Moving from Australia to Philadelphia - need advice on Manayunk and Centre City (neighborhoods, to buy)

[OzTee]

I just moved from Australia to Philadephia for work and I am currently looking for a place to stay. I'm female in my 30ish and moving here by myself, so I like to live in a safe place and also has the social vibe. I work around Bala area. I'm not sure if i want to buy a car yet. Now I am tossing between 2: Manayunk and Centre City.
Appreciate for any inputs. Thanks.

[newmarlig]

Welcome!!! Have you checked your public transportation options? My first recommendation would be center city.

[goto10]

I've never lived in Center City or Manayunk but I would also recommend Center City. There are more necessities there while Manayunk is more of a neighborhood. If you ever need to get to Manayunk for the social aspect, public transportation will take you there easily. Living in Center City you probably won't even need a car. Public Transportation will take you pretty far out of the city too to get to maybe other shopping areas or something. And if you find you need to go somewhere that PT won't take you to, or you need to lug something big back like furniture, there is always phillycarshare or zipcar.

[PeeAye Native]

Center City wins for social vibe, and Manayunk rates high that category.

But be aware that the demographics of the Manayunk bar/party/social scene revolve around a core group of mid to late twenty year olds. It's almost exclusively that post-college age crowd. The demographics of Center City is across the spectrum, young (college age and post college), middle aged, and older. And there's more to do in Center City, althought geographically it is spread out more than Manayunk. For example, the Manayunk bar scene may be slow on a weeknight, but you can always something happening in Center City almost any night of the week, but you might have to travel several blocks to find it. And Manayunk is sort of limited to the bars and restaurants on and off Main Street, but Center City also has additional options, museums, theater, etc., etc.

I think both locations are safe for a single female. But a word of caution on Center City, it covers a lot of territory, and so that is a broad generalization, and there may be pockets of undesirable blocks in which to live. Do some research when you pick a block or neighborhood. In either location, you will not be the only single female living there.

On commuting and a car, I think Center City to Bala will have more options (train, multiple buses) then Manayunk to Bala. Even though it's only a few miles Manayunk to Bala, say two or three miles, I think the bus routes are limited, and you might end up taking what seems like a lot of time to go that 'few miles'. A three mile taxi ride each way would probably be quicker than a bus, and a not very expensive option.

Both google maps and septa.com map the available public transportation options pretty well. Look there once you get a general idea of the block or neighborhood where you plan to get a place.

Good luck, post back if any specific questions.

[Pennsport]

Welcome to Philly Oztree,
It sounds to me like you should definitely go for Center City or one of the surrounding neighborhoods. You can get the train out to Bala Cynwyd pretty easily so a car shouldn't be necessary. Moderator Cut If you have specific Qs, feels free to PM me. Good luck!

[rainrock]

Center City/University City would be a better overall experience especially from a "social vibe". Alot of college students, grad students, young professionals reside here. Museums, great restaurants/bars, and there is a nice recreational trail that runs along the Schuylkil River.

You can take the Cynwd Line(train) from Center City to Bala Cynwd.

Good luck.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Center City/University City would be a better overall experience especially from a "social vibe". Alot of college students, grad students, young professionals reside here. Museums, great restaurants/bars, and there is a nice recreational trail that runs along the Schuylkil River.

You can take the Cynwd Line(train) from Center City to Bala Cynwd.

Good luck.

True about the train, but the OP would need to know the distance from the train to and from her office and whether it's walkable.

ETA Best way to check is go to Google maps/directions - click on the public transportation icon and put in a center city location (17th and Market for example) in A and office address in B.

[Hillrunner]

If your looking for the option of a life outside of a 5 block radius and to truly feel comfortable at your new locale, then I would live above Manayunk into Roxborough. From there you can catch the #9 bus directly into Center City. It also gives you the option of having a car {because you will be able to park pretty easily} which also gives you the quicker commute to and from work in Bala Cynwyd. Which in turn opens up your options to catching a bus directly into the City , or taking your car and exploring the burbs in your free time. Good luck.

[Joe84323]

Manayunk is like a separate town which is isolated from the rest of Philadelphia. Manayunk is where lots of 20-somethings move after college to avoid really living in Philadelphia, but to still have good access to Center City, its amenities, and I-76.

Center City Philadelphia is truly downtown. You will have everything you need within blocks, great public trans options to the suburbs (as they emanate from CC,) and also an urban vibe that you won't get in Manayunk.

[OzTee]

HI All - thanks for the welcome and I appreciate your inputs - so great and insightful. You guys rock!

My office in Bala actually near public transport (just found out today), so there is PT from CC to my office. In CC area, I'm looking around South St or Old City area.

Great info about phillycarshare and zip car. That's a good option that I need to consider.

I think now I am leaning towards CC area - although I have to adjust my 'mind' of not having a big space place.

Any areas that i should avoid in the City?