Any down-to-earth, laid back, friendly (and by friendly I dont mean a pick up joint) bars to go to where u can listen to good (possibly live) music and drink a good beer?? Any feedback would be awesome! thanks!

I find that the best laid back bars are actually off of Main street. Try Union Jacks, Old Eagle Tavern or Dawson Street Pub (which has live music).

I love Union Jack's - best & friendliest bartenders...and a good beer selection. I would like Dawson's even more if it wasn't so packed every time I went, though I do really like it there.

Farley's on Leverington is pretty chill & gets live music as well...plus there is free parking in the back & a pool table.

I love the dive bars in our hood - I like Spanky's too, on Umbria. No live music but a good jukebox and cheap drinks.

Hi, my husband and I have been living in Philly center city for 5 years, and we are now looking into buying a house. We now have a daughter - and now looking for a house with a backyard. Could you let me know where to look for - what streets are great, which ones are n ot so great (if any )
Would like a home around $200'000 ... any suggestions?
Thanks!

Wow...that was a negative post regarding Rochelle Ave. I was raised on the street and am now back as a homeowner. I think its an amazing community of neighbors, and with the exception of 2 or 3 houses, the homes are very well cared for.

To say that you rented the home to spanish people and that they 'will fit right in' seemed like a really negative racist thing to say after stating that the street is going 'downhill'. Good riddance to people like you-we don't need people like you in this neighborhood.

Enjoy gazing at ugly Ohio. Ohhh, so jealous. I love Philly, and love Rochelle Ave.

I live on rochelle and I don't LOVE it all the time...I can't keep tenents because often they don't want to deal with certain elements on my block. It isn't bad though, it isn't always great but it could be worse.

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We found that the section of Roxborough where I live (the Valley Twin section) has the most house and yard bang for the buck. It's the section between Ridge and Henry, from Wigard on the North to Livezey on the south. Just drive up Ridge to Domino Lane (the CVS) and make a right. Dumps you right in the middle of it. LOTS of families, very friendly, walking distance to Wissahickon park, 5 min drive from Ivy Ridge Station.

They're not very attractive on the outside, kinda boxy brick things, but they all have garages and driveways, moderate to large yards and about 1/2 of them have central air. The two story ones are about 1900 sq ft if you include the finished basement, at least 1.5 baths and 3 or 4 bedrooms. The one story ones are about 1100 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, but they're kinda small for families. Both sizes seem to go for about $230K - $250K listing price. With the recent slowdown in the market, you can probably get one for about $210 - $220.

The development was built on the site of an old golf course in the early to mid 1960's and a lot of them are still owned by the original owners who are now starting to move out or die off, so there seems to always be a number of them available. We found that some need some serious upgrading in the decor department, and a few had some settling issues which you could see from the outside, but we've been very happy with ours compared to everything else we looked at in Roxborough for under $250K

I would suggest looking in the Roxborough area between Manayunk Ave and Ridge Ave from Green Lane to Shurs Lane. You are in easy walking distance to Main Street and Ridge Ave. The number 9 bus takes right to Center City or an easy walk to the train. Tons of houses with character that can still be had for a good price - especially if you aren't afraid of some light restoration work. Some have driveways and many have good sized backyards. It isn't perfect but there has been alot of work put into many of the houses in this area and more people are making an effort to improve the quality. And you will find many other center city transplants.

I just bought a place off of Ridge on Vassar. It's a relatively quiet street, probably half renters, half residents. Parking hasn't been terrible, and I moved in in Feb before we had the first big snowfall. The convenience of having the train station almost next door can't be underestimated. And there are three bus lines that will take you to the area. Since I've moved, I rarely drive. Prices for houses in the area aren't bad either.

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The stretch btwn. Green and Shurs/Walnut on the other side of Ridge (btwn. Ridge and Henry) has the same set of benefits, and is so narrow that you're only going to be a block or two farther from Main. It's great because within that area on both sides of Ridge you really can walk to almost anything you need. Even if I try to trade up to a better house someday (parking would be nice) I am going to try to stay within two-three blocks of Ridge and within that general area; I'd look as far out as Markle and Hermitage, I think, if I were to expand on your boundaries a bit. That stretch between Green and Leverington has lots of good stores and takeout places, plus a coffeeshop. This section of Roxborough (with Wissahickon running just behind, I'd guess, since they have good train access) is definitely seeing more transplants from Center City who are ready to own and cannot afford CC; this is a good option that doesn't force you into the burbs or into a high crime/transitional area. It's a great neighborhood, and very liveable. It's a better choice than Manayunk if you're over 25 and don't want to be right by the bars.