When buyers fall in love with a neighborhood, they usually fall hard. The charm, the restaurants, the walkability, the vibe. But what often gets overlooked in that initial spark is how much the neighborhood itself impacts your monthly payment. Property taxes aren’t just a line item on a listing; they’re baked into your mortgage every single month. Looking just one neighborhood over ( even a few blocks!) can sometimes mean noticeably lower taxes and a more comfortable payment, without giving up the lifestyle that drew you to the area in the first place. That said, these adjacent neighborhoods often come with tradeoffs: fewer “bells and whistles,” a different level of polish, and a pace of home appreciation that may be steadier rather than explosive. For many buyers, though, that balance is exactly where the opportunity lives.
Here are some of our favorite “neighborhoods next door” (or at least nearby) that we encourage our clients not to miss out on.
Fishtown vs. “The Triangle”
Average price of a 3-bed 1+ bath in 2025
Fishtown $501k
Port Richmond $349k
The down low
This area is technically still Fishtown, but often forgotten. The Triangle, as it is called by many locals, is a sweet few blocks that are quiet, still easily walkable (and surely bikeable) to the hot spots of Fishtown, as well as access to Port Richmond. An array of choice, classic small, tiny homes to new constructions with roof decks and views.
What you’ll get
In your own couple block radius, you have Green Rock Tavern, which is the local favorite with stellar karaoke on Friday nights. You’re bound to run into neighbors at the Little Susie’s window for coffee and handheld pies. Pop over to the IGA or Wawa when you’re missing an ingredient for dinner. You have the easiest access to 1-95 to get anywhere in the city in just about 20 mins!
What’s the trade-off?
That true close walkable proximity to your fav coffee shop or the market that serves up organic options (we see you Riverwards). Although there are plenty of bus routes and a trolley, the subway to the Berks stop is about a 30 min walk.
Fishtown vs. Port Richmond
Average price of a 3-bed 1+ bath in 2025
Fishtown $501k
Port Richmond $267k
The down low
When it comes to Port Richmond, think classic 2 and 3-bedroom row homes (most come with big backyards). A really residential feel - you can walk the pup and wave to the neighbors. Not a ton of new construction, but it’s poking its head here and there. Powers Park and Campbell Square are two green spaces that are pretty popular with the locals.
What you’ll get
Richmond Street is growing with some key small businesses like Launderette Records, Sanavita Wellness, Pizza Richmond, and Carbon Copy, among others. Don’t forget about the monthly Richmond Street Flea! You can also find some great places tucked among the residential streets, like Her Daughters Cafe, Nemi, and Ellie and Bird.
What’s the trade-off?
On the quieter side, and can feel more remote thanks to no easy subway access. If you’re willing to hop on a bike, hop on the trolley or put your walking shoes on, you can take advantage of the hustle and bustle of nearby Fishtown. You won’t find many driveways (though not impossible!). Most residences have street parking, which is still easy enough to score.
Northern Liberties vs. Ludlow/Olde Kensington
Average cost of a 3-bed 2+ bath in 2025
Northern Liberties $751k
Ludlow $584k
Olde Kensington $617k
The low down
Olde Kensington has had its name on the map now for some time, but next door neighbor Ludlow is one of the better-kept secrets. A tiny, tightly knit neighborhood that is such a central location. You will find a lot of newly renovated and new construction properties in both Olde Kensington and Ludlow for less than those in nearby Fishtown and Northern Liberties.
What you get
Cruz Playground is a recognizable landmark. Always hopping with kids in the playground, various basketball games, and splashing in the pool on hot summer days. Olde Kensington has shops, bars, and restaurants like Human Robot, Wissahickon Brewing Company, The Clay Studio, and other hot spots on North American Ave. The trolley (G line) runs along nearby Girard Ave, and the MFL is a 15 min walk away.
What’s the trade-off?
The ease of living RIGHT nearby everything. You’re looking at a 15 min walk before you are in the hustle and bustle of restaurants, bars, and errand running in nearby Fishtown and Northern Liberties.
Queen Village vs. Pennsport and Dickinson Narrows
Average cost of a 3-bed 1+ bath in 2025
Queen Village $692k
Dickinson Narrows $465k
Pennsport $455k
The Lowdown
Dickinson Narrows is a tiny strip that snugs up against more well-known Pennsport. Both are ideal to check out when Queen Village prices feel daunting. You may find bigger three-story homes, brownstone vibes, and larger lots. Around 2 Street, there is a higher concentration of new more modern construction with parking, be it a garage or driveway.
What you get
Take advantage of multiple green parks, all with a dog in one hand, coffee in the other. In fact, this may be the coffee capital of Philadelphia- with multiple heavy hitters like Grindcore House, which serves up vegan treats, the beloved Herman’s Coffee that also has a little market to shop, and Rebel and Wolf, which sits parkside and is a respite on icy cold and steaming hot days. Dickinson Park is especially charming with built-in chess tables, basketball courts, and a weekly farmers' market. You can run errands to local shops and big box stores all on foot.
What’s the trade-off?
The plethora of neighborhood restaurants and local markets that Queen Village offers nearby. However, if you are a natural born stroller or moving from NYC, walking 8 blocks for a delectable dinner won’t faze you. If you just walk 2-4 more blocks than “your normal”, you will hit up some favs outside the neighborhood like Bok Bar, Grace and Proper, and Good King Tavern, and all that Passyunk Ave has to offer.
Fairmount vs. Brewerytown
Average cost of a 2-3 bed 2-3 bath condo in 2025
Fairmount $547k
Brewerytown $363k
The low down
Like most “next-door” alternatives to Philly’s biggest draw neighborhoods, this pairing isn’t for everyone. Fairmount is one of the city’s MOST charming and established neighborhoods, and that charm comes with a price tag. Just next door, Brewerytown offers its own distinct appeal. While it may not have Fairmount’s level of polish, it makes up for it with character, creativity, and value. Here you’ll find classic porch-front homes, beautiful masonry with decorative brick details, along with condo buildings and thoughtfully designed new construction.
What you get
The Brewerytown retail corridor is a proud feature of the neighborhood. The long-awaited Baby’s Kusina and Market, Otto’s Taproom, and Poe’s Side Piece are all up for serving a great meal. Retro Rewind Vintage is a favorite for old school fits, New June Bakery offers crazy beautiful designed cakes, Together Skateboarding and Coffee provides your daily java fix, and Brewerytown Pilates is a staple in your workout rotation. You have easy walkable access to East Fairmount Park and Schuylkill River trails for biking and running. The trolley (G Line) runs along Girard Avenue in the direction of West Philly or Fishtown. There is also a new bus line that accesses Chop, making commuting easy. Speedy access to 1-76 too!
What’s the trade-off?
The polished up, perfect homes and quaint streets of Fairmount. Depending on where you are in the neighborhood, you may have to walk a couple of blocks more to the action, but nothing that feels too overwhelming.
Newbold vs Passyunk Square
Average cost of a 3-bed 1+ bath in 2025
Passyunk Square $513k
Newbold $362k
The low down
Traditional two and three-story row homes. Don’t be fooled, even though some are tucked among skinny streets, there are plenty on the wider numbered streets that have larger lots. Street parking isn’t too bad either!
What you get
You get to claim one of the yummies Vegan treat joints, Batter & Crumbs as your local, stop by Hardena on the regs for delish Indonesian food, Little Susie’s coffee and pie will satisfy that sweet and savory craving, sip coffee and relax at Ultimo Coffee, and of course, South Philly Tap Room and Second District Brewing for happy hour and beyond. The Newbold CDC is active and always looks for a good excuse to gather the neighborhood with some type of festival (the Philly Sausage Fest has been going strong for 9 years now!). Easy access to the BSL subway via the Tasker St or Ellsworth-Federal stations. You also have quick access to our very favorite dentist that so many Philly Home Girls go to!
The trade-off
Green space isn’t happening in Newbold, although the Newbold CDC does maintain a number of planters and gardens around the neighborhood. Cross Broad Street and you’ll find yourself just a quick walk away from popular Passyunk Ave, which is packed with bars, restaurants, and small businesses to support.
Mt Airy vs….
Average cost of a 3-bed 1+ bath in 2025
Chestnut Hill $854,672
West Mt Airy $475,219
East Mt Airy $311,328
Germantown $187,659
The low down
Mt. Airy often becomes the sweet spot for buyers drawn to Chestnut Hill’s storybook charm but hoping for a bit more flexibility on price. You’ll find similar characteristics such as leafy streets, historic homes, and a strong sense of community, at slightly lower entry points. For those who love the family-forward feel of Mt. Airy but want to stretch their budget even further, neighboring Germantown is worth a close look. In many ways, Mt. Airy sits right in the middle both geographically and in pricing. All three neighborhoods offer detached homes and twins, larger yards, and perks like driveways or easy street parking.
What you get
With a number of family-friendly festivals that close down the streets and bring out neighbors Mt Airy has an incredible charming hometown feel. Small businesses like Weavers Way (also in Germantown), Nesting House, Big Blue Marble, Perennial Refill Hub, and High Point Cafe. McMenamin’s Tavern and Downtime Bakery can be found throughout the neighborhood. Chestnut Hill reads like a Hallmark movie Main St with the number of cutesy shops selling whatever knick-knack you are looking for. Germantown has one of our favs that appears on many a Philly Home Girls guide, Uncle Bobbies Coffee and Books, Attic Brewing, Ultimo, and local loves. It’s home to Germantown Friends School (where our intern attends!), and the Waldorf School of Philadelphia is just down the street. For all three neighborhoods, nature lovers will find access to the Wissahickon Park and hundreds of trails. There are two regional rails that will deliver you all the way to Center City Philadelphia.
What’s the trade-off?
That city feeling. Although you are still technically part of the City of Philadelphia, you are entering burbs territory (you get to still pay Philly city taxes tho!). You have tons of shops and restaurants at the ready, but that city grit is missing if that’s your thing.
East Falls vs Paradise
Average cost of a 3+ bed 12+ bath in 2025
East Falls $666k
Paradise $456K
The low down
Paradise is a pocket neighborhood that we are in love with. You’ll find a mix of new construction developments and older homes with many residents living there for generations. Newer development often comes with the luxury of private garage parking, and street parking is easy to find.
What You Get
If you like green space, the magical Laurel Hill Cemetery is just across the street. This isn’t your typical sleepy cemetery; it is quite alive with neighbors walking their dogs, joggers, and even movie nights. Hop on your bike and discover the Wishaickon trails in 10 mins. It’s a short walk to the strip in East Falls, where you’ll find Le Bus for lunch, In Riva has great outdoor seating for date night, and Thunder Mug is a great place to meet your neighbors. You can even join the community theatre at Old Academy Players! A busy bus schedule provides public transportation to Center City and beyond. Easy access to 1-76 for breezy commuting.
What’s the trade-off?
Everything is a little stroll, bike, or drive away. You have access to all that East Falls, Manayunk, and even Brewerytown and Fairmount, you just have to put on those walking shoes, dust off the electric bike, or pull out of your garage parking!
What do you do when you’ve inherited a house? How do you sell a home from a loved one’s estate? What will happen with your home after you pass away? These are common questions we get in this industry. To help answer them, we sat down with Steven Zelinger, an attorney that specializes in estate planning and probate.