University City Homes under $400,000

University City Homes under $400,000

Welcome to University City, Philadelphia—a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that perfectly blends academic excellence with urban living. Nestled near some of the city’s most prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, this area is not only a hub for education but also a thriving community filled with culture, innovation, and a unique charm.

University City boasts an eclectic mix of architectural styles, from modern condos to classic row homes, making it an attractive destination for a variety of homebuyers. If you're searching for affordable options, you'll be pleased to know that there are homes available under $400,000. This price range opens up a world of possibilities, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a savvy investor, or looking to downsize.

Living in University City means enjoying easy access to a plethora of amenities. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, or spend your weekends exploring the lush green spaces of Clark Park and Penn Park. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transportation, making it simple to commute to Center City or beyond.

With its dynamic atmosphere, rich cultural scene, and a strong sense of community, University City is more than just a place to live—it's a lifestyle. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting neighborhood where homes under $400,000 offer not just affordability, but a vibrant community to call home. Explore your options today and discover the charm of University City!

Newest University City Homes under $400,000

4938 Chestnut St, Philadelphia
$360,000
6 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths
Six Bedrooms. Historic Character. Endless Potential. Offering 1% Interest Rate Buydown for the 1st year at ZERO cost to the homebuyer when using the homeowner's preferred lender! Ask for details and see how this incentive can make owning this exceptional University City property even more attractive. Welcome to 4938 Chestnut Street, a stately 16-foot-wide row home where timeless Philadelphia character meets thoughtful updates and incredible potential. Offering approximately 2,300 square feet, 6 bedrooms, and 2 full baths, this expansive home is available to rent or purchase. As you enter, you are greeted by a spacious, light-filled mudroom adorned with beautiful decorative stained-glass windows. Thoughtfully versatile, this charming space can serve as a sophisticated entryway, a welcoming plant room, or a cozy reading nook. Step through the original vestibule and into the main level, where charming architectural details and timeless character unfold throughout the home. The main level features an oversized living room centered around a striking fireplace framed by custom millwork, serving as the room’s undeniable centerpiece and showcasing the home’s timeless character. Original moldings, stained glass windows, distinctive staircases, and new wood-look vinyl flooring create an elegant blend of historic charm and modern comfort. A gracious, separate dining room offers the perfect setting for everything from intimate dinners to lively gatherings with family and friends. The kitchen flows toward the rear of the home, opening to a spacious backyard, a rare and valuable amenity in the city. Upstairs, the second floor offers 3 generously sized bedrooms, a full bath, and additional original character, including a beautiful fireplace in the spacious front primary bedroom. The third floor adds 3 additional bedrooms and another full bath, creating an exceptionally flexible layout for a large household, roommates, guests, home offices, or future rental and multifamily possibilities. And then there is the location. Situated in the heart of University City, this home is just two blocks from the train, providing convenient access toward Center City and 30th Street Station. With universities, hospitals, restaurants, neighborhood amenities, and transportation all nearby, the location offers both convenience and long term appeal. The property is also zoned RM-1, offering potential for a multifamily conversion for investors or owner-occupants, subject to applicable zoning requirements and approvals. Whether you’re looking for a spacious primary residence, a property with rental potential, or an opportunity to bring your vision to one of University City’s most character-filled homes, 4938 Chestnut Street offers space, flexibility, character, and possibility all at an exciting price point. Schedule your showing today!

4938 Chestnut St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Elfant Wissahickon Realtors. Contact:

44 S 44th St, Philadelphia
$349,900
Bring your vision to 44 S 44th Street, a substantial renovation opportunity in Philadelphia’s desirable Spruce Hill/University City area. This multi-level property offers impressive scale, abundant natural light, projecting bays and a striking contemporary façade, with significant construction already underway and the interior opened to the framing, allowing the next owner to complete and customize the project. Located just blocks from the Market-Frankford Line and convenient to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, major medical and employment centers, Clark Park, Baltimore Avenue, restaurants, cafés and neighborhood amenities, the property combines strong accessibility with the character of one of West Philadelphia’s most established neighborhoods. An exciting opportunity for an investor, developer or experienced owner to take an ambitious project across the finish line and realize its full potential. Property is offered in its current condition; buyer to independently verify zoning, permitted use, permits, approvals and requirements for completion and occupancy.

44 S 44th St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Vylla Home. Contact:

3836 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia
$400,000
Excellent investment opportunity available now! Sale price of $800,000 includes both 3834 and 3836 Lancaster Avenue. Both buildings must be sold together. Each building consists of a retail store on the first floor plus a bi-level, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment above. The first-floor retail space occupies the first floor of both buildings. All utilities are separate. All three units are fully leased. Total monthly rent roll is $5,550, or $66,600 per year. This mix-use property is exceptionally well located on bustling Lancaster Avenue in University City, just minutes from Drexel University, UPENN, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and more. Schedule your tour today!

3836 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of New Age Realty Group Inc. Contact:

3834 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia
$400,000
Excellent investment opportunity available now! Sale price of $800,000 includes both 3834 and 3836 Lancaster Avenue. Both buildings must be sold together. Each building consists of a retail store on the first floor plus a bi-level, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment above. The first-floor retail space occupies the first floor of both buildings. All utilities are separate. All three units are fully leased. Total monthly rent roll is $5,550, or $66,600 per year. This mix-use property is exceptionally well located on bustling Lancaster Avenue in University City, just minutes from Drexel University, UPENN, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and more. Schedule your tour today!

3834 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of New Age Realty Group Inc. Contact:

3824 Melon St, Philadelphia
$210,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths
Welcome home to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. This house is a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom house that was completely renovated about 5 years ago and has constantly made great rental income with low vacancy rates. You can keep it as an investment or live in the home yourself and take advantage of the growing neighborhood and equity. All three bedrooms are great sizes. It is on a quiet block close to universities in University City, close to Lancaster Avenue, and close to public transportation. Parking is available on the street. There is a long-term tenant in place paying $1950 a month, and they would like to stay. The home is located within a 30-minute drive to the airport and a 10-minute drive to Center City.

3824 Melon St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Legal Real Estate LLC. Contact:

3808 Olive St, Philadelphia
$212,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths
Welcome home to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. This house is a 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom house that was completely renovated from the studs and built up. It features central air. Bathroom and backyard, and all three bedrooms are great sizes. It is on a quiet block close to universities in University City, close to Lancaster Avenue, and close to public transportation. Parking is available on the street. There is a long-term tenant in place paying $2,000 a month, and they would like to stay. The home is located within a 30-minute drive to the airport and a 10-minute drive to Center City.

3808 Olive St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Legal Real Estate LLC. Contact:

4944 Aspen St, Philadelphia
$195,000
A LEGAL DUPLEX IN A PRIME LOCATION. This is a great duplex for a first-time homebuyer that wants to house-hack or an investor that wants to keep for the long term. The units are currently rented to tenants who pay all utilities. The unit was renovated about 6 years ago, and both units are 2-bedroom, 1-bath units and feature a nice-sized backyard. The property is current. Shopping, groceries stores are within walking distance and the property is less than a 10-minute drive to Center City and close to Lancaster Ave. Tenants pay all utilities .

4944 Aspen St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Legal Real Estate LLC. Contact:

4428 Parrish St, Philadelphia
$230,000
Welcome to 4428 Parrish Street in University City. 12% CAP RATE and located In an Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOF), this is a duplex that was completely renovated from studs in 2019 features new electrical, mechanicals, kitchens, baths and central air. Great for an investor. Units are 2 bedrooms 1 bath units currently bringing in about $2600 a month. This is a great value-add for someone who wants to hold long term or for an owner-occupant who wants to house-hack. New construction is located nearby. The building also has a nice-sized fenced in backyard. The building currently generates about $2,590 a month in rent. The first-floor unit was once used as a success short-term rental. Conveniently located near public transportation, major universities, hospitals, and the expanding West Philadelphia corridor, this is an excellent opportunity for investors looking to expand their portfolio in the high-demand Philadelphia market. Property qualifies for PENN's Closing Cost Reduction Program.

4428 Parrish St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Legal Real Estate LLC. Contact:

606 N 43rd St, Philadelphia
$384,900
5 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths
Spacious 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offering approximately 2,540 square feet of living space in a convenient Philadelphia location. The generous floor plan provides multiple levels of living space, well-proportioned rooms, and flexibility for a variety of uses. With ample bedroom and bathroom space, this property offers an excellent opportunity for an owner-occupant, investor, or buyer looking to personalize a substantial city home. Convenient to neighborhood amenities, public transportation, major roadways, shopping, and dining. Property is vacant and easy to show. Sold AS-IS. Buyer is encouraged to perform all desired inspections and due diligence.

606 N 43rd St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Vylla Home. Contact:

4438 Ludlow St, Philadelphia
$399,900
Welcome to 4438 Ludlow Street, a spacious and versatile duplex/multi-family property located in the heart of University City! Offering two separate living spaces and excellent income-producing potential, this property presents an exciting opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants looking to take advantage of one of Philadelphia’s most convenient locations. The upper unit features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, offering generous living space, high ceilings, abundant natural light, and a comfortable layout. The lower unit features 2 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom, along with its own living space and private exterior entrance, providing added privacy and flexibility. With a total of 5 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms between the two units, this property offers multiple possibilities. Live in one unit while renting the other to help offset your monthly mortgage, rent both units as an investment property, or create a living arrangement that works for your needs. Zoned RM-1, the property is situated in an area designed to accommodate residential multi-family uses, adding to its appeal as an investment opportunity. Location is one of the property's strongest features. Situated in University City, you’ll be just minutes from some of Philadelphia’s most recognized educational and healthcare institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Saint Joseph’s University – University City campus, The Wharton School, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Commuters will appreciate convenient access to 30th Street Station, Penn Medicine Station, public transportation, and Center City Philadelphia. The property is also close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Barnes Foundation, restaurants, cafés, shopping, parks, and everything University City has to offer. Whether you’re an investor searching for a multi-family property in a high-demand rental area or an owner-occupant looking to live in one unit while generating income from the other, 4438 Ludlow Street offers the space, flexibility, location, and income potential you’ve been looking for. Schedule your private showing today and explore the possibilities this University City duplex has to offer!

4438 Ludlow St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Century 21 Advantage Gold-Southampton. Contact:

3921 Brandywine St, Philadelphia
$189,000
2 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths
Welcome to Brandywine Street, a quiet little street inches away from what's happening. Trolley lines on Lancaster Avenue whisk you to the campus of Penn or Drexel, five minutes away, or into Center City in ten minutes. This is the convenient, close, affordable alternative living option you've been looking for. Come take a look...

3921 Brandywine St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Common Ground Realtors. Contact:

5227 Catharine St, Philadelphia
$325,000
Exceptional investment or house-hacking opportunity in a highly desirable pocket of West Philadelphia! This turn-key duplex perfectly hits the sweet spot for savvy investors and owner-occupants alike. Featuring separate amenities, this property offers steady, immediate cash flow with significant room to optimize your returns. The 2nd floor unit is a spacious 2BR, 1BA apartment currently occupied at $1,420 per month (lease ends March 31, 2027). The 1st floor unit is a large 1BR, 1BA apartment that is currently vacant and was just refreshed. Previously rented below market value at $1,050 per month, this unit gives a new owner the immediate opportunity to place a tenant at market rate or move right in and let the upstairs unit pay a massive portion of the mortgage. Both units are separately metered with central air and dedicated in-unit laundry. There is a full unfinished basement that is accessed through the 1st floor unit. Positioned in a vibrant, high-demand neighborhood, this location ensures a consistent pool of tenants. You are located just steps from the 52nd Street shopping and transit corridor, as well as the historic Malcolm X Park and the popular Baltimore Avenue corridor. The property offers a seamless commute for students and healthcare professionals, sitting in close proximity to the University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University City campus, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Whether you are looking for a reliable, low-maintenance addition to your real estate portfolio or an affordable way to buy into a great neighborhood by living in one unit and renting the other, 5227 Catharine Street delivers on every level. Schedule your showing today!

5227 Catharine St, Philadelphia

Listing courtesy of Compass Pennsylvania, LLC. Contact:

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