Hi,

I'm new to Philly although have been reading interesting posts here for months. We're looking to buy, and right now am interested in two nice places in different areas. Of course the Society Hill place is smaller and less "fabulous", but I'm unsure about what actual life in Grad Hospital is like. We're a (mixed Asian) couple with a baby on the way, and two small dogs (the kind who bark at big dogs but can't back it up!). I would love to walk home at night after work (10 pm), alone if need be. Seems like a no-brainer that Society Hill is a safer area, but GH is closer to work (Kimmel Center), and the house is great. Also, the investment potential is a consideration. OTOH, I used to live in Baltimore, on a block that was very close to alot of drug activity and crime, but was safe enough because I knew all my neighbors. I'm not sure I want to do exactly that again, feeling like I was trapped on one block at night.

I've been reading about drug activity at 16th and Catharine, etc. Does that affect three blocks away? Are there off leash big dogs roaming around, looking to fight? Are there young kids who get kicks out of teasing or scaring women walking alone? Please advise...

Thanks

If I were you I would go with 18th and Pemberton. Although there are some areas of Graduate Hospital that could be defined as sketchy, that block is already completely gentrified. It's a fabulous location.

Go with Society Hill especially if you want to steer clear of any drug activity.

It's nice being so close to work, but I second Society Hill. It does depend on how much smaller the place is, though. All things equal, Society Hill.

Soc Hil, is by far the better area. However, unless you are buying super cheap (unlikely) you will see average appreciation. That part of the grad hospital area is quite nice, and I would assume it will continue to appreciate nicely. Probably at a more aggressive rate than anything in Soc Hill. Your walk to Kimmel from 18&Pemb. is also fine.

What are you getting for your $ in each area? Price/sqft/etc. That will help us more.

when i was thinking about buying in my neighborhood, i would visit at all hours of the day and night to get a feel. you should do that. walk your dog, scope the area out with your significant other. i happen to like your street a lot. i had similar considerations when i considered moving, but i opted for gh and have been happy. but i didn't have a child on the way; i'm sure that changes things.

__________________
SWCC/Graduate Hospital

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. " - Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Agreed. It's hard to know without that info. I love the area around 7th and Pine. You will be close to two great playgrounds where you'll meet lots of other parents. Seger Park has both a playground and a dog run. It's as safe as you can be in the city. You'll be on the border of Wash West and Society Hill - two great urban neighborhoods.

By my count, both locations are 8 blocks to the Kimmel, so distance shouldn't be a factor.

But having a baby and 2 dogs means you will need space. How many more sq. ft. would you get in GH?

With a baby on the way, another consideration is the school catchment you're buying into. 7th & Pine is, I believe, in the catchment of the McCall school (actually very close - just right around the corner), which is a pretty good public elementary school.

What catchment is 18th & Pemberton in?

18th & Pemberton is virtually Rittenhouse. I hardly consider that location as sketchy as other areas of GH. This is a hard call on your part.

I used to live on the 600 block of Pine.

The 700 Block has a differnt feel (less trees, bigger homes and the "hospital" fake homes on the North side of the block on the West end.)

Its consdered Society Hill but it feels more like Washington West.

Its pretty safe, but kinda empty at night. Yer close to Washington Square park - an up and coming area (aka IMHO its the next Rittenhouse).

Walking from the Kimmel center is a bit of a hike - and takes you through some sections of the "Gayborhood" that have had some complaints here on this blog (I dunno since Im not there at night) - night being oh after 10pm.

Big plus or minus is that you are close to the hospital. Not much "bad stuff" goes down there due to Hospial Security presence in the area. There almost always a "cop" standing at the hospital entrance on 8th btw Pine and Spruce... Minus is the helicopters at night and the occasional ambulance or fire truck (fire station is at 6th and South).


Pemberton is South of South... Probaly a better "appreciation" potential on the property, but Im just plain not familiar with that area at all.

Id vote 7th and Pine...