Dee Greene Hill

Philadelphia Area REALTOR®

Philadelphia

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.

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.