Archive for the ‘Fitler Square’ Category

If you have a family with young children and want to raise them in  area with excellent schools, great parks, and plenty of child friendly places to visit on the weekends than look NO further. Philadelphia is full of fabulous neighborhoods for families which is why Magazine Philadelphia investigated the city’s recent baby boom .

Society Hill- Society Hill has been a great place for families for the last 200 years!  This neighborhood features many spacious historic federal homes with grand gardens perfect for large families. In addition, there are 3 excellent elementary schools in the neighborhood: the city’s most elite private school the 177 year old St Peter’s School, the highly acclaimed  St Mary Catholic School and one of the best public schools in the city McCalls.   In addition, it is home to some stellar private pre-schools and the cutest toddler playground, # Bears Park  you will ever visit, if you can find it.

East Falls – This pretty neighborhood, where Grace Kelly grew up, borders the river and offers plenty of gorgeous housing options. The scenic view from Kelly Drive is great to take your children for an afternoon walk and there are also plenty of fun attractions, including the Philadelphia Zoo, Valley Forge, the library’s main branch and lots of museums.

Queen Village – This residential neighborhood features safe and quiet streets, traditional Philadelphia real estate, and plenty of parks. There are also tons of great schools, including the highly desirable Meredith,  in the area that have camps for your kids to attend during the summertime.

Rittenhouse & Fitler Square – Located in the heart of the city, Rittenhouse is Philadelphia’s premier neighborhood with plenty of parks and fun attractions for your self and your kids. While Fitler Square is the quieter, more residential area. Both located in the 19103 zip code are within walking distance of another great Philadelphia elementary school Greenfield School and the city’s most progressive school The Philadelphia School. Located across the street is one of the best playgrounds in the city and several playing fields at Taney Park.

East Passyunk Square – Located right outside of Pennsport, East Passyunk Avenue is a great little neighborhood with tons of shops and plenty of parking. The three-story houses have spacious backyards for kids to play in and a very Old Philadelphia neighborly feel to it.

Art Museum – Situated right on the Parkway, the Art Museum area is great for families with artistic inclinations. You’ll be in the center of the city’s museum district and enjoy tree-lined streets that are great for bike rides and evening strolls.  It is also home to the #1 Public High in the state of Pennsylvania & #61 in the USA Masterman High School.

We have another featured resident this week.  Meet your neighbor, Kimberly Ettinger, from Fitler Square:

Name: Kimberly Ettinger

Age: 27

Occupation: PR Specialist

What is the best part of your job: Tough question… I really enjoy working with a plethora of clients within the lifestyles industry who allow me to be creative/innovative in my approach to PR. Since my job requires a lot of communication, I love meeting new, interesting, and inspiring people every day. I should also mention that since I’m a food lover at heart, working with clients in our dedicated culinary division, The Whole Enchilada PR, is a special treat for me.

What do you do when you are not working: When I’m not working I’m either spending time with friends and family, exercising, enjoying the Philly restaurant scene, cooking at home, exploring new areas, etc. That said, the warden ettinger group is a 24/7 business. We’re always on call.

Philadelphia Neighborhood you live in: Center City West/Fitler Square

Do you own or rent: Own

What is your favorite part about living in Philly: I like that you can walk everywhere. I live on one side of the city, and even when I used to work on the complete other side, it was only a ½-hour walk by foot. I also love the up-and-coming restaurant scene here. Philly has been continuously making its mark on the US culinary map for some time, and is now becoming known as a dining destination.

What is your favorite Philadelphia restaurant: Yikes. My answer always changes and I don’t have just one favorite, but since my last 2 meals were pretty incredible at this particular spot, I’m going to give this one to Tashan.  Han Dynasty is always at the top of my list too.

BYOB: Modo Mio & Marigold Kitchen

Retail Store: My favorite place to stroll is Reading Terminal Market (I’d rather shop for food than clothes!).

What advice would you give someone thinking about moving to
Philly: I’d say do it!  The city is easy to navigate and has so much to offer in the way of culture, retail, entertainment, food & community. It’s big enough to give a true city vibe, but not so big and crazy that it becomes overwhelming.

Want to be a featured resident and meet your neighbors? Email me at marketing@atacangroup.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

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 »

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:

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

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

A few weeks ago I blogged about the increased 20-30 year old demographic.  Well it looks like people in that demographic are starting to have kids of their own.

This philly.com article titled, Center City Philly: Call it kid row, cites recent Philadelphia demographics that show a boom in young children.  More than 17,100 children were born to Center City parents between 2000 and 2008.  (In 1990 the Health Department counted 272 in the same area)  The 2010 census shows an increase of 3.5% in the under 5 category.

The opening of more child centric businesses and youth-oriented spots like Franklin Square Park is one example of Center City becoming a kid friendly place to live.  Even a former strip club building at 13^th and locust is becoming a “children’s enrichment center” that is set to open next month.

There are several reasons why families have been moving into Center City Philadelphia:

• Crime is down
• Center City public schools are seen as improving
• Wealth of charter schools offer families more schooling options besides private
• Retail, services, and restaurants are responding to the changing demographics
• Check out our article 20 things to know before moving to Philadelphia

“It’s about being closer to your neighbors and knowing your neighbors as opposed to going up your driveway and into your house,” said Amy Rivera, a mother of three who lives in Queen Village.

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

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

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

Locust Point

2429 Locust St # 506

Fitler Square

This is a very nice corner unit with huge southwest facing windows in a great location for dog walkers and joggers – right near the dog park and the entrance to the Schuylkill River walking/jogging path.  Check it out!

This is brought to you by Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

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

2413 Naudain St

Graduate Hospital

This charming 3 bed townhouse has garage parking in a VERY walkable neighborhood -  only 3 blocks away from Fitler Square and 2 blocks from the Philadelphia School.  Check It Out

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 new report, since 1993 the rate of people moving into Philadelphia has steadily increased while the rate of people leaving has dwindled.  This report was released on Wednesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Philadelphia Research Initiative, based on IRS data.

The number of people moving into the city has steadily increased from 31,837 in 1993 to 52,096 in 2008.  Population growth in Philadelphia is due to a greater number of births than deaths and an increase of immigrants and empty nesters moving from the suburbs to the city.

These trends point to a reversal of long-term decline in the city’s population.  For six decades people generally fled Philadelphia for the surrounding suburbs.

Check out Philly.com for more on this story.

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 is the latest on the status of the South Street Bridge. This is great news for the City and residents in the area. It’s great to see that leadership has finally stepped up the plate. Read on below.

Dear Neighbors and Friends of the South Street Bridge:

As we mentioned in our last update on the South Street Bridge, we began discussions with the Streets Department and PennDOT based on the study commissioned by the South Street Bridge Coalition, Design Recommendations for the South Street Bridge. We also mentioned that the project was put out to bid based on the current Bridge design.

Several issues of importance to the community were included in the original bid documents:

Read the rest of this entry »