Property Line: Three Passyunk Square houses under $400,000

Considering the preponderance of renowned restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, and other family businesses in Passyunk Square, it shouldn't be a surprise to learn that the neighborhood is among the hottest real estate markets in Philadelphia. The community runs from Sixth Street to Broad, and north to Tasker and south to Washington. At last report, the median listing price in the neighborhood was $350,000, with a median closing price slightly higher at $354,000. These three homes are listed between $350,000 and $395,000 and are mere blocks away from the world-famous Italian Market.

1218 Latona St., Philadelphia
$395,000
Monthly taxes: $240
Tell me all about it: Row home curb appeal is an art, and this two-bedroom home offers plenty of it. We love the new window boxes and door outside almost as much as we love the hardwoods and newly remodeled kitchen inside. Bonus: The patio out back is bright and cheery without requiring a crazy amount of work.

1230 S. Seventh St., Philadelphia
$350,000
Monthly taxes: $233
Tell me all about it: We love the sleek, open floor plan in this two-bedroom home. The finished basement offers buyers additional square footage, and the patio out back manages to be cozy despite being largely concrete. Plus, the kitchen has a darling breakfast nook under its window.

1118 S. Eighth St., Philadelphia
$385,000
Monthly taxes: $212
Tell me all about it: Sometimes a Philly townhouse can be narrow enough to make a standard couch feel crowded. So we love that this three-bedroom property is extra wide at 20 feet across. It's also probably why the layout is so unlike most townhouses, with built-ins and nooks around every corner. Bonus: only a block away from the Italian Market.