Posting this for a friend:

http://www.rebarmedia.com/2533/?s=pb

price: $229,000
address: 2533 Christian St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
Bedrooms: 2
Full Bathrooms: 1
Sq. Ft. (approx.): 1,324

Description: Located in rapidly developing neighborhood, near Toll Brothers' historic Naval Square community development. Open-floor plan with exposed brick and hardwood floors. Large 2 bedroom with ample closet space. minutes from center city. Needs some work but tons of potential.

Features:

• Dining Room
• .03 Acre Lot Area
• Basement
• 2 Floors
• 1088 Sq. Ft. Lot Area (approx)
• Living Room
• Front Patio
• Private Back Patio

http://www.prufoxroach.com/search/se...d693&propNo=60


uh... am I missing something?

Possibly.

I don't see what that link has to do with my post.

Sorry it doesn't have anything to do with it. I got my threads mixed up.

I can vouch that that block is a great area, part of the "Devil's Pocket" or Irish Pocket, with a cafe of the same name. The people who live there are great and make up a really up and coming place that honors its roots also.

You are close to some great neighborhood bars as well, and the public swimming pool that I use (of course for free). There is also walking to South Square grocery store, the Dollar General, the Pathmark and all of those stores in the mall, and to Fitler Square and Center City.

But I would caulk and paint that cornice with seashore grade exterior paint and put the basement windows back in. Then put potted plants and window boxes out there. Putting back the iron fence and taking out the chain link is also recommended. Probably a fence is not strictly necessary, but if iron breaks the budget, try the new no maintenance regular picket fences and gates. Even an arbor over the gate.

The competing houses in the area are pretty nice. Your friend is competing with them for selling. Also, the church at Greater St. Matthew Baptists is planning to build new housing in the empty lots and will put in a daycare in the warehouse by the sandwich shop near Trigen.

Hey there-

I live a half a block from here and can vouch for LJ's recommendation of the neighborhood and the block (great neighbors!), but it is not Gray's Ferry. This area is part of Southwest Center City even though Gray's Ferry Ave. is in close proximity. If your friend calls it Grays Ferry, (s)he's likely to not get as much interest in the house. The area more properly called Gray's Ferry is south and west of your friend's house and is a much rougher neighborhood and a number of folks will see Grays Ferry and not bother to look at the listing.

Hope they sell to someone wonderful 'cause they're gonna be my neighbor!

(and if they have any questions about the 'hood or the block, they can feel free to PM me. I've lived close to the property for 15 years now)

Ann

ahb is right, that area is definately SWCC, IMO. Gray's Ferry Ave. runs through SWCC and Gray's Ferry, so I think people think where ever GF Ave is is where the GF 'hood is. But I think the 'hood was named after the spot where the old ferry pier was located. Just interesting historically. The old river wards are making a comeback on the Schuylkill river.

PS: anyone who is planning to buy that house would do well to talk to the Schuylkill River Development Corporation about their planned delivery of the bikepath south below the South St. bridge to Bartram's Garden and then the airport/Fort Mifflin.

The owner will be on the same page with resale expectations when the bikepath and river front become opened up and available below South St.

Thanks for the responses. I forwarded them on to Lee. Maybe you guys know him. I think he's been there for 10 years. He probably hangs out at Fergies new pub. Calling it Grays Ferry was my fault. I didn't know there was such a thing as SWCC. I've been gone from Philly for a couple years so I'm out of the loop.

That house is definitely in the Pocket. I have not been to that new cafe yet but it's good to see that area finally getting better. It used to be pretty grim.

Somewhat relatedly, Pete Dexter has a book called "God's Pocket" that is kinda sorta about the neighborhood, but mainly just mentions some streets and locations as I recall.

That was a great book.