Dee Greene Hill

Philadelphia Area REALTOR®

Your Philadelphia real estate & lifestyle guide

What Should You Look for in A Community?

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Emotional Architecture

A community that brings a positive emotion makes you feel warm and welcome.

When a neighborhood is clean and well-kept, the vibes are just better. The shared pride of ownership in these environments are because of the pristine, trash-free streets, the lush green yards, and vibrant public spaces that cure the modern isolation. 

What can these neighborhoods look like?

Beyond Property Lines: How to Choose a Neighborhood That Supports Your Well-Being

When we look for a new home, the checklist is usually purely mechanical. 

How many bedrooms? 

What are the taxes? 

Is there a garage? 

But as we navigate a fast-paced world where stress and isolation are at an all-time high, it’s time to add a new metric to our house hunting: Emotional Architecture. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is the perfect time to remind ourselves that the true value of a home doesn’t stop at the front door. The neighborhood you choose has a direct, measurable impact on your mental well-being.

When you’re looking for your next chapter, here are three “well-being indicators” you should look for in a community.

Access to Blue/Green Spaces: Nature and Water

Being around nature helps the human brain relax. This measure looks at how close a neighborhood is to things like trees, parks, walking trails, or lakes and rivers. Communities that include nature give people an instant way to de-stress. They also encourage people to get outside and exercise, while offering a nice break from concrete and traffic. So when looking for your next neighborhood, consider this as a factor for your mental health.

What to look for:

  1. Water Nearby: One of the best things about Philly is how close we always are to the Delaware River. Even if you’re a bit further inland, you don’t have to miss out on those soothing water vibes—just look for a local neighborhood park with a historic fountain or a scenic pond! 
  2. The Tree Canopy: Look at a satellite map. Are the streets lined with mature trees, or is it mostly asphalt? Trees provide shade, lower the neighborhood temperature, and reduce noise.

Safety, Serenity, and Predictability

Your nervous system can’t truly rest if your surroundings keep you on high alert. Look at things that make a neighborhood feel safe and quiet, like low noise levels, good street lighting, and slower traffic (from speed bumps or dead-end streets). When a neighborhood feels safe and calm, your brain can finally stop stressing and actually relax.

What to look for:

  1. Local Police Websites
  2. NeighborhoodScout
  3. Nextdoor or Facebook Groups
  4. Local News Outlets
  5. Use your judgment, are there street lamps, front porches, well-kempt yards, traffic calming measures, pedestrians, or children?

    Built-in Social Infrastructure

    Look for things like walkable sidewalks, front porches, parks, local coffee shops, and public gathering spots. Sociologists emphasize the importance of “Third Places”—spots that are not home (first place) and not work (second place). These are the coffee shops, community gardens, or park benches where you naturally bump into the same people over and over, building a sense of belonging.

    What to look for:

    1. “Sticky” Spaces: Look for places where people naturally linger rather than just pass through. Think of a local café with outdoor seating, a vibrant dog park, or a neighborhood square where food trucks park.
    2. Walkability and Porches: Front porches that sit close to the sidewalk encourage conversations with passing neighbors.

      Strength in Variety and a Hope for Cultural Wealth

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      Fair housing is essentially the “rules of the game” that ensure everyone gets a fair shot at a place to live, regardless of who they are or where they come from. It is important because your zip code often determines your future—it dictates which schools your children attend, what kind of jobs are nearby, and even the quality of the air you breathe. When housing is fair, people are judged only on their ability to pay and follow the rules, not on their race, religion, or disability. This creates stronger, more diverse neighborhoods where more people can succeed, which ultimately makes the whole economy more stable for everyone. How does fair housing affect certain parts of our communities?

      Strength in Variety

      Economic Resilience means building a “buffer” through diversity.

      A Safety Net of Services: With a diverse community comes a diverse array of businesses—from specialty grocers and artisan workshops to tech startups and family-run bistros. If one sector hits a downturn, others remain to keep the local economy afloat.

      Job Creation at Every Level: Different types of businesses require different skill sets. This ensures that neighbors with varied backgrounds—whether they are students, craftsmen, or professionals—can find meaningful work close to home.


      Recirculating Wealth: Diverse local ownership means more money stays within the zip code. Instead of flowing to a distant corporate headquarters, profits are reinvested back into local schools, parks, and infrastructure.

      The Pulse of The Neighborhood

      Cultural Wealth is the soul of a community; the collective value of shared traditions, perspectives, and creativity brings vibrant social experiences. 

      Elevated Local Events: Instead of the “same old” seasonal festivals, enjoy an array of events!  Think night markets, global music festivals, and art walks that reflect a dozen different worldviews.

      The “Third Place” Effect:  A park becomes a place for a diverse range of sports; a community center becomes a hub for language exchanges or fusion cooking classes.

      Broadening Horizons: Constant exposure to different ways of living fosters a sense of curiosity and empathy. It makes the neighborhood a “living classroom” where both children and adults learn to navigate a globalized world with ease and grace.

      When we invest in everyone, the whole community wins twice over. We build an economy strong enough to weather any storm and a social life that stays fresh and exciting.

      Fair housing is the heart of this investment. When everyone has a safe, stable place to call home, they have the foundation they need to truly belong. By making sure quality housing is open to all, we empower every neighbor to share their talents, grow the local economy, and add their own unique color to our shared social life.

      A few resources for more information:

      Hope Philly

      Equal Housing.org

      Fair Housing in PA

      The Visual Handshake: Building Community from Your Front Porch

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      Your home’s exterior and entryway serve as the crucial first impression, setting the tone for the entire interior experience and welcoming neighbors in your community.. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, being intentional with your home’s design—from a polished porch to a welcoming front door—signals a level of care that resonates with every visitor. By mastering a few simple design rules, you can transform a standard entrance into a cozy, inviting space that feels like a true reflection of the home within.

      Your home’s outside look is like a friendly wave to the neighborhood. A clean, open front yard makes people feel welcome. This naturally leads to more chats with neighbors and makes your community feel stronger. When your home seems friendly from the street, it’s not just a private house; it becomes a part of the neighborhood that brings people together and encourages conversation.

      Let’s start with the exterior…

      Landscaping

      Landscaping is just one piece of the curb appeal puzzle, but it’s important. There is no need to create an extravagant and complicated garden, but more of a simple garden bed with layering of foliage and easy perennials that will return each year. Think less formal, more natural. Think of balance and simplicity. In Philadelphia, you may not have a front yard, but you do have windows! Add a flower box to your windows for added greenery and color.

      Layered Lighting

      Using lighting as you would in your living room is essential for warm welcomes in the evenings. Illuminating different elements like the front porch and your walking path to the front door will guide visitors naturally. 

      Maintenance Upkeep

      Just like the inside of your home, the exterior needs upkeep through the seasons. If your yard and home look well-kept, it will have a positive impact on your neighbors. Spring is especially important to prep your yard, clean the winter yuck, and tidy your grounds. Some things you can tackle in March and April are: 

      1. Power washing your siding/brick and driveway 
      2. Clear debris, rake, and remove fallen leaves/branches
      3. Add fresh mulch to your garden beds
      4. Inspect your irrigation systems and set times for the season
      5. Clean gutters and inspect your roof 
      6. Clean window wells of debris and leaves

      Now the interior entry way…

      Balance Beauty and Function

      A truly welcoming home should look lived in, not sterile. Maximize your entryway’s potential to be both beautiful and practical—a space you and your guests will genuinely enjoy entering. If the area is small, prioritize function and use the space to showcase your home’s style. Larger entryways offer the freedom to incorporate more substantial pieces, such as an entry table that can double as a display cabinet or a structured cubby system.

      Add greenery

      The simplest way to make a home feel welcoming and cozy is to add plants. If you have an empty shelf or corner on your entry table, add a plant. Not a green thumb? Fake plants look more real than ever these days. 

      Again… Add lighting

      No one feels welcomed by a dark entryway or an iridescent overhead light. Add a wall scone or table lamp to the area to layer your lighting in a welcoming ambient.

      Personal Touches

      The moment guests enter your home, they should immediately sense your personal style and feel the true essence of the space. This can be done with a personal family photo, a favorite art piece, or using unique thrift finds. Remember, less is more.

      A Different Kind of Love

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      Philly Love—the brotherly and neighborly kind that builds unity.

      In Philadelphia, “Brotherly Love” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a lived legacy found on every porch in West Chester and every street in Germantown. This February, as we celebrate both the heart of Valentine’s Day and the profound legacy of Black History Month, we are reminded that true unity is rooted in a love that acts.

      It is a love that honors our shared, complex history—acknowledging every struggle and celebrating every triumph. Unity is more than a sentiment; it is the daily choice to ensure every neighbor has a seat at the table and every voice is heard. By choosing to lead with empathy and equity, we transform our community into a place where everyone truly belongs.

      Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters — Photo by S. Weinik

      Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters — Photo by S. Weinik

      Community Check-Off List

      As we celebrate Black History Month, I encourage my readers to follow this list of action items you can take to support our local commUNITY. Maybe you can’t complete all on this list, but take the initiative to complete one. We can all use a little support and love this month. 

      1. Shop at a local Black-Owned Business in Philadelphia (or your community)
      2. Send a “Thinking of you” text or note to your neighbor.
      3. Share a piece of local history with a friend.
      4. Leave a positive review for a “Third Place” (coffee/cafe/local hangout) in your neighborhood.
      5. Host a one-on-one “uncurated” coffee chat.

      Support Local Black-Owned Businesses this Month

      This month, as we celebrate and reflect, presents the perfect opportunity to actively support local Black-owned businesses across our community. It’s a great way to root yourself more deeply in the community, allowing you to discovera new business that might otherwise remain a hidden gem.

      Make it a point to seek out a new place this month—you might just discover your new favorite spot, one that you’ll be eager to share with friends and family, enriching their lives and strengthening the community network.

      Plant And People

      A beautiful plant shop paired with a wellness café offering comfort and a place to breathe.

      Visit Plant and People

      Banana Mousse

      A shop for sweet treats opened by a mother-daughter duo best known for their signature Banana Mousse, which prompted the name of their bakery.

      Visit Banana Mousse

      Hakim’s Bookstore

      One of the country’s oldest Black-owned bookstores is now an official historic site. A welcoming, old-school shop that now belongs to Hakim’s daughter, Yvonne Blacke, finds rare finds and new books fresh on the shelves.

      Visit Hakim’s Bookstore

      Arterial Coffee

      A cozy coffee shop in Mantua/Powelton Village neighborhoods that sources local coffees, teas, and small bites. The bright café is known for its avocado toast, according to local college students. 

      Visit Arterial Coffee

      Finding Unity and Community: Why We’re All Searching for ‘Front Porch’ Neighborhoods in 2026

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      Six years ago, we were told to stay apart for the good of the whole. Since then, the world has felt increasingly divided—often focused more on the ‘self’ than on the ‘us.’

      As I looked for a word to guide my business in 2026, I kept coming back to Community. But it’s the heart of that word that I want to focus on this year: Unity

      I’ve noticed a beautiful shift in my work recently: more of you are moving to be closer to parents, friends, or neighborhoods with active front porches. You’re looking for ‘Third Places’—those spots outside of home and work where you are known. We want to live in places where there is a shared sense of responsibility and care. We want to know that if we need a hand (or just a cup of sugar), a neighbor is there.

      Whether you’re in a row home in Fishtown, a bungalow in Media, or a farmhouse in Chester County, the desire is the same: to feel connected. In my years serving the Greater Philadelphia region, I’ve seen that ‘Community’ isn’t just a place on a map—it’s the intentional act of putting the ‘commune’ back into our lives. It’s choosing the neighborhood where you can see yourself hosting a block party or catching up with a neighbor on the porch. 

      This year, my mission is to help you find your version of that, anywhere in our great region.

      This year, my goal as a Real Estate advisor is to do more than just facilitate transactions. I want to facilitate connections.

      Reflecting on my 2025 Business, Relationships, and Opportunities

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      As 2025 draws to a close, I’m reflecting on a year filled with meaningful memories created with clients, friends, family, and business partners. Thanks to a successful year of both professional and personal growth, I’m excited to welcome the new year with a positive outlook. From getting my doula training complete in April to attending the Compass RETREAT in June, my year was full of new experiences and new people. 

      This year, I successfully guided 23 families through their real estate journeys. My 18 years of experience, combined with the best-in-class tools and resources available through my Compass partnership, have allowed me to elevate these experiences and ensure success for my clients.

      Thank you for being the foundation of my success—I look forward to many more years of serving you with the highest level of expertise and support!

      My 2025 Biggest Success Stories…

      Success #1

      I love my first-time home buyers. This one is special because it goes to show that time can not derail your most important goals. A delay is not a denial!

      Elisse and I connected earlier this year. We hit the ground running and found the perfect loft condo – this was the one! It was a long journey with some hills and valleys. But she knew she could, and she DID! Ultimately, this home will be a long-term investment to kickstart her real estate portfolio. 

      Success #2

      Another memorable first-time home buyer success story. This one was extra special as I mentored Sheldon when he first obtained his real estate license over 10 years ago. Boy, did I feel old. When it was finally time to purchase his first home, we got right to work! Between 1st time homebuyer grants and seller concessions, he was able to purchase a home affordably in a developing neighborhood. Ultimately, this home will be a long-term investment to kickstart his real estate portfolio. Can’t wait to do it again, Sam! It was my pleasure to serve!

      In 2025, I Hosted Client Events…

      Plants and Perks – June

      I hosted a casual pop-up event for clients and friends in June at the new Plants and People location in West Philly. The space was perfect—a cozy café brimming with plants. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with my community, support a local small business, and send everyone home with their own little green friend as a memento of the day.

      Client Appreciation Mini Photoshoot – November

      To celebrate my real estate anniversary each November, I host an annual gathering. This event is a way to express gratitude, reconnect with my clients, and provide a lasting memory for the season through a mini-photoshoot opportunity for their families.

      In 2025, I Gave Back…

      In September, there was a day of heartwarming collaboration as the Compass Cares team and I rolled up our sleeves alongside the incredible folks at Share Food. Together, we delivered 374 boxes packed with essentials to our neighbors, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

      We just hosted another event in December and packed 602 boxes with about 20 people helping.

      In 2026, I hope to continue giving back to our communities with the help of Compass Cares.

      In 2025, I Expanded and Connected With My National Network…

      We’re Doing This Right, Right? Podcast | March

      It was a privilege to be a guest on an episode of the We’re Doing This Right podcast back in March. The discussion was candid, focusing on the critical need for rest and balance in both personal and professional spheres. This was a great conversation, exploring a challenge commonly faced by professionals in Real Estate and other self-motivated businesses.

      Compass RETREAT Denver | June

      This was an incredible experience to finally reconnect with the Compass community at our annual national retreat, held this year in the beautiful Mile High City of Denver! Having not attended since 2019, I was particularly excited to dive back into the vibrant energy of the Compass family. 

      BLK at Compass Retreat Charlotte | September

      The September BLK at Compass Retreat in Charlotte was an incredible experience! I’m so grateful for the community we’ve built, and the “Building community for us, by us” theme truly highlighted the power of coming together. It was fantastic to meet and reconnect with so many talented professionals in the business. I left feeling refreshed, inspired with new ideas, and full of gratitude. A huge thank you to everyone who planned the event—it was impeccably done! Counting down the days until Houston next year.

      In 2025, I Activated My Personal Interests

      As of April of this year, I successfully completed all necessary training and certification requirements to become a certified doula! This has been a long-held passion, and I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter officially. I’m now fully equipped and incredibly excited to begin helping expectant mothers navigate the beautiful, complex, and transformative journey into motherhood. 

      As I turn the page on a successful 2025—a year where I helped 23 families achieve their real estate dreams, never stopped learning, and got to give back to our community”. Instead of giving back to our community, please change to help build a stronger community

      Get in Touch!

      Don’t Hibernate, Renovate! Prep Your Home for the Spring Market

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      Since the weather’s changing and winter’s chill is setting in, it brings the perfect opportunity to shift your focus to indoor home improvement projects. This season, you find most of your time spent inside, which is ideal for tackling those maintenance and upgrade tasks that are easily overlooked during the warmer months.

      Taking on these indoor projects now offers a significant strategic advantage, especially if you have plans to sell your home this spring. Completing any necessary updates and high-impact renovations before the busy spring real estate market arrives ensures your property is in pristine, show-ready condition.

      Start Small…

      (perfect before the holidays and before family arrives!)

      • Deep Cleaning and Decluttering: While not a “project” in the traditional sense, a professional-level deep clean and a rigorous decluttering session can dramatically improve your home’s perceived value and spaciousness. 
      • Interior Painting and Touch-Ups: Applying a fresh coat of neutral paint can instantly brighten your space. This simple update will also appeal to a broader range of buyers. Concentrate this effort on high-traffic areas, such as the entryway, living room, and kitchen.
      • Minor Repairs and Maintenance: This is the time to fix leaky faucets, repair damaged drywall, replace broken tiles, and ensure all electrical outlets and light fixtures are working correctly. Addressing these small issues prevents them from becoming bargaining chips for potential buyers.

      High-Impact Projects 

      • $ Kitchen and Bathroom Refresh: If a full renovation isn’t in the budget, focus on high-impact, low-cost updates like replacing cabinet hardware, updating light fixtures, or re-grouting tile. These small changes can make these critical rooms feel modern and well-maintained.
      • $$$ Install Hardwood Flooring: The colder and drier months offer a great opportunity for installing new floors. The dry air helps prevent gapping with newly placed boards, and the lack of humidity decreases the chance of water damage. 
      • $$ Updated the Laundry Room: Get your laundry room in shape with fresh cheerful-colored paint, new shelves and hooks, and new laundry bins for organization. If you think your W/D set is due for replacement, appliances typically go on sale for Black Friday and January deals. 
      • $$ Upgrade Your Lighting: Is your chandelier outdating your space? Just by swapping out your dining room light fixture or entryway, you can enhance your space just like that. Buyers love to see tasteful and modern lighting to avoid doing it themselves.
      • $-$$$ Add a Programmable Smart Thermostat: A big plus when buying a home is a smart thermostat like Nest or Ecobee. They offer remote sensors, voice assistance, energy-saving capabilities, and more. It may seem like a small feat, but in the eyes of buyers, it’s one extra box checked.

      By knocking out these indoor tasks during the winter, you’ll not only get a cozier, better-looking home now, but you’ll also set your place up perfectly for a quick and successful sale once the spring market gets going. Assess honestly whether you have the skills to complete these tasks yourself or if you need to hire a professional. The most damaging feedback a potential buyer can give is that the work was done poorly. Being ready early means you can list your home the second buyer demand is through the roof. 

      Not sure where to begin or what to budget for? Reach out, I’m happy to help!

      Get in Touch!

      Location Unlocked: Stop Searching and Start Answering These 5 Questions

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      Ready to make a move but unsure where to go? Whether a new job is taking you to a different state or city, or you simply need a larger home, asking yourself these essential questions will help you pinpoint the perfect location. To get started, a great resource to help narrow down your search is niche.com! Find real reviews by residents and get an insight into each neighborhood.

      If these questions are daunting to you, let’s chat!

      1. What does your daily commute or travel look like?
        • Consider the total time (in rush hour, too!) to get to work, school, and other frequent destinations. If you are looking to take the train or drive. Even a slightly lower home price isn’t worth an extra hour of commuting every day.
      2. What is the long-term potential and stability of the neighborhood?
        • Look at public records for recent sales trends, check on upcoming development projects (new stores, parks, or even highways), and research the quality of the school district, even if you don’t have children. Think about your life 5 to 10 years down the road, not just today.
      Home front door and bicycle.
      1. What is the true cost of living beyond mortgage?
        • That “bargain” house might come with hidden extra costs. Check out property taxes, utility bills (especially for older places), HOA fees, and how much everyday stuff like childcare, gas, and local taxes cost in that neighborhood.
      2. How well does the community align with my lifestyle and immediate needs?
        • Consider how many amenities you regularly use: parks/green space, restaurants, public transit, grocery stores, hospitals, and entertainment. If you love walking everywhere, a car-dependent suburb will be a poor fit.
      3. What does the culture and social scene look like? Does it align with your needs?
        • Consider if you want a quiet neighborhood or a bustling city street with higher energy. Explore blogs, Instagram, and help gauge the overall vibe of the area and values.

      Tip: Focus 70% of your initial search on location factors (commute, schools, community feel, amenities). Cosmetic issues like paint, carpet, or even an old kitchen are temporary and repairable; a bad location is permanent.

      I recommend narrowing down your search and visiting each neighborhood and really getting a feel for the area. Want an even better idea? Rent an Airbnb or Verbo and spend a night or two in the area you wish to buy! Get a feel for the communities, sounds, neighbors, restaurants, and daily activities. 

      Now, let’s put those questions to the test with three Philadelphia neighborhoods for you to consider moving to!

      Ardmore, PA

      A charming town with lively, urban vibes centered in the area’s beloved Main Line. Ardmore is home to the area’s best shopping, dining, and dynamic experiences.

      The potential of the neighborhood: 

      Extremely high, you’re buying in one of the best areas in the country, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. The Lower Merion School District is nationally recognized as an A+ district. Developers are battling for this neighborhood for new shops and apartment/condo living.

      Lifestyle and community: 

      This Residential yet urban suburb is very walkable and easy to get around without a vehicle. Key amenities are: local boutiques and some name-brand shops, a farmers market, and several parks. The craft beer scene is huge, and the food scene is diverse.

      Commute: 

      By train – (best option) on the SEPTA, takes about 24 minutes to get to Center City.

      By car – 8-9 miles into Philly can take about 16 minutes, but with rush hour it can cause a major delay.

      By walking-biking – most who live here commute this way!

      Cost of living:

      Ardmore is 21% higher than the national average. With a highly ranked school district, property taxes are substantial. Utilities are about 7% higher than average.

      Powelton Village, PA

      Powelton Village brings a vibrant community of artists, creatives, and academics. Along Lancaster Avenue, former warehouses have been transformed into prominent art venues and dance studios, alongside fair-trade coffee shops.

      The potential of the neighborhood:

      High but unique. The area is a National Historic District known for stunning Victorian row homes from the 1860s-1910s. The association works hard to preserve the historical architecture. Being near Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania, property value remains high.

      Lifestyle and community: 

      Exceptional walkability, everything you need is close by and walkable. Amenities like nightlife, groceries, and the Schuylkill River Trail are close. The dense urban scene leans toward academic, artsy, and local pubs/cafes. 

      Commute:

      **major advantage

      By train – SEPTA in about 10 minutes!

      By car- it’s not necessary and could cause some delays for you; you might not even need a vehicle if you live in this neighbourhood.

      Cost of living:

      The area boasts low median home prices, around $270,00.. However, Philadelphia’s property tax rate is relatively low, and homeowners may benefit from exemptions or abatements.

      Northern Liberties, PA

      A fantastically revitalized neighborhood, and fantastic for new home owners wanting a vibrant and easily accessible neighborhood.

      Potential of the neighborhood:

      Currently in high demand and a strong investment. The neighborhood is under development and has undergone a major industrial renewal in the 90s. The transformation of lofts, warehouses, and studios has brought this place back to life with the history intact. The Philadelphia School District has several top-rated Magnet Schools, and Central High, though entry is competitive.

      Lifestyle and community:

      This area is active, social, and amenity-rich! Enjoy easy access to large supermarkets, green spaces, and historical venues like The Fillmore.. This area is also a prime spot for nightlife, making it attractive to those who enjoy the social scene.

      Commute:

      By train – Market-Frankford Line at two stations, about 10-15 minutes to Center City

      By car – Right of I-95, but during rush hour, it has major delays to get anywhere do to the neighborhood’s popularity.

      By walking/bike – Very easy to get around on a bike or by walking.

      Cost of living:

      Housing costs in this prime location are premium, driven by new construction. While property taxes are comparatively low at 1.3998% of the assessed value, hidden costs include the Philadelphia Wage Tax for city workers and the ongoing hassle of parking.