Buying a pied à terre in Center City Philadelphia means deciding whether you want a high rise with staff or a low rise with lower fees. For part time residents, the real question is: how much on?site oversight matters when you’re not in town?

The Murano Condominiums at 2101 Market Street in Philadelphia, PA 19103

High Rise Buildings

High-rises are popular with pied-à-terre buyers because they offer structure and security.

Benefits: doorman or concierge, controlled access, package handling, quick maintenance, and amenities that make short stays easier.

Trade-off: higher HOA fees due to staffing and shared facilities.

Low Rise Buildings

Low rises offer charm and lower monthly costs.

Benefits: lower HOA fees, quieter buildings, more architectural character.

Drawbacks for pied-à-terre use: no staff, no package handling, and less oversight when you’re away.

Is a Doorman Worth It?

For many part-time owners, yes. A staffed building provides peace of mind, eyes on your unit, controlled access, and help coordinating deliveries or repairs.

But the cost is real—HOA fees can rise significantly. It comes down to whether you value security and convenience more than lower monthly expenses.

Budget Considerations

Factor in HOA fees, insurance, utilities, taxes, and a reserve for repairs or assessments. For pied?à?terre buyers, HOA fees are the biggest variable—and they directly reflect the level of service.

Bottom Line

If you want a place you can lock up and forget about, a staffed high rise is usually the better fit. If keeping monthly costs low matters more, a low rise works—just know you’re trading oversight for savings

MARK WADE, Realtor®
37 Years of Center City Condo Experience
BHHS Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #480 | Philadelphia, PA 19106
Cell: 267-237-3404
Email: Mark@CenterCity.com

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