<p>I live in University City but rent (and have for 40 years).</p>
<p>I also have heard of this. Parents or graduate students buy with comfort, because there’s an ongoing need for housing in the neighborhood. Instead of paying rent, you’ll be building equity, so that makes it good. Because the area has been gentrifying, don’t expect any great deals. People who come from New York and rent here think everything is a great deal, though!</p>
<p>Is your daughter going to be a freshman or a grad student? If the former, she may prefer a dorm instead of an apartment or condo. Make sure she’s ready to live on her own.</p>
<p>You can read a blog called Philadelphia Speaks or a website sponsored by the University City District, a neighborhood improvement district supported by local businesses and institutions. To find out about the resources available in the area, look at Close at Hand, the neighborhood directory that came out earlier this year. Full disclosure: I compiled the listings and sold the ads.</p>
<p>There are some excellent realtors in the area. See page 67. Elizabeth Campion grew up in the neighborhood and has raised a family here. The O’Donnells are second generation neighborhood residents. Ditto for Urban & Bye. Others are active and skilled, too. Look at a few websites and see which you prefer.</p>
<p>I love the neighborhood and can talk about it all day. If you have other questions, feel free to ask. And congratulate your daughter. She’s headed for a wonderful adventure.</p>