700 Bucknell

**Jkeener** · 11-13-2011, 01:05 AM

Thinking about buying on this block, but I am totally unfamiliar with the neighborhood. Walking around today, it seemed like there were a lot of people in their mid twenties there. My concern is that the neighborhood skews toward a younger crowd, similar to Manayunk. Can anyone shed some light on living in Fairmount? What are the parking options?

**Big Irish** · 11-13-2011, 08:04 AM

Not very familiar with that block, but you're completely off base with the Manayunk reference.

Fairmount has it's share of young families, with kids and dogs, as has been pointed out here derisively more than once. There are younger people here but they tend to rent as housing prices are still high, even now. I don't remember that block having a lot of rental so I would doubt it's full of 20-somethings. I'm sure someone who lives on that block will chime in and tell you if I'm wrong.

Parking can be a problem. the only option besides on-street is the parking lot next to the prison, which isn't bad considering how close you are to it. Resident parking is (I think) about $100 a month but there's a waiting list. Your realtor may be able to get you a spot in there quick so I would ask. Otherwise put your name on the list now.

**RonMcNasty** · 11-13-2011, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Jkeener

it seemed like there were a lot of mid twenties there. My concern is that the neighborhood is a more mature version of manayunk.

There is a condo building at 24th and Fairmount that is full of geriatrics. Perhaps that is more your speed?

**walnuthill** · 11-13-2011, 10:25 AM

I know several people who live on the 800 block of Bucknell. It's a quiet, pleasant block with a good sense of community. BTW all of the folks I know of on the block are ~35-55. I'm sure there are younger people too but it's definitely not a big party block or something. Dunno about 700 block but would guess it may be similar.

**Titus** · 11-13-2011, 03:10 PM

good luck with parking

**Jkeener** · 11-13-2011, 08:23 PM

I wrote the original post very late last night, and after reading it now I feel like I came off a bit rude. I edited the original, but thought I would clarify. While exploring the neighborhood yesterday, it seemed like the majority of people we saw were young and fresh out of college. This may have had something to do with the bar crawl going on throughout the city. At any rate, I just wanted to know if this was the main demographic. I'm in my early 30's and am looking for a neighborhood that is family friendly, a little on the quieter side, but also has a good mix of bars/restaurants. I did notice that parking seemed a little scarce, so hopefully if we do decide to buy there we can get a spot in the pay lot.

**Moonraker** · 11-14-2011, 10:35 AM

Parking can be a problem, but life-long residents do not mind (but grumble with you) and know how to circle around, find a spot and maybe flaunt the law a bit.
Accordingly, Fairmount is a strong neighborhood which survived the issues which impacted Strawberry Mansion, etc and several gentrification cycles.

700 Bucknell is core of Fairmount, but can have the occasional issues that you will see in the perimeter. Elsewhere on this blog, there is an announcement of tonight's monthly police community meeting. Crime happens, but more often in Francisville & SG. Ignoring small streets like Swain, Reno, easter Ogden, think about the population when you have 26, 52 families on a block and consider what a block would be like if it contained only one side and not the other. 2400 block of Olive is interesting, it has 1/2 the popluation of Perot & Meredith, and more sunlight because of the yards & garages on the south side. Definitely less communal stress after a snow storm.

Philly is a city of neighborhoods, and neighborhoods change internally. St Frannies and St Nicholas and several other churches have multi-generation roots, which strengthen a neighborhood. Many families can afford the neighborhood because they inherit their home or do a minimal priced tranfer.

Not many of us look at age, longevity of your living here is more important, Some people take time to shed their prior neighborhood/state/country, which they wear on their sleeve. But after you've known 20 families like that, you instinctively ignore that.

Education may be your next/other issue. I have see Bache take a turn and parent go back to the traditional public schools of the 70-80's, Greenfield & Masterman have held to their status quo over the decades. Bache is an issue in another thread. Let me play lightning rod and say that parental envolvement and the public-parochial-private system will get a child into schools you may never afford, but work the scholarships. The ethnic groups which value education are the ones who optimize upon the variety and caliber Philadelphia schools have to offer. Plus we get lessons in diversity.

**Big Irish** · 11-14-2011, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by Jkeener

I'm in my early 30's and am looking for a neighborhood that is family friendly, a little on the quieter side, but also has a good mix of bars/restaurants.

You just described Fairmount.

**laura** · 11-14-2011, 06:06 PM

I agree, you did just describe Fairmount! I live on the 700 block of Bucknell and the block is definitely within the age range of 30's - 50's. It is a quiet block and everyone is pretty friendly. We rarely have any problems and it is close to the parking lot and many of the restaurants. We love our block!