteaid. The major priority of the residents was security which was a bit stifling. I felt I needed a real neighborhood. Of course I can only speak for myself.

I used to live about two blocks away. I can’t comment on the condos themselves but the surrounding neighborhood is very safe. No problems whatsoever from the college. In fact a good place to pick up some college credits or continuing your education. While there isn’t much within walking distance, being remote, it is ideally placed for walks along the Wissahickon River, Manayunk, Kelly Drive and Ridge Avenue. You can walk to the nearby train station to get into center city.

I lived at Gypsy Lane Condo's from 1986 thru 1993.
Yes...the grounds are beautiful and a getaway from the city but don't let the surroundings take you in.....there are many hidden problems.
For one thing the condo fee is very high and only gets higher every year.
It's like a second mortgage based on your percentage of ownership (how much square footage you own)
The buildings, because of their age, constantly need maintenance which increases the 'long term planning budget' because things were let go for so long.
Plus many of the interiors have not been updated and remain in a 'time-warp' so to speak.
I certainly hope they have a better guard service now...most were asleep in the guardhouse late night. When I was there they put up 'razor ribbon' on top of the fencing surrounding the property because they were several car break-ins.
The heating and cooling are all electric which can be very costly....
Gypsy Lane buys electric from PECO in bulk for a reduced rate per kilowatt hour and then ditributes and bills it out according to your usage.
The complex has an Owners Association (council) that can be nothing more than a thinly veiled 'gestapo' who treated many residents as subordinates.....
need I say more??
If you are set on Gypsy Lane go for a third floor this way when someones washing machine hose breaks you won't get flooded.
I think there are newer and nicer condos in the area to consider such as a townhouse community or a newer condominium with features that people want now ie; higher ceilings/and/or vaulted, granite & stainless kitchens etc...etc...
Gypsy Lane can be a potential 'money pit'.

Well I lived in Gypsy Lane Condos and the good news is that the nearby Lincoln Drive and the Expressway take you anywhere very efficiently. The bad news is that y ou cannot walk on the adjacent Lincoln or Kelly Drives because they are motor vehicles only. You have to drive to them. Walking on the property must be like walking on an army base or a retirement village. Every place is the same by design. You can't plant a flower without the Association's permission. I found everyone pretty nice--well almost everyone--every owner has equal power so a crazy will be heard for awhile. .The management is very sane but they are the employees of the owners. Everyone raved about the safety of the place and it was safe if y ou like to be surrounded by razor wire. Also, each improvement costs money. In addition to your mortgage there is a $300 and up condo fee that made me wonder why people can't sweep their own hallways.