What $500K Will Buy You in Northern Liberties

Your options range from a super high-tech high-rise to a more traditional Philadelphia townhouse to a property that falls somewhere in between.

901 N. Penn St., Unit R2203, Philadelphia, Pa., 19123 | TREND image via Zillow

901 N. Penn St., Unit R2203, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | TREND image via Zillow

The once proclaimed “up-and-coming neighborhood” of Northern Liberties has proved over the past two decades that it’s here to stay. Once pockmarked with abandoned factories and dated rowhomes, the area has transformed itself into a hip town of trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes and has easily become a millennial’s dream spot to someday call home.

And for potential homeowners with a budget of $500,000, desiring to live in Northern Liberties is actually quite possible. The median price for homes in the area falls somewhere around $400,000, so your budget doesn’t just work for this neighborhood, it exceeds expectations. Take a look below at three properties in the $500,000 price range that are currently on the market.

901 N. Penn St., Unit R2203 (above) | 2 beds, 2 full, 1 half baths, 1,565 square feet, $529,900

A high-rise overlooking the Delaware River? Where do we sign up? This luxurious Waterfront Square condo is definitely one of the coolest things $500,000 can buy you in this city – and it’s a far cry from the usual Philadelphia rowhome. The unit contains a master bedroom suite and a children’s room, making it perfect for any small family. Enjoy an evening cocktail on your private deck and take in the impeccable views that the unit has to offer. The building amenities are unreal, too. They include: 24-hour security, onsite parking, an onsite convenience store, a community house and spa, a fitness center, a health center, a riverfront sundeck, a 25-meter swimming pool (and poolside cafe), and more. Waterfront Square’s convenient location gives residents easy access to Philadelphia dining and sports complexes, and quick travel routes to I-95, I-676, the Atlantic City Expressway, and the airport. This place redefines the term “staycation.”

901 N. Penn St., Unit R2203, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 [George Cahill | Luxury Condo Realty Services]

919 N. Front St., #E, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | TREND image via Coldwell Banker Preferred

919 N. Front St., #E, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | TREND image via Coldwell Banker Preferred

919 N. Front St. #E | 3 beds, 2 full, 1 half baths, 2,708 square feet, $529,900

If you also crave security in a home but don’t necessarily desire everything that comes with a high-rise lifestyle, this property is the perfect solution. Located in the gated community of Liberty Gate, the home oozes privacy as soon as you approach the front entrance. Just inside the entrance is a tiled sun room and custom brick patio. Head upstairs and enter into the open living, kitchen and dining space. In this space, there are hardwood floors, a nice fireplace, and a gorgeous, custom-built dark wood bar. The kitchen hosts a large island with seating for four, stainless steel appliances, dark wood cabinetry, and granite countertops. Up yet another flight of stairs are three large bedrooms and two full bathrooms. This unit also has a rooftop deck, a garage, and a private driveway.

919 N. Front St., #E, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 [Tim Brogan | Coldwell Banker Preferred]

853 N. Lawrence St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | Image via Keller Williams Realty

853 N. Lawrence St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 | Image via Keller Williams Realty

853 N. Lawrence St. | 3 beds, 2 full, 1 half baths, 1,650 square feet, $489,900

This completely rehabbed townhouse is conveniently located near many NoLibs hotspots (shout out to Green Eggs Cafe). Three stories high plus a fully finished basement, it offers potential homeowners a good amount of space to feel comfortable. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a sliding glass door leading to the backyard.  The second floor is home to two bedrooms and a full bath. The third floor is taken up pretty much entirely by the master bedroom, but also offers accessibility to the rooftop deck. With beautiful finishes and easy accessibility to city life, this property is a great choice for a young family.

This home’s price was recently reduced by $10,000 on Feb. 5. 

853 N. Lawrence St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 [Gennady Pikovsky | Keller Williams Realty – Philadelphia – Center City]