Wister Townhouses — Income-Restricted Housing in Philadelphia, PA 19144
287 - 297 Ashmead Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
200 units · 198 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Leasing office: (215) 842-0740Directions
How to apply
- Call the leasing office at (215) 842-0740 to ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists.
- These records do not show openings — call to confirm vacancies and waiting lists.
At this building
- Opened
- 1979
- Income limit
- Income averaging
- Bedrooms
- 13 1 bedroom · 100 2 bedrooms · 85 3 bedrooms
- HUD inspection
- HUD inspection score: 87/100 (May 2025) HUD inspects subsidized buildings on a 0–100 scale. This is a snapshot, not a pass/fail grade.
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Nearby income-restricted buildings
Scattered Sites
219 E Bringhurst St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.1 mi away
292 units · 1–3 BR
- Apply through Philadelphia Housing Authority
- Several buildings — call for addresses
Nicole Hines (WCRP)
417 E Wister St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.2 mi away
23 units · 2–4+ BR · People with disabilities
- Apply through Philadelphia Housing Authority
323 E Shedaker St
323 E Shedaker St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.3 mi away
1 unit · 3 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
5305 Magnolia St
5305 Magnolia St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.3 mi away
1 unit · 3 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Hamill Mill Apts
5429 Lena St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.3 mi away
40 units · Studio–1 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Church Lane
600 E Church Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.4 mi away
40 units · 2 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Lower Germantown Housing Phase II
4949 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.4 mi away
33 units · 1–4+ BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
640 E Locust Ave
640 E Locust Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
0.5 mi away
1 unit · 3 BR
- Affordability period may have ended — call to confirm
Rents and income limits in 19144
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,670/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $66,800/yr
- Renters in 19144 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 54%
Income limits (2026)
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area · median family income $122,700. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $25,800 | $42,950 | $68,750 |
| 2 | $29,450 | $49,100 | $78,550 |
| 3 | $33,150 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 4 | $36,800 | $61,350 | $98,150 |
| 5 | $39,750 | $66,300 | $106,050 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $71,200 | $113,900 |
| 7 | $50,040 | $76,100 | $121,750 |
| 8 | $55,720 | $81,000 | $129,600 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 19144 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,290 | $1,438 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,400 | $1,558 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,670 | $1,860 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,990 | $2,216 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,190 | $2,445 |
Wider area = Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $1,350 (19133) to $2,270 (19127).
Census figures for 19144 (2020–2024 average): median rent $1,153. Median household income $53,161. 63% of homes are rented. 54% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 31% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 19144's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 19144Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Wister Townhouses?
Call (215) 842-0740 and ask about applying, vacancies, and waiting lists at Wister Townhouses in Philadelphia, PA 19144. These records do not show openings.
Is Wister Townhouses Section 8 housing?
Wister Townhouses is listed with a HUD-assisted or project-based Section 8 contract. The subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different — you apply with the housing authority. Confirm the program when you call.
How many units are at Wister Townhouses?
Public records list 200 units at Wister Townhouses in Philadelphia, PA 19144. That is a building size, not a count of open apartments.
Are there other affordable apartments near Wister Townhouses?
Yes — this page lists other income-restricted buildings in 19144 and nearby ZIP codes. Open a nearby card for the address and phone. Lists still do not show vacancies.
People Also Ask
How do I get into Wister Townhouses?
Call the number on this page and ask about the waiting list or how to apply at Wister Townhouses in Philadelphia, PA 19144. Public housing is through the housing authority. Bring ID and income documents when they tell you to. This site cannot submit an application for you.
How do I qualify for affordable housing in Philadelphia, PA 19144?
Most income-restricted buildings in Philadelphia, PA 19144 serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $42,950, and $61,350 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($68,750 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in Philadelphia, PA 19144?
For many programs in Philadelphia, PA 19144, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $42,950 a year for 1 person and $61,350 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $68,750 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in Philadelphia, PA 19144?
In public housing and most Section 8 in Philadelphia, PA 19144, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near Philadelphia, PA 19144 is $1,670 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Does Wister Townhouses take Section 8 vouchers?
Wister Townhouses is listed with project-based Section 8 or HUD assistance — the subsidy is on the unit, so you usually apply at the building rather than bringing a tenant voucher. Ask when you call whether they also accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying. Report a correction. To add a different building, use the suggestion rubric.