Choosing between a low rise and a high rise condo in Center City comes down to lifestyle, and both have real tradeoffs. Low rises here mean two to eight units in a converted three- or four-story townhouse or warehouse building. Fees are low because there’s no doorman, elevator, or garage to fund. The association is small and informal — with more flexible pet policies, a direct say in how money is spent, and a genuine sense of ownership. The catch? That same smallness. A four-unit association can get political, and if building management isn’t your thing, it wears on you fast.
High rises — ten to thirty stories — operate on a different premise entirely. Security is the headline: 24-hour doorman, announced guests, package handling, a building that runs itself whether you’re there or not. Great for frequent travelers and buyers who want turnkey living. Add in the views, pools, parking garages, and full amenity packages, and you can see why they sell. The costs include higher fees, less individuality, and some buildings still restricting dogs — a dealbreaker for many buyers. Newer buildings near Rittenhouse, Washington Square, Old City, and the Art Museum area sweeten the deal with ten-year tax abatements and include parking.
I lived in a four-unit low-rise on Front Street in Old City for years — it’s a great setup, but only because everyone in the building communicates well and wants what’s best for the building in the long term. That’s the honest truth about low-rise living. Know yourself before you buy. Either way, I know this market cold — let’s talk.
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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