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Fern Rock

Fern Rock

Urban Core Neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County 19141

$194,342 Average Value
$135 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

In upper North Philadelphia, Fern Rock is an urban community full of row homes and a hub for city commuters with the bustling Fern Rock Transportation Center. At the center of the neighborhood is Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, a major employer that attracts residents to the community. According to Realtor Will Catlett of Century 21 Advantage Gold-South Philadelphia, proximity to Center City Philadelphia, a commerce hub, access to public transportation and affordability bring homebuyers to the area. Another draw, says Catlett, is the lower property taxes for housing due to sitting on smaller lots. David Foster, a Realtor with Integrity Real Estate Services, lived in Fern Rock for five years. He says, “The transportation center is what drives people to Fern Rock. That’s what I liked about living there. It makes commuting extremely convenient.”

Fern Rock is just a few miles up Broad Street from Center City Philadelphia.
Fern Rock is just a few miles up Broad Street from Center City Philadelphia.
Fern Rock has many murals throughout, adding character to the neighborhood.
Fern Rock has many murals throughout, adding character to the neighborhood.
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Cottages and row homes are on the housing menu

The neighborhood’s row homes were developed between the 1920s and 1940s. They include charming cottage-style architecture not typically seen in Philadelphia. They vary from brick, stone and vinyl siding – some with a mixture of the three. Most homes offer three to four bedrooms and around 1,200 to 2,000 square feet of living space. Some come with open front porches where you can chat with your neighbor, while others are enclosed, providing more privacy. Some residences have a small fenced backyard. If parking is more important, buyers can get a home with a driveway and an attached garage in the back, accessible through an alleyway. Turnkey homes with modern interior renovations sell for around $250,000 to $300,000. Others range from $72,000 to $342,000. The lower end of the price range will land buyers a house in need of being renovated, while the higher end represents homes that are being flipped. Catlett says rehabs and flips are extremely popular in the area due to the influx of investors and the need to update these older homes. There are also several multi-home units. “Several of the blocks are very quiet and peaceful,” he adds. With multiple colleges and the hospital close, there is a demand for rentals — nearly 50% of Fern Rocks residents are renters. The CAP Index crime score for Fern Rock is 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national median of 4.

Many of the residences in Fern Rock have small front porches or sun rooms to enjoy nice days.
Many of the residences in Fern Rock have small front porches or sun rooms to enjoy nice days.
Experience the allure of Fern Rock's row homes.
Experience the allure of Fern Rock's row homes.
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Two neighborhood schools are on the National Register of Historic Places

Kindergarten through fifth-grade students attend Julia Ward Howe School, a C-minus-rated school by Niche, before heading off to General Louis Wagner Middle School, both of which are added to the National Register of Historic Places for their majestic architecture. Wagner also has a Niche grade of C-minus. From ninth through 12th grade, students attend Martin Luther King High School, which features a new arts academy with partnerships through the Rock School of Dance and Settlement School of Music. MLK High School has a D-plus from Niche. There are also nearly 20 colleges and universities in the area, including DeVry University.

Education at its best at this Fern Rock, Philadelphia highschool.
Education at its best at this Fern Rock, Philadelphia highschool.
Welcome to Martin Luther King High School in East Germantown.
Welcome to Martin Luther King High School in East Germantown.
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Fisher parks is one of the local green spaces

Those who want to escape the city should head to Fisher Park. Half of the green space features paved walkways that meander through dense woods. The other half of the park has a playground, basketball and tennis courts. Cherashore Park has even more sports facilities, where kids can play little league baseball. The park also has a community pool, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Head to Awbury Park to explore the Arboretum or Awbury Farm, which features gardens and farm animals.

Serene moments at Fisher park amid lush greenery in Fern Rock Philadelphia.
Serene moments at Fisher park amid lush greenery in Fern Rock Philadelphia.
Swings and smiles at a playground in Fern Rock, Philadelphia.
Swings and smiles at a playground in Fern Rock, Philadelphia.
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There are multiple cuisine options

The section of Broad Street in Fern Rock features several places to shop and eat. Head to ALDI for all grocery needs. Or, for a more local feel, hit up Wilson’s Market, not only for produce but for its famous hoagies. Grab a bite to eat at Ron’s Caribbean Café, a community staple known for its delicious Caribbean platters. In the mood for a pizza or cheesesteak? There are multiple options to choose from, like City View Pizza & Grill and In & Out Express Pizza. Sports fans can hang out late with friends at Tony’s Place, a casual bar open until 2 a.m. daily.

Ron's Caribbean Cafe is a Fern Rock favorite for a delicious lunch.
Ron's Caribbean Cafe is a Fern Rock favorite for a delicious lunch.
Chuck's Wings is where Fern Rock heads for delicious wings.
Chuck's Wings is where Fern Rock heads for delicious wings.
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Fern Rock Transportation Center eases commutes

The Fern Rock Transportation Center gives residents easy access to anywhere in the city and its suburbs through three SEPTA Regional Lines. If heading to Center City, the subway gets commuters there in about 20 minutes. Residents can also get there or anywhere else in the area by taking a SEPTA bus. Drivers can reach Center City in six miles. The drive is down Broad Street, which leads straight to City Hall and all of the other bustling downtown areas. Route 611 cuts through the area and on the outskirts is Route 1.

Fern Rock Transportation Center is a local hub, providing transit options in every direction.
Fern Rock Transportation Center is a local hub, providing transit options in every direction.
The Fern Rock Transportation Center provides easy commuting for the community.
The Fern Rock Transportation Center provides easy commuting for the community.
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Crime is moderate

The CAP Index crime score for Fern Rock is 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national median of 4.

Vibrant mural art on the outside of the local Fern Rock, Philadelphia police station.
Vibrant mural art on the outside of the local Fern Rock, Philadelphia police station.
Welcome to Fern Rock. Where rows of elegant homes create a sense of community.
Welcome to Fern Rock. Where rows of elegant homes create a sense of community.
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Robb Crocker
Written By
Robb Crocker
Chris Pirone
Photography Contributed By
Chris Pirone
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Josie Rodriguez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Philadelphia International

34 min drive

Train

Fern Rock Transportation Center

Subway

Fern Rock Transportation Center

Bus

10th St & Champlost St

Bus

Chew Av & 11th St - Fs

Bus

12th St & Nedro Av

Bus

Fern Rock Transportation Center

Bus

11th St & Champlost Av

Bus

Olney Av & 12th St

Bus

Park Av & Grange St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Fern Rock US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$195,000
Median Single Family Price
$165,000
Median Townhouse Price
$200,800
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$135
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Months of Supply
4.50
Median List Price
$195,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
3%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
946
Median Year Built
1940
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,646
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,303
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Josie Rodriguez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,199
Median Age
43
Population Density
22 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,442
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,849

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.1%
College Graduates
17.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.6%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
27°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
15''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

49 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

78 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

84 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Fern Rock