Anyone familiar with the area around 18th-20th...Federal, Ellsworth, small streets in between? The construction is booming in this area and we are considering to purchase a home in the area. There are condos supposedly going up at 20th near Ellsworth too. Anyone have any thoughts or advice to give?

I would stay away from this area. I don't think it is very safe. It is too far south to be considered Graduate hospital.

Have you driven around this area?

We're on the other side of Ellsworth, but I see the development going on.
Gorgeous building down the entire street over there. You'll probably get
a mixed bag of responses about safety.

we did take a drive around the area both at night and during the day- many of the smaller side streets show a diverse neighborhood and there are so many very nice rehabs selling and going up. I can't imagine that many people are investing in the area if it is deteriorating.

There are a few posters who live in that area. Hopefully they will chime in. The first few streets south of Washington--Ellsworth, Federal, etc. particularly east of 19th are definitely improving. I was through there the other day and was impressed. Lots of rehabbing going on, the streets were relatively clean, it was quiet, etc. I'm not sure I would be comfortable living there yet, but there are definitely huge signs of progress.

I don't know how much time you're giving yourself to find a place, but I think it's a really good idea to check these streets out during late spring/summer and see if you feel comfortable. Things tend to be quiet in the winter and it can be hard to get a real feel for the area.

__________________
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I've lived on the 1700 block of Federal for almost 2 years, and it's improved a lot even over that stretch of time. I've never regretted the decision to move here, and as a young homeowner I couldn't afford a house otherwise.

I walk to and from work, often after dark, and have never feared for my safety. I've developed paths I'm comforable with taking though, and I don't deviate from them. If I'm going somewhere I walk straight east toward the subway at Broad or straight north toward Center City.

My particular block has a lot of retired people who don't drive, so parking is a breeze. Many have lived there for generations, and that lends a certain stability to any street. I've found my neighbors to be very welcoming.

The area is certainly not without its troubles, but it's worth considering. Federal and Ellsworth from Broad to 17th are undergoing some serious changes. Nearly all the previously vacant lots have houses being built on them (albeit a Universal project, but still...) I have to believe once the construction is done and people start moving in things will be improving that much faster.

As the northern tip of Point Breeze goes, I think you're better off toward Broad. The houses on Ellsworth between Broad and 17th are grand old 3 stories, much like you'll find on Christian St. Annin Street between 16th and 17th currently has 2 houses getting total rehabs, including 3rd story additions. It was a nice block before but it will be even that much better now.

The area is definitely not in decline of any sort. I'd look at it as a ground floor opportunity, like those people who pioneered "South of South" 8 or 9 years ago.

What do you know about this project? This is the first I've heard about it.

Hear rumor of condos being built along 20th. but maybe just rumors..I am looking along Annin Street. Any thoughts?

Any particular block? As with anywhere in Philadelphia things can change from one block to the next. Like I said before, the 1600 block is nice....tree-lined, mostly well maintained houses, and major rehab going on.

What do you think about the 1900 block?