Considering moving to the neighborhood...

[Rain]

Hi all~
I'm new to the Philly area and am considering moving to Brewerytown (specifically the West Girard neighborhood between 26th and 32nd, between Poplar and Master). I've heard a lot of different things (good and bad) about the neighborhood and would like to hear from the people who live there:
Is it safe? Could a woman safely walk alone through the neighborhood early in the morning or late at night? I've had a few people tell me that I should not even consider the Girard area, and especially not anything north of Girard.
How much gang activity is there in the area? Drug activity?
What do you think about the new developments? Do you think they are likely to last or have a significant impression on the area?
Is there any clash between long-time residents and newer residents?
Is there any sort of racial tension?
It seems to me that there are all sorts of wonderful places in this area, and that Brewerytown has some really unique characteristics. However, I keep getting warned away. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

[Pabst]

That area is a little gloomy at first glance, but you will find most long term residents most welcoming and delighted at your "newness."
Ridge Ave is a delightfull array of shops and eateries and you will be quick to add a few pounds if not careful lol

22nd to 24th and Ridge have many new nice rehabs and apartments

Happy House Hunting !

[gideon]

Hi,

There are some very good things happening here. I've living by 29th & Thompson for nearly three years and I've been pretty much fine. A lot of the old timers are very nice and very welcoming. There are a few who would prefer not to have anything to do with me nor any "newcomers". There is a little bit of racial tension once in a while - just an air of it, nothing really acted upon.

If you are a single woman coming and going early and late, be careful and extremely mindful of your surroundings. But, this goes for anywhere. Don't walk home at 2 am staring down at your phone and get into your home quickly. Most of the time everything is fine and clear but there are times when people are out and looking for what ever they can get. You'll hear the call "'scuse me, may I ask you a question" or "excuse me, you happen to have xxx, would you?" At that time of night and if nobodys around, they tend to be a bit more aggressive about approaching which isn't a good thing.

There is drug activity on a number of the side streets and I wouldn't so much say gang activity as large family groups on Myrtlewood and Hollywood streets plus a number of the other side streets. They tend to keep their issues within their own groups but sometimes fights and shootings do spill out. These things do happen here. On the other hand, seeing people congregating on certain streets doesn't mean they are dealing drugs neither. Its an old neighborhood with a lot of people who grew up with each other and who are tight knit - thats most of what you see.

You need to explore on foot. Walk around and get to know the place.

[love to travel]

Hi I live on one of the side streets mentioned at 29th and Thompson . I'm white and single . I walk to work in town every morning and have never had a problem but I don't walk around at night .There is drug activity but not agressive and frankly they don't bother you . It is senior citizen that r buying the stuff . There r large groups of family members that hang at all night together and make noise . Even the old timer don't like them , but they r friendly . The trash is what I don't like the most but I'm diligent with my broom . And I think it is whereing off ,the street seems cleaner . Good luck with ur house hunting

[JakeL]

Hi all~
I'm new to the Philly area and am considering moving to Brewerytown (specifically the West Girard neighborhood between 26th and 32nd, between Poplar and Master).
It seems to me that there are all sorts of wonderful places in this area, and that Brewerytown has some really unique characteristics. However, I keep getting warned away. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!

Hey Rain! These are great questions! As you can see from the flurry of replies, there are plenty of people in Brewerytown that are willing to help and care about our neighborhood. I'll try to answer all the questions as best as I can.

Is it safe? Could a woman safely walk alone through the neighborhood early in the morning or late at night? I've had a few people tell me that I should not even consider the Girard area, and especially not anything north of Girard.

I still stick to my street smarts, no matter where I am in the city. I usually bike at night rather than walk, and when I walk, I take well lit streets and don't try to cross paths with anyone I don't know.

I have went on plenty of walks at night here and never had an issue, while maintaining those ideas above. I know people who haven't exercised good street smarts in Center City and have had their wallet taken. Criminals have legs and will go to where they perceive the money to be.

How much gang activity is there in the area? Drug activity?

Gang activity, I can't recall any, either through what I've witnessed or talking to my neighbors. Drug activity has decreased significantly over the past several years from what I understand.

What do you think about the new developments? Do you think they are likely to last or have a significant impression on the area?

Not sure exactly which new developments, as there are several, but regarding the Westrum developments, I don't even notice it much, as I am 4 blocks away. I hear that they brought in an increased police presence in 2006 when they were created, which has helped make the area as a whole safer. MMPartners are good guys who have been working within the community to develop Girard Ave as well as rehab houses and create new housing in the neighborhood. Fortunately, there is little tension about development here than say, Point Breeze, where there seems to be a lot more animosity.

Is there any clash between long-time residents and newer residents?

Honestly, in my experience, none at all. My sub-community has one of the strongest home-ownership rates in the area and many of my neighbors have been here 30+ years, including my neighbor who has been here for 50+ years! As someone who cares for my house and wants to participate in the community, my neighbors have been very welcoming.

Is there any sort of racial tension?

The most 'racial tension' that I experience is when I wear my J.Crew preppy shorts with little bicycle 'critters,' a pink polo shirt, and loafers and stroll the neighborhood. Most of the reactions seems to be a "what is that dude wearrring?" sort of thing than anything else. It's kinda fun.

I continue to have great conversations with neighbors about race and always come away encouraged at the opportunity to talk. This would not be something that would happen if I lived in say, Fairmount or Rittenhouse. As someone who lives here, I have been welcomed into my community by my neighbors. When I first moved here, I was struck by how friendly people are and the opportunities for conversation, which never occurred in Fitler Square, where I lived before.

[MM Partners]

We have lots of female tenants who live north of Girard without incident. We would be happy to put you in direct contact with some of them to ask questions. Please PM us if you are interested in talking with one of them.

The neighborhood is pretty quiet nowadays, as a lot of the bad elements have left and the amazing old-timers are still here. Like JakeL says, this is a friendly neighborhood where strangers say a polite hello as they pass on the street. We think it comes from the southern roots of many long time residents.

Additionally, this previous thread is very long with a lot of good information on the same topic: http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...ewerytown.html

[TeddyP27]

We've been in the neighborhood at Brewerytown Square since 2006. It's a great part of town logistically and there are great neighbors when you get to know them. If you have a puppy, bring them to the lot at 32nd and Thompson during the after-work hours and there are usually a few dogs and owners, sniffing and talking and playing. I've "walked the guantlet" along Thompson from 31st to 29th to catch the 48 bus in the AM and PM and as long as you stay alert and attentive you're fine. Rita's and Mugshots are decent places on Girard and visit the farm stand on Saturdays in the summer at 27th and Girard.

[raider.adam]

Probably the best way to sum it up is that you need to treat it as a poor urban neighborhood in transition. Be smart and be aware and you will be ok.

[Rain]

Thanks all! I appreciate all of your help!

[chudclay]

Hi,

There are some very good things happening here. I've living by 29th & Thompson for nearly three years and I've been pretty much fine. A lot of the old timers are very nice and very welcoming. There are a few who would prefer not to have anything to do with me nor any "newcomers". There is a little bit of racial tension once in a while - just an air of it, nothing really acted upon.

If you are a single woman coming and going early and late, be careful and extremely mindful of your surroundings. But, this goes for anywhere. Don't walk home at 2 am staring down at your phone and get into your home quickly. Most of the time everything is fine and clear but there are times when people are out and looking for what ever they can get. You'll hear the call "'scuse me, may I ask you a question" or "excuse me, you happen to have xxx, would you?" At that time of night and if nobodys around, they tend to be a bit more aggressive about approaching which isn't a good thing.

There is drug activity on a number of the side streets and I wouldn't so much say gang activity as large family groups on Myrtlewood and Hollywood streets plus a number of the other side streets. They tend to keep their issues within their own groups but sometimes fights and shootings do spill out. These things do happen here. On the other hand, seeing people congregating on certain streets doesn't mean they are dealing drugs neither. Its an old neighborhood with a lot of people who grew up with each other and who are tight knit - thats most of what you see.

You need to explore on foot. Walk around and get to know the place.

[green77]

That area is a little gloomy at first glance, but you will find most long term residents most welcoming and delighted at your "newness."
Ridge Ave is a delightfull array of shops and eateries and you will be quick to add a few pounds if not careful lol

22nd to 24th and Ridge have many new nice rehabs and apartments


Happy House Hunting !

hard to picture all that on Ridge--

[raider.adam]

hard to picture all that on Ridge--

Yeah, I can't think what shops they could be referring to.

[MERKIN]

too much gin?

[ArcticSplash]

In the words of Douglas Adams, the people of Brewerytown are...

... mostly harmless.


It's kinda hard to predict what areas are just never going to improve and which ones will turn the corner. raideradam has lived in Brewerytown for a long time and there was zero gentrification going on there during the housing boom and now suddenly there's a rapid increase in home construction over where he's at.

[Smooth Sailor]

Where are you relocating from? What is your age? What are your interests? Where are you commuting to for work and what is your method of transportation?

I personally would be a little wary of living north of Girard. There are a lot of good things happening along that commercial corridor (as mentioned, Mugshots, Rita's, etc) but it still has a ways to go. In my opinion it will take some more large scale residential and commercial developments (maybe put an actual brewery in Brewerytown please?) before it becomes a destination neighborhood. Depending on your budget, I would look south of Poplar, north of Fairmount, from Pennsylvania Ave to 22nd. It's still the same general vicinity but would probably feel a little safer and you'd be closer to more amenities.

I've lived near the Fairmount/Brewerytown border for a few years now and have never had any problems, but there is a distinct difference between walking on Girard after dark vs. Fairmount Ave. Not to say sh*t can't happen anywhere, but it can be a little intimidating the further north you go. Besides that, you will probably find yourself wandering south of Girard for most nightlife/dining/shopping and so forth. Just my honest opinion.

[JakeL]

Besides that, you will probably find yourself wandering south of Girard for most nightlife/dining/shopping and so forth. Just my honest opinion.

The thing that I love about living in Brewerytown is that I can wander south of Girard for nightlife, dining, and shopping in Fairmount. A house that is a spitting image to mine, built the same year, same layout, same hardwood floors, same bay window, etc etc, 2 blocks south of Girard sold for $218,000 more than my house in Brewerytown. What this means is that every month these owners pay $1,200 more in mortgage and taxes. If I lived south of Girard, sure, I would be 3 blocks closer to those amenities on Fairmount Ave, but I would never be able to go to them, as I'd be scraping by to barely afford my mortgage. Living in Brewerytown puts me close to everything that Fairmount has to offer with a price that allows me to actually enjoy Fairmount.

[Smooth Sailor]

Yeah, property values are significantly cheaper on the north side of Girard, but it all sort of depends on what she is looking for. If she's renting, new to Philly, recent grad, I'm not sure I'd recommend living up there. If she's looking to buy, knows her way around town, etc., then it could be a great investment.

[chudclay]

The thing that I love about living in Brewerytown is that I can wander south of Girard for nightlife, dining, and shopping in Fairmount. A house that is a spitting image to mine, built the same year, same layout, same hardwood floors, same bay window, etc etc, 2 blocks south of Girard sold for $218,000 more than my house in Brewerytown. What this means is that every month these owners pay $1,200 more in mortgage and taxes. If I lived south of Girard, sure, I would be 3 blocks closer to those amenities on Fairmount Ave, but I would never be able to go to them, as I'd be scraping by to barely afford my mortgage. Living in Brewerytown puts me close to everything that Fairmount has to offer with a price that allows me to actually enjoy Fairmount.

EXACTLY!
Perfect!

[John Goodman]

I guess brewerytown's issue is you need ballsy brave people to pave the way for others to move into the neighborhood

They need that first wave of gentrification... You know hipsters, gays, students etc

Problem is those people don't want to live in that area because fairmount is square. Square people dont gentrify hoods, they don't have the balls

That said, it's a perfect location... People like mm partners keep putting in work and eventually it'll reach a tipping point. Just doesn't seem like it will happen as fast as other hoods.

[love to travel]

Young hipsters live across from me and the house next door to them is for sale .(by the way ) ,and a bunch of hipsters that work at el camino live around the corner .