Safety in West Philly (Springfield, Penn: real estate, renting, condo)

[sleepy425]

I am going to be starting med school at Penn and I am interested in buying a home. I am interested in living in West Philly because of the lower real estate costs (and because I am from Louisiana and have trouble with the idea of paying 200k for a 400 sq foot condo in center city). Anyway, I am concerned about safety in West Philly. From what I've heard and read, people tend to suggest staying east of 50th St., and that the farther north you go (especially around Market), the worse.

I have been looking at some places on 50th St. a couple of blocks south of Baltimore Ave (I believe the neighborhood is Cedar Park). Does anyone know if this area is safe?

If anyone has any other tips about finding a safe place to live in West Philly that is within about 2 miles of Penn's campus, I'd really appreciate it.

[rainrock]

Personally I would be looking closer to U Penn 33rd-45th Streets.Rent for a semester if you can to get a feel of your surroundings. 50th + South of Baltimore gets you real close to Kingsessing and SW Philly which is not good. You are right on a pretty stark boundary at that location.

Good luck.

[eggtimer]

generally the area south of baltimore ave. starts to get sketchier around 49th st. it depends on what type of neighborhood you are comfortable with because there are definitely some nice blocks west of 49th, but it is much more hit or miss. generally from pine st. south to baltimore is pretty decent up to 50th or 51st.

i don't know the mileage off hand, but there are probably some good values to be had in south philadelphia as well which isn't a bad commute to PENN (especially when the south st. bridge reopens).

[Deep77]

I used to live on 49th and Hazel, which is a couple blocks north of Baltimore and is a part of the Cedar Park neighborhood. I had no problems. My neighbors were nice, they even invited me to their cook outs. I would say don't go farther than 52nd, and a couple of blocks south of Baltimore. You would have to see the place yourself. Cedar Park is an improving area.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by sleepy425

I am going to be starting med school at Penn and I am interested in buying a home. I am interested in living in West Philly because of the lower real estate costs (and because I am from Louisiana and have trouble with the idea of paying 200k for a 400 sq foot condo in center city). Anyway, I am concerned about safety in West Philly. From what I've heard and read, people tend to suggest staying east of 50th St., and that the farther north you go (especially around Market), the worse.

I have been looking at some places on 50th St. a couple of blocks south of Baltimore Ave (I believe the neighborhood is Cedar Park). Does anyone know if this area is safe?

If anyone has any other tips about finding a safe place to live in West Philly that is within about 2 miles of Penn's campus, I'd really appreciate it.

You're right on the edge of a decent neighborhood and a more challenging one. I'd extend that safety zone (by city standards) from Baltimore Ave. south to Springfield Ave. West Philly was in the process of gentrifying west/southwest from 50th before the recession hit.

You'll probably be fine; I'd just take a thorough look around the neighborhood first. I'd agree that renting for a year a bit closer in (unless you're planning to take in another grad student yourself) is a good idea as well.

[sleepy425]

Originally Posted by Tone509

You're right on the edge of a decent neighborhood and a more challenging one. I'd extend that safety zone (by city standards) from Baltimore Ave. south to Springfield Ave. West Philly was in the process of gentrifying west/southwest from 50th before the recession hit.

You'll probably be fine; I'd just take a thorough look around the neighborhood first. I'd agree that renting for a year a bit closer in (unless you're planning to take in another grad student yourself) is a good idea as well.

Yeah, the places I'm looking at are all just north of Springfield Ave. but I have a feeling I'll end up renting for a while. Thanks for all the help everyone!