4602 Springfield Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Quirky in all of the most beloved West Philly ways, this two-unit Victorian twin could be an investment property, but its smartest use is for owner-occupants to live in the bilevel 3 BR, 2 bath apartment (approximately 1735 sf) while collecting $1200/month rent from the separate 1st floor unit to help pay their mortgage. This Cedar Park, University City, location is within the catchment area for the high-ranked Penn Alexander public K-8 grade school * , and just a block in either direction from trolley lines that will whisk a rider to center city in 15 minutes, stopping at the campuses of UPenn & Drexel along the way. Topping the first floor newel post, a graceful Art Nouveau statue has welcomed residents since this block of Springfield Ave. was built c. 1892, and the 2nd/3rd floor owners' unit still features its unpainted, original Queen Anne woodwork and refinished red pine floors. The "great room" style kitchen includes a sitting area by the fireplace, a breakfast area in the rear bay, a teeny balcony with space for a bistro table overlooking back yards, and a classic kitchen with a signature red sink and updated appliances. The open dining /living room is sunny and bright, and there's also a period bath on this level. Upstairs, 3 bedrooms and an updated bath with a stacked washer & dryer complete the unit. There's also direct access, via back stairs, down to the bricked back yard, shared with the tenants and surrounded by trees. The first floor 1 BR apartment, approximately 700 s. f. , has separate heat, a/c, hot water, gas & electric, with a lease continuing until June 30, 2020. The HVAC systems for each unit are recent and efficient, and considerable additional attention has been put into the upkeep and mechanicals of the house in recent years. The location, just 2 blocks from Clark Park and one block from the restaurants and shops on Baltimore Ave. , couldn't be better. ( * catchment area location does not guarantee admission. )