Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

Ever question why this road construction is happening now and what are the future plans?  The Delaware Department of Transportation's website just may have the answer.

Right now, the Delaware Department of Transportation is holding a Virtual Public Workshop on the proposed Route 141 and I-95 Interchange Improvements.  Currently, DelDOT is working on proposals for the interchange as it plans for expected traffic through 2030.  Some intersections are already failing with most failing by 2030.  With the proposed changes most of these intersections can be brought back to an acceptable rating.  The study includes a complete Crash Analysis for the intersections throughout the area.

This is an interactive presentation that can be launched from their SR141 & I95 Project Homepage as either a Silverlight or Media Player presentation.  Comments on the project can be entered from the same page.  The presentation details their preferred proposal but all options are presented.  The feedback deadline is July 16.

Other projects can also be found on DelDOT's project homepage which includes many presentations on both past and ongoing transportation issues.  This includes other projects along the Route 141 corridor and such items as links on the new I-95 Delaware Welcome Center.

Transportation projects can have a major impact of both the livability and desirability of any community throughout the state.  It is important to stay aware and involved in the projects around you.  DelDOT wants and welcomes your input.

Next time you are wondering about a new road project, the answers may already be at your fingertips.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 302-834-3431/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

On May 8th, Philadelphia will be one of the main event locations for National Train Day.

The Third National Train Day is being held this Saturday, May 8th, at locations throughout the country.  From Wasilla, Alaska to Miami, Florida and almost every state in between, events will be held celebrating train travel and history.  Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia will be holding major events including special train equipment displays/tours, special exhibitions, and celebrity appearances.

In Philadelphia, there will be a special exhibit on the History of Baseball and the American Railroad: Baseball Junction, train equipment displays, and numerous exhibits.  The event is being held inthe 30th Street Station in downtown Philadelphia from 11:00-4:00 - and - it's FREE.  This is another great chance to get out and enjoy all the region has to offer.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or are considering a move in the area. "Discover the Railway"

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

Welcome to the Drexeline Station stop on the SEPTA Route 101 Trolley Line in Drexel Hill PA.

The Drexeline Station is another small on-demand stop on the SEPTA Route 101 Trolley line running from the 69th Street Terminal to Media PA.  It is a small station with a shelter on the south (eastbound) side of the trolley tracks.  It is directly adjacent to the Drexeline Shopping Center and just across from the Drexelbrook Apartments.  The stop is just east of the Springfield Scenic Rd stop and west of the Drexelbrook Station.

The Drexeline Shopping Center is located near the intersection of State Rd and Township Line Rd (Route 1) in Upper Darby Township PA.  It is the last stop as the Trolley travels west in Upper Darby Township and is the closest stop to Route 1.  The station is just to the south of the Pilgrim Gardens and Aronimink sections of Drexel Hill PA.  Drexelbrook is just to the east and Springfield Township is just over Darby creek to the south.  The video should provide a better feel for the area:

This stop is within walking distance of several residential areas as well as the entire Drexeline Shopping center retail and commercial businesses.  There is some parking located in the adjacent shopping center.  The real estate market activity in the area is covered under the Aronimink, Drexel Hill, Pilgrim Gardens, and Springfield market reports.

The Drexeline Station is a convenient commuter and general shopping SEPTA Route 101 Station.  It could also be useful if one needs to connect to buses or people traveling the Route 1/ State Rd/ Township Line Road/City Avenue Corridor.

As always, please feel free to contact me anytime, should you have any questions or need any additional information.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

Welcome to the Huey Avenue Station of the SEPTA 101 Trolley in Drexel Hill PA.

Huey Avenue is a small on demand station along the SEPTA 101 Trolley located in southwestern Upper Darby Township.  It is located on Huey Avenue between Edmonds and Mason Ave just 2 blocks north of Garrett Rd.  This location is just a few blocks west of Drexel Park and east of Aronimink.  The line continues directly west to Media and east to the 69th Street Terminal.

This station is the first station located west of Drexel Hill Junction where the 101 and 102 Trolleys split their lines.  It has a small station on the eastbound side and a bench westbound.  There is no dedicated parking for this station, but it is within easy walking of a large mostly residential district.  The station also would be convenient for dropping off or picking up passengers.  The video should provide a good overview of the location:

This station is nicely located to several residential areas and is within walking distance to the commercial area along Garret Rd.  Please check out the blogs on the listings and market updates for Drexel Hill for more detailed information on the area.

As always, should you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to let me know.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

Welcome to the Fernwood - Yeadon Station on the SEPTA R3 Regional Rail Line.

The Fernwood - Yeadon Station of the SEPTA R3 Regional Rail Line serves the adjacent communties of Yeadon, Upper Darby, and East Lansdowne PA.  The station itself is located on the border between Yeadon and Upper Darby and is just one block south of East Lansdowne.  This location provides easy access to Church Lane heading north and south and to Baltimore Pike heading east or west.  This is the first rail stop in Delaware County as you head west from Philadelphia.

The platforms are located just below the Church Lane bridge as it passes over the R3 Tracks.  There is no dedicated SEPTA parking per-se but there are limited long-term parking meters on the east bound(south side) of the tracks. (and they come with friendly but attentive Yeadon Police supervision - feed the meters).  There are stairs going up to Church Lane from both sides of the stop and a direct cross walk between platforms at track level.  The video will provide a better overview:

This station does serve the three separate communities of Yeadon, a small part of southern Upper Darby, and East Lansdowne.  In general, the real estate activity throughout the immediate area has been similar to that seen throughout Delaware County with activity peaking in 2004/2005 and prices topping out in 2007.  Complete details will be covered in separate posts for each area.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday March 7 12-2.  If you are currently considering moving in the area, be sure to take the time to visit 59 Penn Blvd in East Lansdowne.  This is a great 4 BR/1.2BA Straight-Through Twin including many updates.

As always if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.com

Welcome to the North St Station on the SEPTA 102 Trolley Line in Collingdale PA.

The North Street Station on the SEPTA 102 Trolley Line is the first stop in Collingdale as the Trolley runs from the 69th Street Terminal to Sharon Hill.  This is a small local stop located at the intersection of Woodlawn Ave and North St.  It is also the end of the dual line tracks with only a single track continuing the line into Sharon Hill.

The station itself has a small shed on the northbound side for waiting passengers.  It does not have any dedicated parking but is a great stop for local commuters and is within easy walking distance of much of the local community.  The area is largely residential with limited commercial activity across from the station on Woodlawn and some stores one block further east on Clifton.  The video will provide a better feel for the area:

Collingdale itself has a nice mix of single family homes, twins, and row homes throughout the area.  The commercial activity is largely centered along Macdade Blvd running along the southern portion of the borough.  For more complete information on Collingdale be sure to check out the recent blog: "Collingdale Borough PA History & Homes".

The North Station is a convenient local commuter stop on the SEPTA 102 Trolley providing easy access to Sharon Hill and the 69th Street Terminal and convenient connections to other regional SEPTA bus, trolley, and rail lines.

As always, if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc - Newtown Square,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-353-1199/Direct: 610-359-3853/Cell: 610-618-0808
www.DelawareCountyPennsylvaniaHomes.

Welcome to the Garrett Hill Station on the SEPTA Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line in Radnor PA.

The Garrett Hill Station is located in the center of Garrett Hill one block south of Lancaster Avenue and one block north of Conestoga between Villanova and Bryn Mawr.  This is a prime central location along the Main Line and provides quick access to the Blue Route/ I-476 and much of Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

The station itself is located midway between Garrett Ave and Lowrys Lane.  There are sheds located on both the north and southbound sides with paths offering access to both Garrett  and Lowrys.  This is an on demand stop along the SEPTA Norristown High Speed Line providing service between Norristown and the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby.  It is a smaller stop with limited parking in the area but with ample room for picking up and dropping off passengers from several directions.  The video will provide a better feel for the area:

Garrett Hill is a nice residential area and this station is within walking distance or a short ride of much of the community.  There is a nice cross section of single family homes, twins, and some rows in the immediate area and some commercial along both Conestoga to the south and Lancaster Avenue to the north.  Real estate values have remained relatively stable in Garrett Hill as compared to many communities throughout Delaware County.  For the complete information, please be sure to check out my early December post: the "Garrett Hills Homes Update".

The SEPTA Garrett Hill Station is an ideal smaller local on demand stop to primarily serve the local community or those having rides to and from the station.

As always, if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

SEPTA 101 Trolley Line Construction Update:

Just wanted to pass on a quick reminder that the 101 Trolley is now under construction.

Effective from December 14 through March 14, 2010, the SEPTA 101 Trolley Line will be temporarily closed for construction, maintenance, and repair along the tracks from the Woodland Avenue station through Media.  Temporary shuttle busses will be operating along the route during this period seven days a week.  This should add about ten minutes of travel time.

In addition, the SEPTA 102 Trolley construction is now completed and has resumed normal operation.

There will be additional closures on both lines in 2010 beginning in March as construction moves toward the 69th Street Terminal.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know or contact SEPTA.

Welcome to the Pine Ridge Station of the SEPTA 101 Trolley in Nether Providence PA just east of Media PA.

Pine Ridge is a nice small community just north of Baltimore Pike and west of I-476/ the Blue Route.  The entrance to the community is the first street  going north off Baltimore Pike west of the I-476 intersection.  The Pine Ridge  SEPTA Stop is one block north of Baltimore Pike adjacent to the community itself.  This station is one stop west of the Paper Mill Rd stop in Smedley County Park and the next stop west is Beatty Rd.

The SEPTA 101 Trolley runs from Media Borough east to the 69th Street Terminal.  The Pine Ridge station has a single shelter on the south side of the tracks and does have some limited parking adjacent to the station.  There is plenty of room for picking up or dropping off passengers either in the parking lot or on Pine Ridge Rd itself.  It is also within walking distance of some commercial office buildings along Court House Rd to the west.  The video will provide a bit better feel for the station:

Pine Ridge itself is a nice small development of single family homes encompassing a wide variety of styles and dates of construction from the 1800's to the present day.  With less than 100 homes, sales over the last few years have been limited.  Prices individually have been all over the board ranging from $250,000 to over $800,000, but the average prices have been more stable since 2003 varying from a low of $359,000 in 2005 to a high of $476,000 in 2007.

The Pine Ridge Station is a small convenient on demand stop on the SEPTA 101 Trolley serving the local community and should be a great commuting alternative for people living in the local area. 

As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Welcome to the Thompson Ave Station of the SEPTA 101 Trolley in Springfield PA.

This is one of the small on-demand trolley stops on the SEPTA 101 Trolley Line running from the 69th Street Terminal to Media PA.  It is located at the crossing of Thompson Avenue just to the east of Sproul Rd and north-west of its intersection with the Baltimore Pike. This is just one stop to the west of the larger Woodland Avenue stop and the next station west is the Springfield Mall trolley stop.

The station itself has a small shed on the south side of the track (there is only one track from Woodland through Media).  There is no dedicated SEPTA parking at this location and only limited areas on the adjacent streets to park or to drop off/pick up passengers.  It is conveniently located to several residential communities of mostly single family homes.  The video will provide a better idea of the immediate area:

There is a nice selection of homes throughout this area of Springfield.  On the far side of Sproul Rd are the Villas at Golf View, a recently completed active adult community of 194 single level homes.  Just to the north is the community of Mary Dell Farms containing mostly split level single family homes.  Toward the east and south is a nice community of mixed style single family homes.  Pricing in the area for homes currently on the market range from a low of $239,000 to a high of $379,000, averaging $297,000.  Sales in the last six months have ranged from $169,000 to $419,000 averaging $273,000.

As always if you have any questions or need any additional information, please do not ever hesitate to contact me.