10th and Spruce

[Burholme06]

I'm considering this neighborhood for an intra-CC move. I'm currently living west of Broad but looking for slightly cheaper housing, a little bit more central location based on our routine, and being closer to potential schools. The area around 10th and Spruce seems to fit. Anyone have any thoughts about the area?


My general feel/concerns about the area:

Jefferson disrupts the fabric quite a bit but otherwise assume they are a good neighbor.
Seems to be endless amenities nearby - similar to my current hood.
Fairly close to Super fresh and Wholefoods on South.
Feels a little bit more sketchy but this may be a matter of simply getting used to a different location and feel.
Further from Walnut Street shopping but closer to Market East (not the best trade but there is some convenient retail in the Gallery environs – we like going to Macy’s and Kmart)
Nearby Seger Park is a great rec.

[eldondre]

it's a great location and I think beaux arts video (name?)is finally kicking the bucket opening that space for something more useful. jefferson has done a good job reintegrating into the "urban fabric" over the past few years, spiffing up areas that used to be deadzones with windows, entrances, and lighting. the flip side to jefferson is that it brings activity and lighting all night, making the area, IMO, somewhat safer than it otherwise might be. it's definitely lower income than west of broad but it's still a great place to live.

[Hospitalitygirl]

I like it and think you will too.

[cubanChris]

Its great.

Personally never found it to be sketchy, don't think you'll have much problems.

[phillyaggie]

if that is sketchy, wow...! lol

I love walking down Locust, Spruce, and Pine and find all three streets pretty darn safe and on many blocks quite charming too. On 10th and Spruce, you've got Kanella and Varga Bar and both are fine places that attract a steady clientele. The homes are well kept, IMO. Certainly, it feels more homey to me compared to west of Broad...which feels stuffy and overly expensive. Although I love west of Broad too...

As far as amenities, I don't think you're making a huge move to begin with. Walnut St shopping (you shop for clothes in those boutiques that often?) really isn't far from where you would be. And look at it this way... you will be that much closer to Italian Market! And of course Reading Terminal Market, and places like Essene.

[Burholme06]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I was through that last night and was amazed by all of the amenities within a block or two.

(When I say sketchy, I mean it in the context of Center City. Stuff goes on in CC, especially late at night – I’ve dealt with fist fights at 3:00am, crazy homeless rampages, male prostitution, and drug dealing all on my block (Pine Street) over the years. When I say sketchy, I meant the frequency of those types of issues to be a little higher. Also, I noticed an empty townhome on the 1000 block of Spruce partially boarded up with many broken windows, leaving the house open to the elements, which also falls into my sketchy category as well.

[LUCas]

I lived at that corner for 4 years. It's awesome. Rittenhouse, South St., Old City, even Italian Market all in walking distance. Yet primarly residential with some storefront close by. It's, IMO, the best spot in the city.

[Hospitalitygirl]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I was through that last night and was amazed by all of the amenities within a block or two.

(When I say sketchy, I mean it in the context of Center City. Stuff goes on in CC, especially late at night – I’ve dealt with fist fights at 3:00am, crazy homeless rampages, male prostitution, and drug dealing all on my block (Pine Street) over the years. When I say sketchy, I meant the frequency of those types of issues to be a little higher. Also, I noticed an empty townhome on the 1000 block of Spruce partially boarded up with many broken windows, leaving the house open to the elements, which also falls into my sketchy category as well.

That empty property, if it's the one I am thinking of, may have been the one to have suffered from a fire in the past ~year.

[Eastcoast]

Great area.

I think the worst that can be said is that the area still maintains some visual urban grittiness due to a number of the walkup buildings being rentals for the past 40+ years with little updating.

[cubanChris]

That empty property, if it's the one I am thinking of, may have been the one to have suffered from a fire in the past ~year.

Thats the one. Though it was nearly 3 years ago. Not sure exactly what is taking so long. Once in a great while I see some contractors hauling out a lot of debris (still).

It was quite the inferno though, somehow it managed to be well contained but the footage was terrifying.

[Baloo]

10th and Spruce is a great location, I don't see why anyone would really have any dislike of it, except for perhaps the hassle of parking. You're close to pretty much everything!