What $500K* Will Buy You in Society Hill Right Now

*Or thereabouts.

With this post, we introduce a new feature aimed at taking the pulse of the local housing market. Each week, we will select a neighborhood in the city or suburbs and share with you a sample of what’s available at or near a set price. This week, we’re looking at homes selling for $500,000 or close to it in Society Hill.

330 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | TREND image via The Eric Fox Team, BHHS Fox & Roach

330 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | TREND image via The Eric Fox Team, BHHS Fox & Roach

330 S. 3rd St. | 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 918 square feet, $527,000

The Hall-Wister House dates to 1771 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Which makes it one of the pioneers of a classic Philadelphia house type: the trinity. That’s right: note that tight spiral staircase in the impeccably maintained living room. (See the listing for the photo showing the staircase in full.) This Colonial charmer has kept pace with the times, boasting a compact yet up-to-the-minute kitchen with Eurostyle appliances, an attractive rear patio, and modern bath and powder rooms. Along with these you’ll find plenty of historic features, including random-width pine floors and fireplaces trimmed in Delft tile. Its Walk Score of 99 means everything else you might want is virtually at your fingertips. This home’s price was reduced by $12,000 on Dec. 5.

330 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 [Eric Fox | The Eric Fox Team | BHHS Fox & Roach]

210 Locust St., Unit 2B, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | TREND image via BHHS Fox & Roach

210 Locust St., Unit 2B, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | TREND image via BHHS Fox & Roach

210 Locust St., Unit 2B  | 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,183 square feet, $525,000

I.M. Pei’s Society Hill Towers are the exclamation point of this mostly low-rise neighborhood and served to mark its 1960s renaissance. They’ve held up well over the years, as this updated, move-in-ready unit shows. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room fill this unit with light that makes the hardwood floors sparkle. The kitchen is first-class, with granite countertops, soffit lighting and the latest stainless steel appliances, including a gas range. Your view overlooks the central courtyard of the three-tower complex with its fountain and greenery, and you have access to an in-ground pool, 24-hour concierge service, the best restaurant in Philadelphia (Zahav) and the Ritz theaters, all either in your complex or just steps away.

210 Locust St., Unit 2B, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 [Johanna Loke| BHHS Fox & Roach]

241 S. 6th St., Unit 212, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | Image via Zillow

241 S. 6th St., Unit 212, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 | Image via Zillow

241 S. 6th St., Unit 212 | 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,173 square feet, $495,ooo

While Pei’s towers may be Society Hill’s exclamation point, there is a second high-rise cluster at the neighborhood’s far northwest corner, surrounding Washington Square. Independence Place was the second of the residential towers to be built around the square, and it still offers great views and sun-filled apartments. This southeast corner unit is one of them. It’s ideally situated to catch rays throughout the day; its floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of them, and the south-facing balcony offers both sunrise and sunset views. It’s also nicely equipped on the inside, with a recently updated kitchen and renovations to the bathrooms in the finishing stages. You also have access to 24-hour concierge service, a community room and more.

241 S. 6th St., Unit 212, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106 [For sale by owner, who is a licensed Pennsylvania real estate broker]