|
|
05-19-2007, 09:01 PM
|
||||
|
||||
Drexel Law Student considering move onto 52 & Walnut...questions...
Hey Everyone. I am glad to find this excellent resource in helping me find out more about the place I want to move.
I looking for some advice at this point. I am a first year Drexel law student looking to purchase a house. My favorite property so far has been on 5200 block of Walnut. This is how it is- I am lily white. Although I lived in Pittsburgh for two years and finished up my schooling career at Temple, I am not used to living in the city. I really am looking forward to moving to the city, and I see 52nd as being a potential place for intense revitalization over the next several years- especially with Street out and Septa's reconstruction finishing in the next year or so ::crossing fingers:: I plan to be in school at least another 3-4 years, then working for several years thereafter, and I can see this time as being a great time to get into the area. Now, my concerns. I will stick out like a sore thumb. I am not a city guy ::yet::. I have heard that the particular block where I want to move has a great neighborhood feel from the current owner of the house. My girlfriend and my brother, who both attend Temple, will be living with me. We'd take the El to get the school. How bad is the station at 52nd and Market, really? What time of the night is bad to be anywhere near there? Would a normal guy be able to pass through unmolested? Well, that's the beginning of my questions. My coworkers in Norristown think I am insane to consider moving down to the block, as does my family. I see it as a great opportunity, potentially. I appreciate any help and advice you all can give to me, as I am totally clueless about Philadelphia nowadays. Last edited by Luftvier : 05-19-2007 at 11:08 PM. 
|
|
05-19-2007, 09:21 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
If you are truly, truly uncomfortable in poorer black areas 52nd and Walnut is probably not the best choice for you. Further south of Market is not so bad but north of Walnut and particularly north of Market it gets a little rough particularly late at night. One particular nuisance bar on 52nd has gotten a lot of press as being the origin of a lot of fights that spill out into the immediate area as gunfights. I think the Daily News ran some slightly over the top headlines labelling 52nd "Murder St." or something to that effect. Also smaller streets even in rougher areas can have more of a "family" feel whereas really busy corners like that typically attract a lot of street people you probably will not enjoy dealing with on a daily basis.
For the record, I live west of 50th myself but I would not reccomend that area for folks uncomfortable in urban situations.
__________________
Barack Obama on security, Iraq and Afghanistan. We need a Commander in Chief who knows the differences between Shii'a and Sunni.
|
|
05-19-2007, 09:29 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
The El ride during normal commute hours will not be a major issue but living on that corner late at night might be. Again smaller streets even further west particularly further south and east might be a much better option for you if you like West Philly.
__________________
Barack Obama on security, Iraq and Afghanistan. We need a Commander in Chief who knows the differences between Shii'a and Sunni.
|
| Advertisement | |||
|
|
05-20-2007, 10:43 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Count me in with your coworkers from Norristown and your family.
I personally would not move there or advise anyone to move there due to random violence. Not a good move imo. http://www.philly.com/dailynews/loca..._shooting.html
|
|
05-20-2007, 10:52 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
From an investment standpoint, it might be a good move. But you mention you are not used to living in a city. That right there sends off some warning signals. I have a feeling you might be really uncomfortable.
But if you go into this move with the right attitude, perhaps you will be for the better. Treat your neighbors with respect, and expect random crap to happen.
|
|
05-21-2007, 01:07 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
HELL NO. Do not move past 48th St.
Stay as close to PENN or Drexel as possible. Those 4 blocks make a world of difference.
|
|
05-21-2007, 07:32 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
but I'll admit that I'm just repeating what I'm heard -- I very rarely have reason to go west of 50th so I don't know firsthand.
|
|
05-21-2007, 07:57 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
The last thing you want is your girlfriend walking down 52nd street from the El at night. I doubt you will make any kind of killing on Real estate that far West...it is just too far away from Penn and Center City to be very desirable. Plus the crime situation is out of hand...Location, location, location.
Quote:
|
|
05-21-2007, 08:15 PM
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
If you're looking for something affordable that will build some equity over the years, I'd look in the Black Oak/Malcolm X Park area, since my impression is that it's a pretty decent, close knit neighborhood, even though it can be a bit rough around the edges at times. You might also look up in Mantua, on or just North of Spring Garden (it's still pretty hit-or-miss up there, but I hear it's slowly improving -- I.e. less gunfire at night). Even parts of West Powelton (Saunders Park to 42nd, Market to Haverford) might be within your range, especially if you're willing to do some fixing-up.
__________________
Your representatives on Philadelphia's City Council are at odds with our new mayor over whether many reforms he has proposed should become law. Please write to them and tell them what your priorities are. Indict State Senator Vince Fumo into The Crooked Pol Hall of Fame.
|
 |
| Thread Tools | |
|
|
