Your experience of these Philly neighbourhoods

[Nathan J.]

Hi there fellow BP'ers. I'd love to hear your experience of the following areas

I am looking at a tri in the Haddington area near Callowhill and N 61st street in West philly.

I am also looking at a duplex in the Fern Rock area near N18th street and West Rockland street.

Do folks here have educated opinions or experience with these areas. My goals are stable cashflow with potential appreciation 10 years down the road

Thanks so much

[Troy Sheets]

Have you heard of anything that would lead you to believe there is anything going on in the Fern Rock area that would drive appreciation in the next 10 years? Just curious as I don't know anything about the area except it's pretty rough! 

I'm no expert on these areas but I like 61st and Callowhill much better. I'm biased because Ronit (my wife for those that don't know) worked at 61st and Arch for five years and I'm pretty comfortable in the area as I'd occasionally pick her up, drop her off, go to lunch in the area with her, etc. She took public transit there most days, ran errands at lunch (walking and public trans), worked the occasional late evening and never had an issue. It's very residential, lots of families, and even some rehabbing going on. The rehabs are usually to rent, tough to get enough spread to flip but there were some flips too. 

As I'm sure you know, that area has good public transportation available and is a straight shot into Center City for jobs. I'm not sure it's likely to see any appreciation other than what is average for the area. I can't see much happening that will change the area but it is a good area for rentals overall.