According to Zillow’s neighborhood-level home value data through November 2024, several notable trends emerge in Pennsylvania’s lowest-valued residential areas. The data reveals a stark concentration of these neighborhoods in two major cities – Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with only one neighborhood (Allison Hill in Harrisburg) appearing outside these metropolitan areas.
The most dramatic price appreciation occurred in neighborhoods like Franklinville (Philadelphia) and Allison Hill (Harrisburg), which saw increases exceeding 200% from 2014 to 2024, though their absolute values remain among the state’s lowest. Of particular interest, North Philadelphia neighborhoods dominate the list, while Pittsburgh’s representation is primarily concentrated in historically industrial areas and the East End.
Map of the most affordable neighborhoods in Pennsylvania
The analysis shows three distinct patterns worth noting: first, a consistent upward trajectory from 2014 to 2024 across all neighborhoods, despite their continued status as lower-valued areas; second, a noticeable slowdown or even decline in appreciation rates between 2023 and 2024 in several areas, with five neighborhoods showing negative growth during this period; and third, a significant clustering of values between $70,000 and $90,000 by 2024, suggesting a possible “floor” developing in these urban markets. Most remarkably, even the lowest-valued neighborhood in the dataset (Homewood North in Pittsburgh at $57,105) has nearly tripled in value since 2014, pointing to broader market forces affecting even the most challenged urban areas.
1. Tioga (Philadelphia, PA)
Tioga is located in North Philadelphia, bounded by Allegheny Avenue to the south and Hunting Park Avenue to the north. The neighborhood sits between the Nicetown-Tioga and Hunting Park communities, historically an industrial area that has seen significant demographic changes. Home values: 2014: $30,504; 2019: $59,918; 2023: $90,138; 2024 (Nov): $96,505, showing a 216.4% increase since 2014, 61.1% since 2019, and 7.1% growth since 2023.
2. Mill Creek (Philadelphia, PA)
Mill Creek is situated in West Philadelphia, named after the historic creek that once flowed through the area before being converted into a sewer system in the late 19th century. The neighborhood lies between Market Street and Haverford Avenue, near University City and West Philadelphia. Home values: 2014: $32,405; 2019: $71,857; 2023: $91,811; 2024 (Nov): $96,232, demonstrating a 197.0% increase since 2014, 33.9% since 2019, and 4.8% growth since 2023.
3. Marshall-Shadeland (Pittsburgh, PA)
Marshall-Shadeland is located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, formerly known as Woods Run. The neighborhood sits along the Ohio River, characterized by its steep hills and mix of residential and light industrial areas. Home values: 2014: $40,829; 2019: $65,224; 2023: $86,814; 2024 (Nov): $93,619, showing a 129.3% increase since 2014, 43.5% since 2019, and 7.8% growth since 2023.
4. Harrowgate (Philadelphia, PA)
Harrowgate is a neighborhood in Lower Northeast Philadelphia, adjacent to Kensington and Port Richmond. The area was originally home to a historic spa and mineral spring, now characterized by its dense residential blocks and industrial heritage. Home values: 2014: $32,699; 2019: $62,176; 2023: $81,457; 2024 (Nov): $90,372, representing a 176.4% increase since 2014, 45.3% since 2019, and 10.9% growth since 2023.
5. West Parkside (Philadelphia, PA)
West Parkside is located along the western edge of Fairmount Park, one of Philadelphia’s largest urban parks. The neighborhood benefits from its proximity to the Please Touch Museum and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Home values: 2014: $30,566; 2019: $76,986; 2023: $91,943; 2024 (Nov): $89,837, showing a 193.9% increase since 2014, 16.7% since 2019, but a -2.3% change since 2023.
6. Mt Oliver (Pittsburgh, PA)
Mt Oliver is situated in the South Pittsburgh area, an independent borough completely surrounded by Pittsburgh city neighborhoods. It sits atop a hill overlooking the Monongahela River valley, providing unique views of the downtown area. Home values: 2014: $40,893; 2019: $59,091; 2023: $71,537; 2024 (Nov): $89,636, demonstrating a 119.2% increase since 2014, 51.7% since 2019, and 25.3% growth since 2023.
7. Arlington (Pittsburgh, PA)
Arlington is positioned on the south side of Pittsburgh, known for its steep streets and panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh. The neighborhood sits atop one of Pittsburgh’s highest points, historically serving as a strategic location during the city’s early development. Home values: 2014: $37,396; 2019: $64,629; 2023: $86,189; 2024 (Nov): $87,687, showing a 134.5% increase since 2014, 35.7% since 2019, and 1.7% growth since 2023.
8. Hunting Park (Philadelphia, PA)
Hunting Park is located in North Philadelphia, centered around its namesake 87-acre park which serves as a major recreational facility. The neighborhood is bordered by Roosevelt Boulevard to the east and combines residential areas with industrial zones. Home values: 2014: $30,659; 2019: $48,346; 2023: $76,066; 2024 (Nov): $87,635, representing a 185.8% increase since 2014, 81.3% since 2019, and 15.2% growth since 2023.
9. Nicetown (Philadelphia, PA)
Nicetown is situated in North Philadelphia, historically an industrial hub named after the Nice family who were early settlers. The neighborhood is bordered by Hunting Park Avenue and Germantown Avenue, with significant transportation access via Wayne Junction Station. Home values: 2014: $27,028; 2019: $58,368; 2023: $78,337; 2024 (Nov): $83,831, showing a 210.2% increase since 2014, 43.6% since 2019, and 7.0% growth since 2023.
10. Hartranft (Philadelphia, PA)
Hartranft is located in North Philadelphia, named after John F. Hartranft, a Civil War general and former Pennsylvania governor. The neighborhood surrounds Temple University’s main campus, influencing its development and character. Home values: 2014: $42,439; 2019: $56,242; 2023: $75,059; 2024 (Nov): $83,766, demonstrating a 97.4% increase since 2014, 48.9% since 2019, and 11.6% growth since 2023.
11. Allison Hill (Harrisburg, PA)
Allison Hill is Harrisburg’s largest residential neighborhood, situated on a hill east of downtown. The historic area offers views of the state capitol and the Susquehanna River, characterized by its Victorian-era architecture. Home values: 2014: $25,986; 2019: $37,870; 2023: $70,292; 2024 (Nov): $82,787, showing a 218.6% increase since 2014, 118.6% since 2019, and 17.8% growth since 2023.
12. Franklinville (Philadelphia, PA)
Franklinville is located in lower North Philadelphia, part of the larger Kensington area. The neighborhood is situated near major transportation routes and the Market-Frankford Line, reflecting Philadelphia’s industrial heritage. Home values: 2014: $24,790; 2019: $46,941; 2023: $68,155; 2024 (Nov): $81,956, representing a 230.6% increase since 2014, 74.6% since 2019, and 20.2% growth since 2023.
13. Hazelwood (Pittsburgh, PA)
Hazelwood is situated along the Monongahela River, southeast of downtown Pittsburgh. The neighborhood, once home to major steel mills, is undergoing redevelopment with the Hazelwood Green project transforming former industrial sites. Home values: 2014: $33,877; 2019: $57,122; 2023: $76,005; 2024 (Nov): $77,656, showing a 129.2% increase since 2014, 35.9% since 2019, and 2.2% growth since 2023.
14. Stanton (Philadelphia, PA)
Stanton is located in North Philadelphia, part of the larger Brewerytown area. The neighborhood is named after Edwin M. Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, and sits near the eastern edge of Fairmount Park. Home values: 2014: $35,407; 2019: $50,130; 2023: $78,078; 2024 (Nov): $76,722, demonstrating a 116.7% increase since 2014, 53.0% since 2019, but a -1.7% change since 2023.
15. Glenwood (Philadelphia, PA)
Glenwood is situated in North Philadelphia, west of Germantown Avenue. The neighborhood developed around the historic Glenwood Cemetery and includes portions of the Temple University area. Home values: 2014: $25,602; 2019: $49,702; 2023: $72,821; 2024 (Nov): $76,470, showing a 198.7% increase since 2014, 53.9% since 2019, and 5.0% growth since 2023.
16. Strawberry Mansion (Philadelphia, PA)
Strawberry Mansion is located in North Philadelphia, adjacent to East Fairmount Park. The neighborhood takes its name from a historic house built in the Federal style that served as a restaurant famous for its strawberries and cream. Home values: 2014: $27,972; 2019: $45,603; 2023: $71,006; 2024 (Nov): $74,187, representing a 165.2% increase since 2014, 62.7% since 2019, and 4.5% growth since 2023.
17. Knoxville (Pittsburgh, PA)
Knoxville is positioned on Pittsburgh’s South Side, sitting atop the hills overlooking the Monongahela River. The neighborhood developed as a streetcar suburb in the late 19th century, connected to downtown by the iconic inclines. Home values: 2014: $24,862; 2019: $43,865; 2023: $58,198; 2024 (Nov): $72,957, showing a 193.4% increase since 2014, 66.3% since 2019, and 25.4% growth since 2023.
18. Spring Garden (Pittsburgh, PA)
Spring Garden is located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, nestled between East Allegheny and Troy Hill. The neighborhood occupies a valley that was once home to many springs, hence its name, and features historic row houses and steep streets. Home values: 2014: $37,083; 2019: $64,069; 2023: $71,141; 2024 (Nov): $72,941, demonstrating a 96.7% increase since 2014, 13.8% since 2019, and 2.5% growth since 2023.
19. Upper Kensington (Philadelphia, PA)
Upper Kensington is situated in the Kensington section of North Philadelphia, north of Lehigh Avenue. The neighborhood was historically a major textile manufacturing center and still retains much of its industrial character. Home values: 2014: $28,815; 2019: $49,877; 2023: $61,819; 2024 (Nov): $72,850, showing a 152.8% increase since 2014, 46.1% since 2019, and 17.8% growth since 2023.
20. Homewood South (Pittsburgh, PA)
Homewood South is located in Pittsburgh’s East End, south of Homewood North. The neighborhood was historically one of Pittsburgh’s premier suburbs, known for its Victorian architecture and connection to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Home values: 2014: $35,107; 2019: $64,080; 2023: $71,908; 2024 (Nov): $72,210, representing a 105.7% increase since 2014, 12.7% since 2019, and 0.4% growth since 2023.
21. Allegheny West (Philadelphia, PA)
Allegheny West is situated in North Philadelphia, west of Broad Street near Temple University. The neighborhood developed around major rail lines and was once home to significant industrial facilities. Home values: 2014: $25,071; 2019: $45,084; 2023: $70,908; 2024 (Nov): $68,624, showing a 173.7% increase since 2014, 52.2% since 2019, but a -3.2% change since 2023.
22. Allentown (Pittsburgh, PA)
Allentown is positioned on a hilltop overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, south of the Monongahela River. The neighborhood is known for its historic Warrington Avenue business district and connection to the city via the historic Allentown incline site. Home values: 2014: $27,161; 2019: $52,960; 2023: $55,821; 2024 (Nov): $68,278, demonstrating a 151.4% increase since 2014, 28.9% since 2019, and 22.3% growth since 2023.
23. Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar (Pittsburgh, PA)
Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar is located in Pittsburgh’s East End, bordered by the Allegheny River. The neighborhood combines three historic communities and features significant green space along its steep hillsides. Home values: 2014: $27,493; 2019: $54,301; 2023: $58,226; 2024 (Nov): $61,395, showing a 123.3% increase since 2014, 13.1% since 2019, and 5.4% growth since 2023.
24. East Hills (Pittsburgh, PA)
East Hills is situated in Pittsburgh’s eastern section, bordering Penn Hills and Wilkinsburg. The neighborhood was developed in the mid-20th century as a planned community, featuring distinctive architectural styles and curvilinear streets. Home values: 2014: $26,370; 2019: $49,392; 2023: $54,181; 2024 (Nov): $61,394, representing a 132.8% increase since 2014, 24.3% since 2019, and 13.3% growth since 2023.
25. Homewood North (Pittsburgh, PA)
Homewood North is located in Pittsburgh’s East End, north of Homewood South. The neighborhood was originally part of the larger community of Homewood, which was one of Pittsburgh’s first streetcar suburbs. Home values: 2014: $19,617; 2019: $34,341; 2023: $46,294; 2024 (Nov): $57,105, showing a 191.1% increase since 2014, 66.3% since 2019, and 23.4% growth since 2023.
