Over the past year or so, there has been a lot of talk around Philly about downsizing. Specifically, there’s an increasing amount of empty nesters who are trading in their Main Line mansions for smaller, yet still swanky, condos in Center City and booming neighborhoods like Fishtown.
But we get it: High-rise living isn’t for everyone—nor are increasing HOA fees. The good news is that it’s still very possible to live in neighborhoods like Rittenhouse and Washington Square West, even if you don’t want a lot of house. Here’s proof: Five single-family homes for sale in five popular neighborhoods that are all less than 1,000 square feet. (For what it’s worth, the average U.S. single-family home is 2,467 square feet, according to recent Census data).
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Washington Square West (2 beds, 1 bath)—At 621 square feet, this adorable Trinity in Washington Square West is the smallest home on this list. It’s located on a tiny alley in a gated community, and has a lovely upgraded kitchen on the first floor, followed by a bedroom on the second. The master bedroom has exposed beams and a working brick fireplace.
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Fishtown (2 beds, 1 bath)—Clocking in at 890-square-feet, this home sits among the many Fishtown homes hitting the market for $500K and up. That makes its $289,000 all the more appealing. It’s also been recently rehabbed, and there private outdoor space in the back off of the new kitchen.
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Graduate Hospital (2 beds, 1 bath)—This adorable Graduate Hospital home has a colorful cornice out front and lovely warm red pine hardwood floors and ceilings inside. There’s also a private patio in the back and exposed beams and built-in bookcases upstairs. Asking price is $319,000.
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Society Hill (1 bed, 1 bath)—Here’s a Trinity up for grabs for $379,000 in Society Hill. At 945 square feet, it’s a tad more spacious than one would expect, but it has the same set-up as a traditional Trinity: The kitchen is on the first floor, the living room with a fireplace is the second, and the one bedroom and bathroom take up the third floor.
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Rittenhouse Square (2 beds, 1 bath)—This three-story brick rowhome saves space with a spiral staircase, although moving furniture into the home may prove difficult. In total, the home clocks in at 702 square feet. Still, to live in a single-family home in ritzy Rittenhouse Square for $300,000? That’s hard to come by.
Poll
Which small Philly home would you choose?
This poll is closed
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20%
Washington Square West 2BR
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16%
Fishtown 2-story
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11%
Graduate Hospital 2BR
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26%
Society Hill Trinity
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23%
Rittenhouse Square rowhome