Real NEastate: Torresdale vs Fox Chase

Q: I want to buy a home in the Northeast near the train. I’ve narrowed it down to two neighborhoods before I start looking. Can you tell me which the better choice is: Fox Chase or East Torresdale?

A: Sorry, but only you can make that determination. Both neighborhoods have their pros and cons. I’m sure residents of Fox Chase and East Torresdale would choose their neighborhood over the other. But there are a couple ways for you to compare and weigh your options.

Location, location, location! What are some location factors that are most important to you besides the train? These two neighborhoods are on opposite sides of Northeast Philadelphia. East Torresdale is close to I-95 and Bucks County and Fox Chase is closer to Montgomery County. Which is most convenient for you and your lifestyle?

Personal safety. Crime statistics for Philadelphia are available online from the Philadelphia Police Department. Search the city’s crime map or Everyblock’s crime data and compare for yourself.

Price. What are you willing to pay for a house? Home prices in Fox chase range from $160,000 to $460,000, and homes in East Torresdale are a little higher and range from $180,000 to $625,000. You can get a great house in either location, it just depends what you are looking for.

I would look at homes in both neighborhoods and do a little driving around both. You may find out you like one particular neighborhood better than you thought.

Stacey McCarthy is a real estate agent with the McCarthy Group of Keller Williams. Her Real NEastate column appears every Wednesday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEast Philly columns here.