On the market: Fitler Square townhouse for $1,149,000

Stephen Cantor bought his first home in Fitler Square in 1985 on the 1900 block of Bainbridge Street. In 1997, he and his wife bought a four-bedroom home on nearby Naudain Street. In Cantor's time in the neighborhood, the community has changed significantly, said his daughter, Leigh Henry.

"I've watched this neighborhood transform," Henry said. "Every time we visit, we are amazed at the changes in the city and how truly livable this area has become."

She noted that a playground, dog park and the Schuylkill River Trail are all within a few blocks of her late father's property. New owners would likely come to love the neighborhood as much as she does, she predicted.

"It really blends the best of what the city and suburbs have to offer for every age group," Henry said.

She said that her father and brother were meticulous about upkeep and that renovations had been mostly cosmetic. "The bones are in great shape," she said.

More newly completed projects include refinished hardwood floors, new light fixtures and paint, and new carpeting in the bedrooms.

Her favorite part of the house is the roof deck with its panoramic skyline views.

"It is an amazing view during the day and simply spectacular at night," she said. "We've even camped out under the stars up there."

The open layout on the main floor lends itself to family gatherings and entertaining, Henry said. The French doors off the living room lead to a garden.

"When we visit, my kids love being able to go out back into the garden and the enclosed courtyard to play," she said. "There's a gate securing the area, so I don't have to worry."

The final selling point on the home may be its garage.

"The garage provides the extra freedom of keeping a car in the city — you know, to make a quick bolt down the Shore on the weekends — with no additional parking costs," Henry said.

Henry, who lives in Virginia, said it has become too difficult to manage an additional household out of state. As much as she loves Fitler Square, she said, it's the right time to sell the property.

"Why am I selling this again?" she said. "Oh yeah, I live in Virginia. We don't get home enough to justify holding onto the house."

The home is listed with Patrick Campbell at Compass Realty for $1,149,000.