Study: SEPTA Stations Up Property Values

By Eric Campbell

A study from Econsult Solutions for SEPTA has concluded that suburban homes near SEPTA stations enjoy a bump in property values.

The firm, analyzing 2005-2012 home sales throughout Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks counties, found an average premium of $7,900 per property. Homeowners near high-traffic stations saw even bigger boosts, averaging more than $30,000, according to the study.

SEPTA announced in September it would have to "significantly shrink the transit system" over the next decade, including major reductions in rail service without more funding. The state Senate has passed more funding, as reported by CBS Philly and others; the House has yet to vote on it.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Econsult study — which can be read in full here —cost SEPTA about $5,000 plus "data and in-kind services".

What do you consider to be the pros and cons of living near a SEPTA station? Please tell us in the comments section below.