H
appy New Year! Kick off the year by comparing three Philly homes that all sit around $390,000—Philadelphia’s median sale price for November, a bump from last year. In this edition of the Price Point series, we tour a Lower Merion condo, a Mayfair twin, and a Gloucester Colonial, each priced similarly.
**What can $390,000 buy in Philly?**
- **Lower Merion condo**: Located on Haverford’s “golden mile,” this spacious unit sits near restaurants, shops, and transit.
- **Mayfair twin**: Features a private bath off the master, a garage, and a finished basement with an extra bathroom—rare for older Philly homes.
- **Gloucester Colonial**: Offers a more open floor plan than the classic colonial, a deck in the backyard, and recent updates.
Which would you pick? Dive into the details and photos below.
**The arch’s resurgence**
Philly’s new rowhouses and apartments often look identical—gray, blocky, and “fast‑casual” in style. Architecture critic Inga Saffron calls them McUrbanism. Yet the arch is making a comeback, reshaping the city’s skyline. See examples of how architects are reintroducing arches and why Saffron applauds this shift.
**Zillow’s top 20 markets**
Philadelphia is the only major city on Zillow’s list of the most popular housing markets. During the pandemic, homeownership fell while rates rose nationwide and in other metros. A national survey shows many renters say they’ll never buy. Minimum‑wage earners will find it tough to afford a Philly apartment.
**Housing news**
- The Philadelphia Housing Authority will finally deliver affordable units to Center City after a decade of delays.
- A first‑time buyer in Germantown closed on a home with no savings.
- New policies aim to simplify building in Pennsylvania.
- House of the week: A $652,000 East Falls rowhouse with five bedrooms, a garage, high ceilings, and a private patio.
**TikTok influencer’s Old City apartment**
Jaden Daubert (@homedecorhomie) shares design ideas but warns against blindly following influencers. He calls his style “maximalist and eclectic,” mixing patterns and textures. His 1,400‑sq‑ft, 14‑ft‑ceiling corner apartment features vintage finds—a walnut dining table from the 1900s, two Tiffany lamps, and art on the doors. Two walls of windows flood the space with light and city views. It’s his second time living there, and he feels it’s “meant to be.”
**Photo quiz**
Can you spot the location in this photo? Email me your guess—your memories might appear in the next newsletter. Last week’s quiz featured Calder Gardens on the Parkway; thanks to Rick E. and Tim G. for the correct answer.
Enjoy the rest of your week and a wonderful 2026. I’ll keep you updated on the local real estate scene. By submitting your written, visual, or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the rights grant in Section 10.
