Group 5

The housing situation in Germantown is suffering some minor setbacks but the future there looks quite promising. Having proper equipment and enough money are two of the biggest roadblocks in improving housing and real estate in the Germantown region. Contractors and architects are doing their part to help improve living situations, but the Greater Germantown Housing Development Corporation is responsible for a majority of the renovations currently being done in the area.

The main goal of the GGHDC is to help renovate homes for first time home buyers. Renovations include electrical systems, plumbing and kitchens. While the GGHDC is going to great lengths to improve the housing situation, there are some financial stipulations for who is eligible to live in these homes. Grants are available to buyers of these homes and they typically sell anywhere from $ 50,000 to $140,000.

As housing developments continue to improve in Germantown, the economy is slowly growing as well. The GGHDC has offered various entrepreneurial training programs which are structured to help create new businesses as well as expand current businesses. The result of the growing and creation of numerous businesses has the potential to boost the economy in Germantown and provide many new job opportunities. The GGHDC also reports that they are currently working to help improve the aesthetics of the area, particularly new landscaping and street improvements around Germantown Avenue.

As non-profit and government agencies alike help to improve economic and housing situations in the area, one such business that is already thriving in the region is the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. The school is looking to attract not only more Philadelphia locals to the area, but attract people from all parts of the east coast as well. Also, the 3000 B.C. Spa located on Germantown Avenue was recognized in Allure Magazine this month for having outstanding spray tans.

Between housing developments and new businesses, the economy of Germantown is slowing beginning to thrive. Not to mention, not only can you now join the circus in Germantown, but you can also look as though you just spent a week in the tropics. Germantown is definitely in the process of climbing up the ladder.