Archive for the ‘Center City’ Category

It’s not Thursday, but whose thirsty? Center City Sips is 2 weeks in, and bigger than ever! In case you missed it, [Center City] Sips kicked off June 5th, featuring citywide food & beverage specials every Wednesday [5-7 pm] all summer long.  Sips’ standard deal incorporates “$5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer & half-priced apps” into participating locations’ happy hour menus.

The cherry on top? Free Center City parking each Wednesday [after 5 pm] as well! For a list of all participating restaurants, pubs, waterholes, etc. & additional specials, just click here.  Enjoy the happiest hour(s) of the week, all summer long Philly! For further information follow Center City City on twitter, @CCDSips.  See you out there!

Center City Sips [image via FooBooz]

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

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Some highlights from our June 2nd market update. Conditions indicate a seller’s market in the Philadelphia area. For further details, head over to our Market Activity homepage.

Market Update Excerpt [June 2, 2013, via Altos Research]

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

via “Betty C. Rice, LCSW” homepage

It is no secret much of Philadelphia’s populace migrates to Atlantic City each summer, and for good reason.  After all, Center City is a brief ninety minute commute from beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and casinos, as well as a personal favorite, “Sack O’ Subs” in Ventnor.

However, within the twelve weeks spanning Memorial Day through Labor Day, countless obligations could impede a weekend out-of-town. Therefore, we’d like to provide a number of exciting outdoors options Philadelphia has to offer [all images hyperlink to pertinent homepage].

Notable Events

“The Roots Picnic”

The 6^th Annual Roots Picnic: Saturday June 1^st

• Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing
• Featuring Philadelphia’s own The Roots, along with Naughty By Nature, AraabMuzik, Solange, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, DJ Premier, & more.
• Buy Tickets Now

Mad Decent Block Party 2013

Mad Decent Block Party: Saturday July 27^th

• The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
• Featuring Philadelphia’s own Diplo performing as Major Lazer, along with Dillon Francis, Flosstradmus, Nadastrom & more.
• Buy Tickets Now

Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake’s Legends of the Summer Tour

Legends of Summer Stadium Tour: Tuesday, August 13^th

• Citizens Bank Park
• Featuring performances by Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake
• Buy Tickets Now

“Budweiser Made In America Festival 2013″

Budweiser Made in America Festival: Saturday August 31^st & Sunday September 1^st

• Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• Featuring Beyoncé, Wiz Khalifa, Phoenix, Deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Kendrick Lamar, Porter Robinson & more.
• Buy Tickets Now

Recommended Spots

“Morgan’s Pier,” image via “blog.zagat.com”

Morgan’s Pier: American Beer Garden

• 221 N. Columbus Blvd – “Located Steps from the Ben Franklin Bridge”
• Opened Summer 2012
• Featuring Foodie Picnic Menu, Backyard Beer Garden, Live Music, & Weekend Brunch
• Accommodates up to 400 diners, reservations via Open Table

“Citizens Bank Park” via “Wikimedia Commons”

Citizens Bank Park

• One Citizens Bank Way Philadelphia, PA 19148
• Featuring your 2013 Philadelphia Phillies, along with Ballpark Tours, and a variety of dining & shopping options
• Notable Home Stands:
  • Boston Red Sox (May 28-29^th)
  • Washington Nationals (June 17-19^th)
  • Atlanta Braves (July 5-7^th)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (August 16-18^th)
  • Phillies Ticket Information

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

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    The Food Truck phenomenon does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.  Philadelphia actually has quite the expansive food truck industry and we aren’t talking hot dogs here.   Philly has trucks dedicated strictly to Tots, Mac n Cheese, and cupcakes so you will never go hungry.  We’ve rounded up some of the must try trucks that are worth the lines.

Mac Mart, http://www.macmartcart.com/  Philly’s first and only Mac ‘n Cheese Food Truck with menu items like the B.R.A.T Mac. This incredible dish boast crispy bacon bites, fresh diced tomatoes, buttery panko crumbs & homemade ranch drizzle. You can’t pass up the gooey goodness served from this truck.

The Tot Cart, http://www.thetotcart.com/  The Tot Cart was recently rated # 7 best tot in the country by  The Daily Meal.  The Drunk Cheese Tots have a secret sauce and Buff Tots have wing sauce and bleu cheese.  All the different varieties are under $5 which is sure to entice the savviest Temple finance major.

The Foo Truck, http://footruck.com/ The Foo Truck is Philadelphia’s and Northern Liberties premier food truck.  An Asian-inspired “street food” truck, Foo Truck mixes traditional with unconventional to create a new street – Foo’s Grilled Pocket Rolls! Meat and non-meat friendly. Everything $5.

Gozen Yogurt, http://www.gozenyogurt.com/ Gozen Yogurt is Philadelphia’s first and only self-serve frozen yogurt truck!  Gozen Yogurt has four yogurt machines mounted on the outside of the truck where customers can choose from one of their 8 ever changing flavors, then add your favorite toppings, pay and go!

Sweet Box Cupcakes, https://www.facebook.com/Iheartsweetphilly  Simple, sweet gourmet cupcakes!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The trendy sushi craze that was sweeping across the US a few years ago is still running strong, especially in the Philadelphia scene.  Now you can find sushi almost anywhere in the area, from the abundance of restaurants to fresh sushi at your local grocery store.  Sushi has evolved into its own style and people are eating it much more frequently.  No matter what Philadelphia neighborhood you live in, you have access to delicious fresh sushi.  The debate for the best is one that can be argued, but here are a few must try locations:

1.)    Morimoto, 723 Chestnut Street- A quick Google search will show you all of the positive reviews.  Morimoto is a must try not only for the sushi but for the striking interior of the restaurant.  Iron Chef Morimoto takes Japanese food to a new level in this cutting-edge restaurant.

2.)    Umai Umai, 533 N. 22^nd Street- This cozy BYOB has received numerous praises from critics for the delicious sushi.

3.)    Blue Fin, 1017 Germantown Pike Plymouth Meeting- City dwellers travel out to the burbs for a taste of the often hard-to-find fish used in the sushi at Blue Fin.  Located in a strip mall, this BYOB might not scream “must try” but it’s definitely worth the trip.

4.)    Izumi, 1601 East Passyunk Ave- Another BYOB located in the East Passyunk neighborhood, Izumi doesn’t disappoint.  “Izumi is simply delicious sushi, done with care and served with style.”

5.)    Vic, 2035 Samson Street- Vic is known for affordable rolls, they have a great 3 roll special for $10.95

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia City dwellers get to experience all the great food, shopping and nightlife that living in an urban area has to offer but we sometimes skimp on space especially compared to our suburban friends.  Maximizing our home’s space is a constant struggle and sometime spending hours piecing together IKEA furniture can be torture.  Well have no fear, Cella Luxuria is HERE!  Just recently opened in the heart of Center City on 12^{th &} Chestnut St., Cella Luxuria is quickly becoming “Philly’s new source for contemporary, luxurious design with an eye toward sustainability.”   Stop by and check out the Dickinson Desk which was made in Philly from locally-sourced reclaimed pine.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The holiday season in the city always puts us in a jolly mood. Storefronts and Philadelphia homes decorate their windows in twinkling lights, freshly fallen snow is on the ground, and everyone is celebrating the holiday cheer. Let Philly light up your life this December with these great attractions and events that are guaranteed to put even Scrooge in good spirits.

 Macy’s Christmas Light Show

November 23 – December 31

Beginning at 10am at the top of each hour, Macy’s will boast a gorgeous display of over 100,000 LED lights, as well as music from the historic Wanamaker Organ. Taking place at 1300 Market Street in Center City, you’ll get a smile on your face as you hear the voice of Julie Andrews do the narration.

 Blue Cross RiverRink

Open 7 days a week – November 23 – March 3

Located at Columbus Avenue and Market Street, this lovely ice-skating rink features beautiful nautical views of the Delaware at an affordable price. Get in the holiday spirit and work off those extra calories from Thanksgiving as you skate around.

 East Fairmount Park Mansions

December 8-9

Located in the Fairmount and the Art Museum districts, these historic mansions, including Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion, Sweetbriar and Woodford Mansion, will be open for tour. Get an eyeful of living in the lap of luxury.

Franklin Square

November 27 – December 24

Visit this fantastic park at 6^th and Race Streets in the Rittenhouse Square section of the city. You can sit on Santa’s lap, enjoy mini-golf and a carousel and also participate in holday-themed crafts to deck your own halls.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The days are getting shorter, people are busting out their winter coats and the holidays are right around the corner. If you want to get into the holiday spirit, fill your calendar with festive parades, twinkling light displays and feel good community celebrations. Here are top 5 favorite ways Philadelphians like to celebrate this special time of year.

Comcast Holiday Spectacular

Running November 22, 2012 – January 1, 2013

If you want to celebrate your holidays in a big way, hop on down to The Comcast Center in Center City to view their Holiday Spectacular, displayed on the innovative Comcast Experience Video Wall. Filled to the brim with sights and sounds of the season, you’ll love seeing the different shows, including Snowman Symphony, including scenes from The Nutcracker Ballet.

The Christmas Village

Nov. 22nd – Dec. 24th @ Love Park

Modeled after traditional German Christmas Village, you will find goods in timber booths, a rich variety of food and holiday items. At the market, you will find Christmas ornaments, arts and crafts, toys, sweets, and hot food and drinks. This is an event at which people can stroll around, meet friends, and enjoy live performances of Christmas music and old course, Old St. Nick.

1600 Block of South 13^th Street

Ready to see some local holiday displays like no other? Walk on down to the 1600 Block of South 13^th Street, in between Morris and Tasker, to check out for their 14^th annual light celebration. The whole block, including the Philadelphia townhouses, trees, and even telephone poles, are lit up with eight tiny reindeer, Santa Clauses, winking candles and more.

Wanamaker’s Macy’s GRAND COURT LIGHT SHOW and DICKENS CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Running Thanksgiving through New Years

A Philadelphia tradition since 1956 and a source of awe and wonder for children of all ages. The display and Santa should not be missed.

Longwood Gardens

Running November 22, 2012 to January 6, 2013

Longwood Gardens is known for their twinkling Christmas lights and amazing lit dancing fountain show. If you want to take a stroll through a holiday wonderland to check out awesome light displays and concerts, take a drive out to this amazing botanical garden in Kennett Square.

NYE Fire Works

December 31s at 6pm and 12am

Head down to Penn’s Landing to see some breathtaking firework displays right on the river. Bundle up in a warm winter coat and take a cab (or bus) to this Olde City hotspot. Be prepared for huge crowds however, and very little parking options, so leave your car at home.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

Mummer Parade

Tuesday, January 1, 9am to 7pm

Broad Street, Oregon Ave to City Hall

Philly is the only city in the world where it’s acceptable for full grown men to get decked out in feathers and rhinestones and march down the busiest street in the city. Say hello to 2013 in style but watching the bands and brigades strut down Broad Street. Try standing on the intersection of Broad and Washington to catch a great view of the Fancies.

If you don’t want the party to end after 7pm, head on down to “Two Street” in South Philadelphia for the after party. People throw open the doors to their Philadelphia homes and offer beverages and hardy food to parade goers.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia home owners really love their four-legged canine friends. And nothing makes a dog’s day then a fun-filled romp in a dog park. If you want to get tails wagging, spend the day at one of the city’s best dog parks.

Seger Park – Located on the border of South Philadelphia and Center City along South 11^th Street, Seger Dog Park is a well-maintained pooch park that has easily accessible rules and is close to lovely Philadelphia neighborhoods. Maintained by the Seger Dog Park Owners Association, this fenced-in park has double gated entrances and has plenty of lighting, ensuring a well-lit environment for evening playtime. During the dog days of summer, Rover will love basking near the water fountain.

Mario Lanzo Park- Small, but well shaded park in the heart of Queen Village on the 200 block of Queen. Look for our dog-loving Atacan Group Team member there, David Darami. He will be the one with a Boxer talking about real estate.

Passyunk Square Dog Park – This South Philadelphia dog park, located at 1200 Wharton Street, is like a playground for dogs. Featuring plenty of stumps and logs for your dog to jump or hide under, this fenced-in park is conveniently located close to Columbus Square.

Clark Park – This generous park located in West Philadelphia isn’t just a favorite sledding spot for locals, it’s also a great place to take your dog. Spanning more than 9.1 acres along Baltimore Avenue and 43^rd Street, Clark Park has plenty of tress, bushes and statues for your dog to sniff, see, and explore. The flat section, aptly called the “Dog Bowl,” located in the center of the park is a great place to play fetch.

Pops Playground Dog Park – For Fishtown dog owners, a great dog park to visit is Pop’s Dog Space, located at Hazard and Collins Streets. The park has a shady space where dogs will get plenty of play and exercise time. Pop’s is a private member’s only park instead of a public place, so be sure to apply for a membership by clicking here.

Wissahickon Valley Park and Beach – Nothing is better than a dip in the Wissahickon Creek during a hot summer day. Located along Kitchen Lane in Wissahickon Park, this beached area features a wooded hiking path as well. Dogs must be kept on six-foot leashes.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listings, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

November gets a hard wrap. It’s lodged in between October, the month of ghouls and ghosts, and December, which houses Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. Despite the fact that Thanksgiving is only a few short weeks away, many folks see November as the start of the dreary, cold winter season. If you want to make November in Philadelphia the best month yet, check out these fun events happening throughout the city.

Elements of Design: Artists Imagine Chemistry – Even if you had no interest in the periodic table or Bunsen burners in your high school chemistry class, this event, opening November 2 in Old City, is worth checking out. Local artists come together and invent different ways to experience the element. Running November 2-30 at AIGA Philadelphia Space, 72 North 2^nd Street.

Second Wednesday Quizzo – Want to celebrate Hump Day in style? Want to experience a pub quiz somewhere other than your local neighborhood bar? Check out Quizzo at Penn Museum on November 14, featuring happy hour specials and appetizers until 7:30 pm at 3260 South Street in Graduate Hospital.

InLiquid @ William Way – This free event, taking place at William Way Community Center, located at 1315 South Spruce Street in Washington Square West, features an end-of-month sale for people on a budget. Enjoy a gift wrapping station, children’s craft projects, light refreshments, and avoiding the mobs of shoppers going to the mall on Black Friday. Running November 30 through December 2,

Carrie Underwood at Wells Fargo Center – For all of your country pop loving fans, check out America’s sweetheart, Carrie Underwood, in South Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center on November 28^{th .}

First Person Arts Festival – Celebrating its 11^th year, this one-of-a-kind festival, including memoirs, local celebrity chefs, comedians, and artists, honors the art of storytelling. Check it out from November 8 to 17, at the Christ Church Neighborhood House in historic Old City Philadelphia, Ortlieb’s Lounge and Underground Arts at The Wolf Building.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The Liberty Bell, Rocky, cheese-steaks – Philadelphia is world famous for a lot of things. But if you get off the beaten tourist trail and discover some of the lesser known hidden gems, Philly is full of them.

1.)    Bartram’s Garden – Located at the intersection of 54^th and Lindbergh Boulevard in West Philadelphia, this gorgeous and historical garden is considered the progenitor of American horticulture. Established in 1731 by John and William Bartram, this estate is situated on 44 acres of immaculate gardens and features a view of the city skyline.

2.)    Mural Tours – Did you know that Philadelphia had the largest collection of public morals in the world? If you want to discover the nearly 3,000 murals that the city has to offer, there are multiple walking and bus tours that can cater to your artistic hankerings. Most of the murals were done since 1989, when the city’s Mural Arts Program was established as an effort to dissuade graffiti. Trolley tours run Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays and the daily walking tour starts at 11:30am. Visit Mural Arts for more info.

3.)    Tin Angel – If you want to check out live music but avoid the crowds that the Electric Factory or Trocadero draws, head over to Olde City’s Tin Angel. Located at 20 South 2^nd Street, this venue feels more like a quaint coffee shop than anything else.

4.)    Painted Bride Art Center – Located at 230 Vine Street in Center City, this building is a feast for the eyes. Featuring the intricate glass art of local artist Isaiah Zagar, the venue also hosts the city’s longest continually running Jazz series.

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When looking for an area of the city to purchase a new Philadelphia home in and you are looking for the quintessential Philadelphia Block perfect for making a home at. Philadelphia offers many lovely blocks if you just know where to look.

200 Block of Delancey – Located in historic Society Hill East, Delancey Street is a quiet side street that features immaculate brick sidewalks and gorgeous brownstones. The spacious, three-story houses have airy windows and are in a prime location of the city, giving you access to all of Philly’s excitement while providing a cozy and quiet block to return to. The cobblestone roads and ancient Oaks that line the street give Delancey an old-world appeal.

300 Block of Camac – Located right in the heart of Washington Square West between Spruce and Lombard, Camac Street is the perfect location for young professionals and families alike. The clean block offers a number of sunny homes and is in close proximity to plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. This well maintained block is one of the quaintest in Philadelphia and features homey, three-story Federal-style townhouses with two-story rear additions on a tree-lined street. Camac also has private gardens and original detailing to its homes.

Elfreth’s Alley – Famous for being the oldest continuously inhabited block in the country, Elfreth’s Alley is a world unto itself. Located in Old City, this cobblestone street offers 32 attractive three-story homes, which maintain their original 1720’s and 1830’s detailing. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum pays homage to the past residents of this block and preserves the street’s history.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

When you first move to a brand new city, life can get a bit daunting. Figuring out the streets, meeting new people, and adjusting to your new life can leave very little room for anything else. In order to save yourself the trouble of worrying about if your new neighborhood is safe or not, it’s a smart idea to do some research before you buy a Philadelphia home.

Here is a little info about crime in the city for Philadelphia home buyers:

1) It’s impossible to find a good Flash Mob nowadays. Unlike Chicago and Boston where mobs of teen agers continue congregate in masses to commit crimes, thanks to some serious policy making from Mayor Nutter (remember his butt-heads from sperm donor speech) and creative policing from Commander Ramsey our streets are free of the mobs that terrorized the city last year. http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/daniel_rubin/20120906_Daniel_Rubin__Flash_mobs__Charting_some_amazing_progress_in_Philly.html

2) Philadelphia is one of the worst places to locate a Meth lab (Only 3 Meth houses found in Philly in the past 8 years, but there were 15 in Titusville in Crawford county) http://www.justice.gov/dea/clan-lab/index.shtml

3) It’s easy to find the perv next door, thanks to a great website detailing it by zip  http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/SearchZip.aspx

Here is a quick over view on the assets of a few of the most popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia

• Center City: With plenty of street lights guiding your way and tons of shops and restaurants, Center City is buzzing with life 24/7. Major tourist attractions such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall also keep this neighborhood pretty lively. There are also lots of police manning the roads, so you’ll always feel safe.
• Port Richmond – Scoring an 80% out of 100 on the national crime index scale, this affordable neighborhood offers a the quality of a suburban lifestyle. The average house price is way below the city average which makes it a great area to look for Philadelphia houses for families on a budget.
• Pennsport – This South Philadelphia neighborhood  features plenty of great parks, including Dickenson Square, and the brand new Henon Park Playground on 2nd & Reed. The neighbors really try to keep it clean and look after each other in this family friend neighborhood with many affordable housing options. Close enough to Center City and Interstates 95 and 76, Pennsport gives you immediate access to everything Philly has to offer.
• Henry Avenue/Wissahickon Drive –Located near scenic Fairmount Park, this neighborhood scored an 86% on the safety index, making it one of the safer areas of the city. It gives residents the best of both worlds, including close proximity to Center City and a rural quietness. The public schools here are amazing and homes are a medium cost compared to other neighborhoods.
• University City – Considered a part of West Philadelphia, this neighborhood attracts many college students and young professionals due to its location near University of Pennsylvania, Drexel and several hospitals, including the world renown CHOP, HUP & Presbyterian.  With gorgeous houses and great access to public transportation, this area is ideal for anyone.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Have you recently purchased a new Philadelphia home and now you need to furnish it? Of course  there are always the Big Name Stores like  West Elm conveniently located in Midtown Village and IKEA farther south in Pennsport.

However, if you’re in the market for unique furniture for your new Philadelphia apartment or house, then stop into Curated Goods, located at 421 Fairmount Avenue in Fishtown. This upscale vintage store sells new and second-hand mid-century and modern furniture including couches, tables, lamps and chairs. You can also pick up a chic new outfit for yourself as well!

Finally, a few more uniquely Philadelphia furniture stores include:

Material Culture has amazing finds from every corner of the world.

Dwelling in Manayunk has an unbelievable showroom and is pretty affordable. Well you are up there you can check out the classics Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. These 2 stores have been furnishing Philadelphia homes for years.

Usona in Rittenhouse is expensive, but oh sooooo beautiful.

Host in Old City is awesome, although their website shows the range of their selection more so than their stores.

BoConcept just around the corner from Usona also should not be missed!

Luxe Home right next to West Elm is a little pricier, but they are ready and willing to negotiate.

Three Potato Four You may not find a couch or dining room table there, but they have great vintage home accents. They are only open once a month, but with a little planning its worth the trip.

Finally, need a bathroom upgrade? Look no further than Simply Kitchen and Bath, a custom design store located along North 3^rd Street in Northern Liberties. Simply Kitchen and Bath carries a large selection of well-known brands including Inax USA and Aster Cucine, perfect for adding trend to any boring bathroom.

The new store, which sells and designs funky fixtures, is appropriately located in Northern Liberties, and has undergone recent renovation and construction itself.

Part of the fun of buying a new home in Philadelphia is decorating it. Be sure to stop by these stores today!

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia is famous for a lot of things – the Liberty Bell, cheese-steaks, and having the largest collection of public art in the United States. Philly has many gorgeous murals, thanks to the Murals Arts Program, which has helped to create a large array of pieces in partnership with many local organizations. These huge paintings are part of what attracts new residents to purchase Philadelphia real estate every year. Interested in seeing the top murals of the city? Take this artistic walking tour the next time your are in the following Philadelphia Neighborhoods.

1.) A Love Letter for You (Center City)-This mural series, designed by Stephen Powers and the Murals Arts Program, is situated along the route of the El and depicts many romantic murals featuring inspirational quotes and feel-good pictures. Every Valentine’s Day a special couple’s train ride allows people to get a first-hand look at these lovely murals.

2.)    Frank Rizzo Mural (Bella Vista)– if you want to get a look at one of the city’s most famous mayors, stop by South 9^th Street in the Italian Market to check out this famous mural.

3.)  Or Does It Explode? (Art Museum)– Showcasing multiple paintings of different people illuminated by a backlight, this unique mural, located in Center City at 1900 Vine Street, is definitely worth checking out.

4.)   Famous Philly Musicians (South Philly) – Want to learn about some of the famous jazz and opera singers that used to roam Philly’s streets? Head over to 11^th and Federal to see this musical mural.

5.) Holding Grandmother’s Quilt (Powelton Village)– Located in West Philadelphia on the corner of North 39^th and Aspen Streets, this lovely mural by Donald Gensler depicts small children holding a colorful quilt.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia is known as the The City of Neighborhoods. Each one is uniquely different in its feel and amenities, however ALL our within easy walking distance to our bustling  downtown and each other. This is our Top 5 list for the top places to live in the  Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

1.)    Northern Liberties – Dubbed the “Brooklyn of Philadelphia,” Northern Liberties, lovingly referred to as “NoLibs” by locals, is the hot new section of the city for young professionals. The neighborhood offers a plethora of housing opportunities, from chic lofts to cozy houses, as well as plenty of nightlife and dining options.

2.)    Queen Village – Close enough to Center City to get a taste of true city life, yet far enough away to make parking bearable, Queens Village offers the best of both worlds. This residential neighborhood features gorgeous turn-of-the-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and affordable housing opportunities.  It is also home to the most sought after public elementary school in the city, Meredith Public School.

3.)    Rittenhouse Square- Overlooking the beautiful and historic Rittenhouse Park, Rittenhouse Square is a luxurious little neighborhood located in the heart of the city. With plenty of access to shopping and dining choices, including world renown restaurant and high-end boutiques, Rittenhouse enables you to have everything Philly has to offer right at your fingertips.

4.)    Art Museum /Fairmount– This neighborhood features many adorable, post Victorian houses and is a 20 minute walk from Center City. For all of you art lovers, you’ll have immediate access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other cultural venues. Fairmount Park, the largest city park in the country, is right in your backyard.

5.)    Society Hill – Sandwiched in between hip South Street and historic Olde City, Society Hill puts residents close to the action. However, the quiet streets offer a peaceful respite from the excitement of the city.  Society Hill is home to the most expensive and historic homes in the City. It’s residents included a who’s who list of those from 1776 to today.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

According to a recent article published by Philadelphia Magazine, more than 25,000 New Yorkers have moved to Philadelphia in the past six years. The mass of ex-New Yorkers moving to Philadelphia was so big that many newspapers started dubbing Philly the “Sixth Borough.” One of the main reasons for this huge exodus is the more affordable housing rates that Philadelphia real estate has to offer.

The median sale price for a condo in New York is $682,602 where as the median listed price for a Philadelphia single family house is $150,000. Renting prices are much more affordable in Philadelphia as well – a one bedroom apartment in Fishtown costs about $1,100 a month, versus the $3,000 a month rent for an efficiency in Manhattan.

Thanks to gentrification, Philadelphia also provides many up and coming hot spots in the real estate market, making it more appealing for out-of-city residents to move here. Over the last two years, the new houses and condos being built in Center City, Northern Liberties and Point Breeze Real Estate has attracted many young professionals to the area. There have also been a slew of restaurants, byobs, galleries and nightclubs popping up all over the city, creating a lively and vibrant nightlife setting for young people.

Even though Philadelphia isn’t quite the Big Apple, many folks are realizing that they want to take a big bite out of what the city has to offer.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Top 10 Luxury High Rise Condo Buildings

It’s all about the finer things in life!  One of the great things about Philadelphia is it’s eclectic mix of buildings and architecture.  We are a city which features everything from brand new modern glass facade high rises, to historic buildings made of stone which were later converted to condos.  Whatever your style may be, we have a match for you.  Below is our list of the 10 best high style, high luxury condo buildings located in the Center City Philadelphia area.  Welcome to the good life!

1.The Residences At The Ritz Carlton

Address: 1414 Penn Square. Philadelphia, PA 19020

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square – Avenue of The Arts

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Built in 2009 The Residences At The Ritz, are high end modern contemporary condos with majestic views of City Hall.  The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton is all about the service, the highly trained staff will treat you like royalty.  From day one you will know everyone on staff by name, and you will understand why Ritz-Carlton is such a prestigious name worldwide.

Insider Tip: Right outside your door is Suburban Station.  This means you can be go from your condo to downtown Manhattan in less than 90 minutes via Amtrak.

2.The Ayer

Address: 210 W. Washington Square. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood: Washington Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: If these wall could talk! The Ayer building was built in 1929 and served as the world headquarters for the nations first advertising agency N.W. Ayer & Son.  The beautiful art deco style stone building is conveniently situated right on Washington Square Park.  The units feature large open layouts with classic design elements which are sure to impress.

Insider Tip: Lookout for famous neighbors such as Chase Utley of  the Philadelphia Phillies

3.The Murano

Address: 2101 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Logan Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Sexy & Sleek! Completed in 2008 this glass facade building is all about style.  Named after the Murano Islands of Italy which are famous for glass making, these units feature full glass walls with stunning views and a private balcony for each unit.  If high style is your thing, than the Murano is a must see!

Insider Tip: You will be eating well while living here.  The very popular Trader Joe’s grocery store is just steps from your front door.

4.Society Hill Towers

Address: 200-220 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

Neighborhood: Society Hill

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: The Philadelphia classic! Society Hill Towers are some of the most recognizable buildings for Philadelphian’s when it comes to luxury condos.  The three I.M. Pei designed towers were completed in 1963 and changed the face of luxury living in Philadelphia forever.  The towers are situated on park like setting which is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Center City.  Inside, each unit features floor to ceiling windows which offer stunning views of Philadelphia.

Insider Tip: On the grounds of the complex you will find one of the top middle eastern restaurants in the whole country.  Stop in Zahav for a meal you will not forget!

5.The Symphony House

Address: 440 S. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19146

Neighborhood: Avenue Of The Arts

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Are you a fan of the arts? Symphony House is for you!  This luxury building which was completed in 2007 is surrounded by the arts.  Right next door you will find the state of the art Kimmel Center.  Walk another block up and you have the historic Academy of Music.  Let’s not forget about the units, they are top tier with all the luxury features you would expect!

Insider Tip: Are you more a fan of the Philly sports scene?  Right outside your door you will find the Septa Broad St. line, which will get you to stadiums in less than 10 minutes.

6.The Lanesborough

Address: 1601 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Constructed in 1929 this classic building was once home to the university club before being converted into high end luxury condos.  Each residence fills a whole floor of the building, allowing for sprawling layouts with plenty of custom ideas.  Many local celebrities such at Pat Burrell from the Philadelphia Phillies once called this building home!

Insider Tip: Are you into racquet sports?  Or just looking for a fun social club?  Join The Racquet Club of Philadelphia which is located right across the street.  They also have great Friday happy hours for members and friends.

7.The Residences At Two Liberty Place

Address: 50 S. 16th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Ever want to live on top of the world?  Now you can…. well at least the top of Philly.  The Residences at Two Liberty consist of the top 20 floors of one of the most iconic sky scrappers in Philadelphia.  A sale in 2009 set a new record for Philadelphia condos with sale price of  7.7 million dollars.

Insider Tip: Chef Daniel Stern is preparing something delicious for you.  Head to the 37th floor to visit his award winning restaurant R2L.  For best results show up for sunset and enjoy the breathtaking views.

8.The Residences At The Rittenhouse Hotel

Address: 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Half 5-star luxury hotel, half high end condo building.  If you are looking for AAA Five Diamond service while owning a piece of prime Philadelphia real estate, then The Rittenhouse is for you!  Located right on the prestigious Rittenhouse Square Park you will be injected right into the lively social scene of the neighborhood.  Any given weekend you will find art shows, concerts, social event, and much more right outside your doorstep.

Insider Tip: Be sure to check the front desk for complimentary fresh fruit and, or baked goods.  Perfect for when you need a quick snack.

9.Waterfront Square

Address: 901 N. Penn St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

Neighborhood: Northern Liberties

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Miami meets Philadelphia! Waterfront Square is the latest condominium addition to the rapidly growing waterfront area.  This gated community is set up like a 5 star resort.  You will be pampered with first class service from the moment you enter the gates.  Everything from valet parking, indoor pool, health club, spa, sun deck, dog walk.  Everything is included!  The units feature great views of the Center City skyline and The Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Insider Tip: Take a quick walk across the street for an ice cold beer.  Yards Brewery is a favorite among locals, and the brewery is 100 percent wind powered.  Take a tour then check out their ultra cool tasting room.

10.1706 Rittenhouse

Address: 1706 Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia, PA 19103

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square

What’s For Sale?: Click Here To View All Available Units

The Vibe: Walk out your door and your in the most vibrant part of town!  1706 Rittenhouse was completed in 2010, and features full floor units with 360 degree views of the city.  Each unit is about 4,100 sq ft. and includes two balconies.  The column free design allows for flowing open layouts which offer many possibilities.  This is one of the hottest addresses in town!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the automated underground parking garage this is technology the Jetson’s would be proud of.  Click here for the video.

Center City Sips is back!

From June 6 – August 29, every Wednesday from 5-7pm enjoy $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers at these 80+ bars!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

111 S 15th St #2111 Philadelphia, PA 19102

Center City – Packard Grande

• Spacious with eastern views
• Granite counter tops
• Stainless steel GE appliances
• Open kitchen with breakfast bar
• Marble/tile floors in the bathrooms and hardwood in the living/dining rooms
• Washer/dryer & refrigerator equipped
• Recessed lighting as well as a Sonos surround sound system staying with unit!
• 24/7 front desk, fitness center and pet friendly building.
• Located next to center city restaurants and night life and discounted parking located directly across the street!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

One thing you will never hear Philadelphian’s complain about is the number of BYOB restaurants in our city.  A BYOB restaurant is great way to enjoy Philadelphia’s vibrant restaurant scene while staying on a budget.  These restaurants will allow for you to bring your favorite alcoholic beverage with you right to your table.  So skip those expensive markups on wine and liquor and check out these top 7 Philly byob options!

1.Little Fish

2.Matyson

3.Umai Umai

4.Fond

5.Bibou

6.Lolita

7.Melograno

Here are some amazing homes around the country listed just under $200K.  Check out similar priced homes in Philly!  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings just below $200,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

• Rittenhouse Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Society Hill Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Washington Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Art Museum Area Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Avenue of the Arts Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Bella Vista Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Chinatown Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Fishtown Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Northern Liberties Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Graduate Hospital Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Fitler Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Old City Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Queen Village Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Powelton Village Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• University City Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• South Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• East Passyunk Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Girard Estate Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Marconi Park Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Newbold Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Passyunk Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Pennsport Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Whitman Real Estate Listings under $200,000

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Wondering where the best bars in Philly are?

Tinto Wine Bar in Rittenhouse Square was just named as one of America’s best wine bars by Travel and Leisure!

Hmm… they didn’t even make the cut in Drink Philly’s Drinker’s Choice 2012 Awards! Here’s the list of the winners from Drink Philly, which was voted on by YOU, Philly.  Hop it on over to their sight to see the runner ups for each category.

Best Local Beer: Weyerbacher Merry Monks’ – Easton, PA

Best Bar Hopping Neighborhood: Old City

Best Beer Store: The Foodery – Washington Square & Northern Liberties

Best BYO Restaurant: Lolita – Washington Square

Best New Bar: Perch Pub – Avenue of the Arts

Best Beer Bar: Monk’s Cafe – Rittenhouse Square

Best Wine Bar: Tria (Not Tinto, according to Philadelphians)

Best Cocktail Bar: The Farmer’s Cabinet – Washington Square

Best Sports Bar: Chickie’s & Pete’s - Packer Park

Best Wings: Moriarty’s – Washington Square

Best Brewpub: Victory Brewing Company – Downingtown

(Runner’s up for Best Brewpub are two of my personal favorites 1. Nodding Head Brewery – Rittenhouse Square & 2. Yards Brewery – Northern Liberties)  I personally recommend the tour of Yards – very cool atmosphere and free tasting!

Best Happy Hour: McGillin’s Olde Ale House – Washington Square

Check this out too – also from Drink Philly.  It’s the History of Beer in Philadelphia showing why Philly is one of the best spots for beer!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

433 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

433 Spruce St. sold for $1,130,000 in 2008.  This artistic gem can be yours TODAY for $895,000! That’s a $235,000 bargain! It is such a beautiful and one of a kind listing in one of Philly’s most desirable neighborhoods – Society Hill.  Here are some of the details:

• One of a kind masterpiece designed in 1972 by acclaimed architect, Deroy Mark, featuring historic architectural elements
• Classic Samuel Yellin Gate, 19th Century Italian Doors, Distinctive 3 story Turret
• 33 foot ceiling with a sunroof and 3 story exposed brick wall
• Bridges on both upper floors with amazing views of the house and the private patio garden
• Dining room features 2 story windows with a custom curtain, 3 tiered Murano chandelier, and brick floor in dining room was acquired from the renovation of Independence Hall
• Open kitchen with Bucks County farmhouse cupboards
• Library/ “Turret room” with 18th Century cobblestone floor, alabaster leaded glass window, fireplace, wet bar and custom sofa
• Truly historic artistic gem

Check out all the listing details and more pictures for 433 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19106

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Those are some amazing homes around the country listed just under $300K!  Check out similar priced homes in Philly!  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings just below $300,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

• Rittenhouse Square Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Society Hill Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Washington Square Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Art Museum Area Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Avenue of the Arts Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Bella Vista Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Chinatown Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Fishtown Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Northern Liberties Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Graduate Hospital Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Fitler Square Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Old City Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Queen Village Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Powelton Village Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• University City Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• South Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• East Passyunk Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Girard Estate Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Marconi Park Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Newbold Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Passyunk Square Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Pennsport Real Estate Listings under $300,000
• Whitman Real Estate Listings under $300,000

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Here are some amazing homes around the country listed just under $400K.  Check out similar priced homes in Philly!  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings just below $400,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

• Rittenhouse Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Society Hill Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Washington Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Art Museum Area Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Avenue of the Arts Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Bella Vista Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Chinatown Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Fishtown Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Northern Liberties Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Graduate Hospital Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Fitler Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Old City Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Queen Village Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Powelton Village Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• University City Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• South Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• East Passyunk Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Girard Estate Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Marconi Park Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Newbold Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Passyunk Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Pennsport Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Whitman Real Estate Listings under $400,000

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Here are some amazing homes around the country listed just under $200K.  Check out similar priced homes in Philly!  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings just below $200,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

• Rittenhouse Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Society Hill Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Washington Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Art Museum Area Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Avenue of the Arts Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Bella Vista Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Chinatown Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Fishtown Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Northern Liberties Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Graduate Hospital Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Fitler Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Old City Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Queen Village Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Powelton Village Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• University City Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• South Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• East Passyunk Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Girard Estate Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Marconi Park Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Newbold Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Passyunk Square Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Pennsport Real Estate Listings under $200,000
• Whitman Real Estate Listings under $200,000

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here are some amazing homes around the country listed just under $400K.  Check out similar priced homes in Philly!  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings just below $400,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

• Rittenhouse Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Society Hill Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Washington Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Art Museum Area Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Avenue of the Arts Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Bella Vista Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Chinatown Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Fishtown Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Northern Liberties Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Graduate Hospital Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Fitler Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Old City Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Queen Village Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Powelton Village Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• University City Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• South Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• East Passyunk Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Girard Estate Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Marconi Park Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Newbold Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Passyunk Square Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Pennsport Real Estate Listings under $400,000
• Whitman Real Estate Listings under $400,000

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here are some great deals around the country.  Check out similar deals going on in Philly.  Here is every active Philadelphia Real Estate Listings under $250,000.

Or search by ANY Neighborhood:

Read the rest of this entry »

Picture Courtesy www.smh.com.au

Can you imagine traveling from New York to Philadelphia in 37 minutes?  A forum at the Down Town Club on November 30th brought an audience of 60+ professionals in transportation related industries together to speak about a high-speed rail line in the Northeast Corridor.

A high speed rail line connecting New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington would create integrated economies and Philadelphia would be geographically in the center of all of it.  The prize for Philadelphia is

“…access to a dramatically larger and better-educated workforce than regional employers can currently tap into… employers in Center City would find that their available talent pool would increase fourfold as a result of the improved access HSR would bring to the city center. Travel time from New York to Philadelphia would be sliced almost in half, to 37 minutes, and Washington would be less than an hour away… “the Philadelphia commutershed grows by 10 million people.” -WeeklyPress.com, High-speed rail puts Philly in center of NE ecomomy, planners predict

A major question is where to station these high speed rails.  Market-East station seems like a worthy candidate.  A plan such as this one would dramatically transform the business district around 11th and Market.  Others argue that 30th St Station would be the most appropriate spot considering the growth of University City as “the fastest growing population in the city and also more educated than the city as a whole.”

The project, no matter what, could not be completed before 2050 and would be extremely costly.  But imagine the possibilities! Check out the full article by WeeklyPress.com, High-speed rail puts Philly in center of NE ecomomy, planners predict.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Picture courtesy of Through Autumn’s Lens

TIS’ THE SEASON for festive activities and events in Philadelphia!  There are plenty of them coming up in and around the area to help get you and your family into the holiday spirit!  Our friends over at uwishunu always provide great insight into what’s going on in Philadelphia.  Here are a few of the events they have highlighted specifically for the holidays:

Franklin Square’s holiday celebration: November 25 – January 2 Meet Santa, enjoy holiday music, make holiday ornament crafts, and try a candy cane shake at the SquareBurger.

Santa Days at the Philadelphia Zoo: December 10-11 and December 17-18 9:30am-4pm Join Santa to celebrate the holiday season with all the animals! Click the link above for the daily schedules of activities.

Philadelphia’s Holiday Pops concert: December 9th-22nd Join two time Grammy Award winning pianist Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for their annual holiday concert at the Kimmel Center

Santa on Ice in Manayunk: Saturday, December 10th from 11am-2pm Watch a world-class ice sculptor carve a throne of ice for Santa Claus and sit and pose for photos with him!

City Hall Tree Lighting: December 8th at 5pm The annual ceremony which usually takes place at Dilworth Plaza will occur across the street at Love Park due to renovations.  The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is also located in Love Park this year due to the renovations.

Be sure to check out the entire holiday section at uwishunu.com for more upcoming events about Holiday and Christmas activities in Philadelphia.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Photo courtesy uwishunu.com

Today is National Sandwich Day! Go grab a Hoagie from your favorite restaurant for dinner tonight!  WHAT!? Don’t have a favorite hoagie restaurant??? Check out Visit Philly’s Authentic Hoagie Finder right now!

Enjoy!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

If you’re contemplating a move to Philadelphia, there is a great article over at Flying Kite about the benefits of living in Philly and how you get plenty of bang for your buck!

The northeast is generally one of the pricier parts of the country because of the quality of life, opportunity, energy, and culture.  Philly offers all of that — was recently named the Number 1 U.S. city for culture, is the 5th largest city in the country, and one of the major coastal cities in the Northeast.

Sometimes Philadelphia feels like a closely kept secret — urban character, excellent food, cultural capital and low, low rents. Time to spill the beans. Tell your friends. Buy them a cheap local brew at happy hour. Give them a tour of your surprisingly-spacious pad, perfect for potlucks and bike storage. Take them to a BYOB. Get them a great coffee and a Wednesday-night ticket to the Ritz.

“Our reasons were number one the cost thing,” explains Kunal. “(Rittenhouse Square) is basically Union Square. Hypothetically speaking, our rent in New York would be like 15, 20 grand. Here, it’s a lot less than that. From a practical standpoint, to get the business off the ground, it made sense.”

-Flying Kite

All you New Yorkers that are looking for a cheaper alternative to city living should check out this incredibly unique rental in one of the most prestigious neighborhood in Philly: 433 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 – Society Hill

Also make sure you check out our article about the 20 Things to Know Before Moving to Philadelphia.

And take a look at the Flying Kite article – cost of living: how expensive is Philadelphia?

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

There has been an issue for years about condo owners who have to pay private trash collectors.  Philadelphia’s trash collectors aren’t capable of picking up all the trash produced at a lot of high rise buildings in one pickup.

Yesterday the Pennsylvania Supreme Court approved a rebate that mandates trash pickups for all condo units.  This bill will give a $200 per year per unit tax credit to those residents who pay for separate trash pick up fees.

Society Hill Towers resident Marsha Bacal says she’s been fighting 10 years to end the inequity between condo owners and other homeowners in Philadelphia.

“The concept of homeowner seems to be a problem here, because we are vertical we considered second class,” said Bacal. “We are not homeowners in the same light as those who live on a horizontal basis.” -newsworks.org

If this is implemented, Philadelphia would lose upwards of $6 million a year for giving out these credits.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

There is a very thorough section in philly.com about the 2011 Home Price Survey for Philadelphia Real Estate that is worth checking out.  They have analyzed more than 376,000 sales in the Philadelphia region from April 2005 – June 2011.

Here are the top Median Home Prices by Area in Philadelphia:

Median single-family home prices in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, especially Center City, have fallen 15.8 percent – much less during this downturn in housing than the last one in the late 1980s to mid-1990s – said Kevin Gillen, vice president of Econsult Corp., who collected and analyzed data from 376,257 sales regionwide from April 1, 2005, through June 30, 2011.

But lower-income neighborhoods have suffered more than their upscale counterparts, Gillen said, as the struggling economy has edged out less-well-off buyers.

“The tightening of credit has skewed home sales toward the upper end of the market,” Gillen said. “So when you compute the average price decline for the entire city, versus computing the average price decline across all zips [zip codes] in the city, you get two different numbers.” – Philly.com’s In Center City, home prices holding their own

They also have a very insightful interactive map that is worth playing around with:

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Photo courtesy of crossingbroad.com

I had the pleasure of attending the miserable NLDS Game 5 between the Phillies and Cardinals on Friday night.  While Ryan Howard lay on the field, writhing in pain after making the final out (2nd year in a row) and simultaneously blowing out his Achilles, the St. Louis Cardinals celebrated their advancement to the NLCS right next to him.  I was as stunned, disgusted, and upset about the way the 2011 Phillies season ended as everyone in the ballpark, but the last thing I thought about doing was throwing my trash onto the field.  That’s exactly what many of my fellow fans did think to do as you can see in the above picture.  It’s a pretty low rent way of expressing oneself.

There happens to be an unrelated article on philly.com today called LITTER-ALLY DISGUSTING about the littering that goes on in Philadelphia.  One major issue is the businesses that shove circulars, menus, and printed ads into door cracks and mailboxes.  They usually wind up blowing away into the street.  The other big problem is the people who blatantly just drop their trash on the ground and then go about their business (or throw trash on a baseball field to express anger and frustration.)

More than 100,000 fines were issued for trash-related violations in 2011.  More than 600 tickets went to business that ignored residents with the no-circular sticker.  21,219 tickets were issued to people not separating recycling from trash and 1,429 littering tickets were given out.

Among the several difficulties in the struggle to enforce litter laws, [Deputy Streets Commissioner Carlton] Williams said, is that it’s hard to fine people for littering because offenders must be caught in the act. SWEEP officers have partnered with police to keep tabs on high-grime areas, Williams said.  Although officers could sit in high-traffic areas watching and waiting to issue people tickets for littering, Williams said that that type of stakeout would be impractical.  “It is very difficult to sustain such an operation because of the tremendous amount of resources needed from the Streets Department and the Police Department to change and deter this behavior long-term,” he said. -Philly.com – LITER-ALLEY DISGUSTING

Come on people… it’s 2011, there are trash cans and recycling containers on every corner of the city, please stop littering already!  Here are some more tips from Philly.com on how to play a part to keep Philly clean: A cleaner city? it comes down to you

1 Become a block captain. Or if there’s already a block captain, find one for a neighboring block. The city has programs that are available only if there is a block captain to take the reins. For one, “Adopt A Basket,” the block captain takes responsibility for maintaining a trash can on a residential block.

2 Keep an eye on your trash collectors. If your block is dirtier after the truck comes on trash day, call 3-1-1 to report it. Every truck comes with a broom and dustpan, and it is every crew’s job to pick up after themselves. And keep your 3-1-1 tracking number. Without it, you won’t be able to check progress on your complaint.

3 Get a “circular-free-property” sticker. The sticker is supposed to deter businesses from putting fliers in your door, railing, etc. You can get the sticker by calling 3-1-1, or by going to philly.com/pickitup. When it doesn’t work – and it won’t – complain to 3-1-1 and the business will be fined $100.

4 Enlist your local school. The Streets Department’s Litter Free School Zone program recruits students to pick up around their schools. They also run assemblies that teach kids not to litter and about the benefits of a litter-free life. The school district has committed to promote the program this year, but parents should contact administrators at their kids’ school and urge them to participate.

5 Pick up after yourself – and others. The UnlitterUs antilitter program sponsors blocks and commercial corridors that have shown a dedication to sweeping up after themselves and others. Contact them at 215-686-5560 or call the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee at 215 685-3981 to coordinate regular neighborhood cleanups, and UnlitterUs will give you signs declaring a Litter Free Zone. Or, when you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up. -A cleaner city? it comes down to you

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Tonight at 8:37pm  is Game 5 of the NLDS between the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals.  It’s a do or die elimination game that will feature two former Cy Young award winning starting pitchers, Roy Halladay and Chris Carpenter.

The Phillies Rally Trolley is making it’s rounds in Center City right now! Be sure to check it out if your in town, they are giving away signs and rally towels.

Ex-players Greg Luzinski, Tommy Greene and Ricky Bottalico, now a Comcast SportsNet analyst, will be aboard, along with broadcasters Scott Franzke and Gary Matthews. The trolley will avoid the City Hall-Love Park area because of concerns about traffic related to the Occupy Philadelphia demonstrations at Dilworth Plaza. -philly.com

Get hints about the trolley route by following @philaphillies on twitter.

GO PHILLIES!

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

As everyone knows by now, the visionary and former CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, passed away on Wednesday.  The above photograph  was taken this morning outside the Apple Store at 16th & Walnut in Center City Philadelphia where people have left  personal mementos, flowers and post-it-notes honoring the late Jobs.

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia is adding cameras at the intersection of Broad and Vine to try to keep drivers from speeding up at the light.  They will be turned on at midnight tonight.  Violators will receive warnings for the next 2 months, then after December 2nd the fine will be $100.

“These new cameras will help protect all pedestrians, such as the students that attend Roman Catholic High School,” Philadelphia Parking Authority executive director Vince Fenerty said in a statement. “From now on, people will think twice before speeding up Broad Street to make a light.” -philly.com

Philadelphia is the only city in Pennsylvania that is allowed to have these “gotcha” cameras.  Fines are split 50/50 between the city and state and is distributed to municipalities for transportation projects.

Check out more at: Cameras to monitor red lights at Broad and Vine -philly.com

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you. Below are just a few of the many factors — you may think of others that are important to you.

Neighborhoods have characteristic personalities designed to best suit single people, growing families, two-career couples, or retirees. 

SCOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

• It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. You live in more than your house.

• Talk to people who live there.

• Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week and on weekends.

• Look carefully at how well other homes in the area are being maintained; are they painted, are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition, etc.

NEIGHBORHOOD FACTORS TO CONSIDER

• Look for things like access to major thoroughfares, highways, and shopping.

• Listen for noise created by commerce, roads, railways, public areas, schools, etc.
• Smell the air for adjacent commerce or agriculture.
• Check with local civic, police, fire, and school officials to find information about the area.
• Research things like soil and water.
• Look at traffic patterns around the area during different times of the day and drive from the area to work.
• Find out if the neighborhood is near parks, churches, recreation centers, shopping, theaters, restaurants, public transportation, schools, etc.
• Find out if the neighborhood belongs to a Homeowner’s Association.

Here is a list of links to more information about specific Philadelphia Neighborhoods:

Art Museum Area, Avenue of the Arts, Bella Vista, Chinatown, Fishtown, Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital, Logan Square, Northern Liberties, Old City, Powelton Village, Queen Village, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, University City, Washington Square, East Passyunk, Girard Estate, Marconi Park, Newbold, Packer Park, Passyunk Square, Pennsport, Whitman.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Here are some pictures of Philadelphia in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.   As you can see, Manayunk flooded pretty badly, as expected by the Philadelphia Flood Prone Areas.

All pictures are courtesy of philly.com.  Check out: Images from Hurricane Irene for more.

My desk at 1619 Walnut St. Philadelphia PA, 19103 was affected by Irene as well.  Casualties include: 1 left computer monitor, 1 keyboard, 1 box of tissues, 1 desk calendar, 2 notepads…. and 1 Phillie Phanatic.

I stole Georgine’s keyboard to bring you this post.  She’s on vacation, so it’s OK.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

According to a Philly.com article,  a buyer that was represented by Liberty Property Trust paid $40 million for the lot at 1800 Arch St.  Some think Comcast is a likely tenant:

Hopeful brokers I talked to said a likely occupant for a new building on that site would be its neighbor, Comcast Corp., whose Liberty-built and -managed Comcast Center headquarters, at nearly 1,000 feet, is Philadelphia’s highest building.  Comcast is looking for space and has leased parts of the former CoreStates and Bell Atlantic towers. -Joseph N. DiStefano Another Comcast tower in Center City?

Check out the article Another Comcast tower in Center City?

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Yesterday I blogged about the excessive record breaking heat that Philadelphia experienced last month.  Well check out this promo by Philadelphia Sports Clubs:

Heat wave special: WORK OUT FREE!

Chill out at any club with a free workout whenever the temperature hits 90°. Even if sculpting the perfect body doesn’t interest you, come in for the free air conditioning. Must be 18 and have a photo ID. Excludes outdoor pools.

Well guess there are some advantages to global warming after all.

There are 6 area locations for Philadelphia Sports Clubs;  Society Hill, Center City, Art Museum Area, Ardmore, Radnor and Chalfont.

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

The Philadelphia Rental market has become very competitive according to this article by Al Heavens; Philadelphia apartment vacancies dwindle as demand soars. Heavens cites the lingering housing downturn and price declines as the prime reasons for people in the 18-34 age group turning to rentals.

The article estimates that Philadelphia’s rental vacancy rate is 1.8 percent and 86 percent of Center City adults up to age 34 are renters.

“Our advice to the prospective renter is to bring a checkbook, because if you find something you like and delay a decision, it could be gone in 20 minutes,” said Rich Lauletta, chief marketing officer of the Philadelphia Apartment Co., a rental agency. – Philly.com

Here are some more important tips from the article:

Before You Sign
1. Relationships matter. Establish a good one with your landlord.
2. Think of your first visit as an inspection.
3. Document existing damage before moving in.
4. Know what is included in the monthly rent.
5. Can you customize your living space (paint, hang art on the walls)?
6. Confirm the landlord’s policies on pets (including visiting ones).
7. Consider how the cost of commuting to a job will affect your monthly expenses.
8. Ask about automatic lease renewal.
9. What is your “out” clause?
10. Get it in writing, and read every word.

SOURCE: Rent.com

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To view every Philadelphia Real Estate Listing, including Philadelphia Condos visit www.CenterCityRealEstate.com

Philadelphia was voted the 5th most walkable city by walkscore.com in their poll 2011 Most Walkable Cities. Philly’s overall walkscore is 74.  Center City West and Center City East both received scores of 97.  See all the Philadelphia neighborhood walkscores and make sure you go vote for Philly!

Here is the top ten:

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