a question regarding a location (39th & Brandwine) (Lancaster, Springfield: apartment, renting)

[yoavs]

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum and I appreciate all of the answers given here.
I saw questions regarding other locations nearby, but I decided to ask anyway, to make sure, since it's a really complicated renting a room long distance.
I'm coming for a semester in UPenn a few days (until Dec) and found an apartment near 39th & Brandywine
About me: I'm 27 y/o male, going on my own, wants to live in UC.
Not afraid easily, but still don't want to be a crime victim.
The other option is the International House which I have read a few threads regarding it, and got and overall good impression about it.

Thank you in advance,
Yoav

[FindingZen]

There are worse places than the particular area around 39th and Brandywine...but there are certainly much better, including the location of International House.

If you haven't already used Penn's Off-Campus Services Off-Campus Services at the University of Pennsylvania , I'd recommend it. If nothing literally on the edge of campus is feasible, you will want to look between the boundaries Spruce and Springfield going south and 48th to 43rd heading eastward. East of 43rd would put you with younger Penn students. Outside any of the other boundaries would generally put you in more challenged areas.

[PennKid]

Having grown up at 38th and Baring in Powelton Village, I grew up at the western extremity of where its considered safe to raise a family, and I was 2 blocks away (across Hamilton and Spring Garden) from what was considered the northern extremity. Brandywine was always considered a border between Powelton and Mantua, because it was a quiet rowhome street between the typical Powelton homes on Spring Garden and the rundown mess that was Haverford. As a matter of fact, when the Powelton Post delivered, way before my time, I think Brandywine was the northern limit of their delivery. Now, Powelton is safe to atleast Lancaster on the west, and some people think it's safe all the way to Lee Field in the west, but that's up to debate. I think 39th and Brandywine is a fine corner if you dont go too far north.