Buying in university City

[Porterpotty8]

Currently live in Graduate hospital area, but recently me and my wife learned we would be extended our family by two...gotta love twins...We already have a young daughter, so we clearly need a lot more space and want to stay in the city...a lot of the homes over in UC are huge with lots of bedrooms, but Im very concerned about the safety still. Can any one give me some insight? Also, what is going on with the school situation over there? I hear the penn schools are really good. Thanks for your help.

[MariusPontmercy]

I would say safety is actually less of an issue here than it is in Graduate Hospital. Most of the area in Spruce Hill/Cedar Park neighborhoods is pretty safe overall for the city. If you're used to the levels of crime in GradHo, imo you would feel very comfortable in University City. Penn Alexander is great, although there is something of a line to get in now if I understand correctly. Neighboring districts aren't that bad and some are starting to consider them as viable choices. More than likely in the coming years that situation will improve as well.

[Porterpotty8]

thanks for the info...How is it for families? obviously there are a lot of college kids around that area, unlike Grad Hospital, which is mostly families.

[walnuthill]

Congrats on expanding your family! I strongly suggest going to the Farmer's Market at Clark Park this Saturday. That will give you a good idea of the make-up of the neighborhood--families, young couples, students, seniors--demographically, it really runs the gamut. I've lived 4 places in UC and the only place I had an issue with a student rental was at 43rd and Pine. I had to call the cops once for a loud party; that was it. Undergrad rentals are pretty easy to spot and almost 100% east of 44th/45th St.

[boognish]

I'm sorry but we're full.

j/k. Congrats on your new arrivals! Are you looking to buy or rent? Rent of a large single-unit can be prohibitive due student demand, but it's there nonetheless. Costs within the Penn-Alexander Catchment for purchase may also seem prohibitive, but your home will retain said costs (perhaps making it a wise investment). As for security, I'm considerably more at ease in this area than G-Ho. We have both Penn police and UCD security. Crime is relatively rare east of 48th or so (I'm just pulling 48th out of the air). Street smarts are always a good move no matter where in the city you live.

I'd start looking now. It took us about a year to find our home. And we've sunk considerable funds into it since then. Few Victorian/Edwardian homes are truly move-in worthy. I'd set aside a good $50k should you buy.

Please feel free to ask anything you come up with. Most of us have been here for some time.

Edit: the post reads "buying"...duh...but you may wish to rent in the meantime to get a better feel for the area.

[Poweltonian]

University City is great for families. Powelton Village, northwest of Drexel, should be on your list too (though houses on the market are few and far between). Lot's of families, great small town vibe, so close to Center City, and the benefits of Powel school. I'm sure if you search in the archives you will find others who have asked the same questions.

[Brian616]

I'm sorry but we're full.

Few Victorian/Edwardian homes are truly move-in worthy. I'd set aside a good $50k should you buy.

Har Har.

Actually, a lot of the homes are in decent shape, but (especially in the PAS cachement) an older house with no A/C will cost more than comparable new construction in G-Ho. It is a wonderful neighborhood (I hope to make the same move in a few years, once I get enough equity in my current SWCC home), but be prepared for some older housing stock.

[boognish]

Well said. I (obviously) exaggerate, but it doesn't hurt to have some extra moolah to repaint, stain, and plumb. We've probably spent some serious coin on a litany of items, but the vast majority of it was not crucial. Mostly esthetic.

[seand]

thanks for the info...How is it for families? obviously there are a lot of college kids around that area, unlike Grad Hospital, which is mostly families.

I live a tad farther west in Cedar Park and currently there seems to be a real noticeable baby boom. Lots and lots of families with kids in the zero-5 range. Speaking for "newcomers" that is. Amongst "long time residents" the same intergenerational mix its always been.

Ditto on go to Clark Park Farmer's Market for feel of the mix in the wider neighborhood.

[lastmonthsrent]

The Penn Alexander catchment is a great school but the real estate comes with a premium. Be prepared to spend around $400K + and inventory is scarce for it's a small area. I have client that is in a similar boat coming from graduate but have decided to wait another year or two for they aren't in as huge rush and do not need to worry about school for a few years. Great family environment and of course the park space is a plus. Coupled with the continual development down the Baltimore corridor.

I take it you are no in the Greenfield district where you are at in Graduate? That said I hear good things are on the horizon for a school in graduate (the name in escaping me)

[Porterpotty8]

Wow...thank you for all of the great responses...I just started looking at some houses for sale there in Cedar park, I think...beautiful old victorian homes are our thing...we love the style and the size...So much character. The only drawback is the obvious condition of being outdated with AC and plumbing...which can be very expensive...all great points. We may have to come check out this market as well! Thanks, again, for all of your responses, and please feel free to continue adding more.

[hiding plant]

I just bought a house in Cedar Park in move-in but not updated condition and I'd be happy to talk to you more about the area and some of the other houses I saw while looking...I'm assuming my budget is lower than yours as I'm a single woman but it might help you to get some perspective since prices can be wildly different for houses only a few blocks away from each other. Feel free to message me if you like.