




523 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19123
About This Home
Step into a rare piece of Philadelphia history at 523 Fairmount Avenue, an exceptional 19th‑century residence built as part of the estate of Stephen Girard—one of the city’s most influential figures and the wealthiest man in America at that time. Set in the heart of Northern Liberties, this home offers a scale, level of renovation, and historic pedigree that are nearly impossible to find at this price point in such a premier location. The original brick façade exudes timeless curb appeal, while inside, the home seamlessly blends preserved architectural character with modern comfort. Five spacious bedrooms, three full baths (including a serene primary suite with soaking tub), and two half baths are spread across four grand floors. High ceilings, rich wood floors, custom millwork, and thoughtfully restored details create an atmosphere that is both warm and sophisticated. A true standout is the expansive rear yard—a lush, private urban retreat rarely found in this neighborhood. Multiple outdoor spaces invite relaxation, gardening, and entertaining. The full finished basement adds even more versatility, perfect for a home gym, media room, office, or playroom. Just steps from acclaimed dining, boutiques, and cultural destinations, this home sits in a neighborhood shaped by William Penn’s original vision and celebrated today for its vibrant energy and architectural charm. 523 Fairmount Avenue is a unique opportunity to own a beautifully restored piece of Philadelphia’s past while enjoying the best of modern city living.
Getting Around
Schools
Construction
Condition
- Year built: 1920
Materials
- Foundation: Brick/Mortar
- Roof: Flat
- Construction materials: Masonry
Type & Style
- Home type: Townhouse
- Architectural style: Straight Thru
- Property subType: Townhouse
Interior
Appliances
- Appliances included: Microwave,Dishwasher,Dryer,Double Oven,Oven,Cooktop,Refrigerator,Stainless Steel Appliance(s),Washer,Washer/Dryer Stacked,Gas Water Heater
- Laundry features: Has Laundry,Upper Level
Basement
- Area: 750
Basement
- Has basement: Yes
- Basement: Partial,Heated,Full,Windows,Finished
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 2
- Main level bathrooms: 1
Features
- Soaking Tub,Bathroom - Tub Shower,Bathroom - Stall Shower,Breakfast Area,Combination Dining/Living,Dining Area,Exposed Beams,Open Floorplan,Eat-in Kitchen,Kitchen - Gourmet,Kitchen Island,Walk-In Closet(s),9'+ Ceilings,Beamed Ceilings
- Flooring: Hardwood,Tile/Brick
- Finished area below ground: 750
- Finished area above ground: 3,350
Heating & Cooling
- Heating features: Forced Air,Natural Gas
- Cooling features: Central Air,Multi Units,Electric
Interior Area
- Total structure area: 4,100
- Total interior livable area: 4,100 sqft
Property
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: None
Details
- Parcel number: 056148700
- Zoning: RSA5
- Special condition: Standard
Features
- Levels: Four
- Stories: 4
- Pool features: None
- Patio & porch: Deck,Patio,Terrace
Lot
- Lot size: 1,693 sqft
- Lot size dimensions: 19.00 x 89.00
Parking
- Parking features: On Street
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Climate Risk is Financial Risk
Every home has a financial story beyond the listing price. Below, you’ll see the climate risks that could affect this property — and in Bills & Affordability, how those risks may influence repairs, insurance, utilities, and long-term value.
Biggest Threats for This Home
- Heat Wave
- Cold Wave
- Inland Flooding
- Winter Weather
- Tsunami
How This Home’s Risks Compare
FEMA Declared Disasters Across Pennsylvania Counties
Understanding the Costs
Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing costs. In practice, many households stretch to 35% or beyond — especially in high-cost markets.
Estimated Costs Today
| Monthly | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | $3,539 | $42,468 |
| Home Insurance * | $710 | $8,520 |
| Property Taxes | $663 | $7,956 |
| Electricity | $449 | $5,398 |
| Total | $5,361 | $64,332 |
Income You'd Need if You Spent...
Pennsylvania FAIR Plan Programs
How Costs Could Change Over Time
Climate risk is quickly impacting all of the major home ownership costs. Adjust the growth rates and percentage of income spent on housing below to see how your housing costs could change over the next 10 years — and what income you'd need to keep up.
Comparing Against the Market
Price Per Sq Ft
vs Other Active Listings
Avg $/sqft
vs Homes Sold Last Month
Median $/sqft
Current Market Trends
Median Price Per Square Foot
The median price per square foot of homes sold in this area each month. Compare this to this listing's price per square foot to gauge whether the home is priced in line with recent sales.
Historicals for This Listing
Zestimate History ($/sqft)
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-23 | Price change | $775,000 |
| 2026-04-09 | Listed for sale | $849,900 |
| 2021-03-22 | Sold | $655,000 |
| 2021-01-16 | Price change | $695,000 |
| 2020-10-26 | Listed for sale | $700,000 |
| 1996-12-02 | Sold | $74,000 |
