Future student needing rental advice in Philly suburbs (Philadelphia, Harrisburg: apartment complexes, crime)

[remix182]

Hi everyone! I am trying to get an idea of some places to move to and rent from while I go to school at the Art Institute. I am currently active duty military and going to be living off my GI Bill and scholarships while I attend school full time. I may pick up a part time job if needed but don't want to. I'll be alone primarily but my 9 year old daughter might be staying with me over the winter and summer breaks. I don't mind a commute of 30 - 45 minutes either. Hopefully this is enough info to get started. Thanks in advance for all your inputs.

When are you moving?
September 2011

Where are you coming from?
small town outside Seattle, WA

Why are you moving?
College

Where will you be working?
Full-time student - part time work if anything

Have you been here yet?
Used to live in Harrisburg, PA for 15 years...occasionally visited Philly

Will you buy or rent?
Rent

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Looking for a One/Two bedroom apartment, $700 - $900 a month

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?
Either is fine

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
I will be single primarily but my 9 year old daughter may stay with me from time to time outside of the school year

Do you prefer public or private schools?
n/a

Do you have pets?
No

Do you want or need a yard?
No need

Are you keeping a car?
Yes

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
I'm not an extremist so a little of both is nice. I'm used to living in the suburbs. I don't like living in the rural areas nor do I care to live in downtown but like access to both.

What do you want to be closest to?
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Parks or places for my daughter to play

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
Diversity doesn't bother me, but I am looking for some place that I can concentrate on my school work without too many distractions.

Coke or Pepsi?
Coke!

[bryson662001]

www.4wallsinphilly.com or www.apartmentguide.com may be of some help.

[remix182]

Well, I've looked up the apartment guide website, but I've moved a lot in my life and know that anyone can put up a pretty picture and sell their housing. I was looking for a more realistic and honest opinion of what the areas are like. For instance, I moved into what seemed like a nice town home a few years back with a friend. Surroundings seemed nice and there weren't any other clues in the open to lead someone to suspect otherwise. However, two weeks after moving in, our place was robbed blind. Come to find out the county we moved in to was ranked 10th highest in crime for that area of PA.

[Tangled Threads]

I don't know the PA suburbs but if you're interested in the NJ suburbs I'd look in Collingswood and Westmont. They're both on the PATCO line which will bring you to within a 10 min walk of the Art Institute. The PATCO line is convenient, it runs 24 hours per day and quite frequently. There are a number of apartment complexes as well as duplexes where you should be able to find something in your price range. I would look on south jersey craigslist or drive around to find a place (people often put out signs). When your child visits, there are plenty of parks for play and both places have town pools. Good luck.

[GraysFerryB4]

Since you have a daughter, you may actually be quite interested in Collingswood as TT above suggested. A nine year old bordering on the tweens may not be as happy in Philly or S. Philly as rec centers and places to interact are less frequent than they used to be due to city funds. Collingswood is art friendly town that has a 2nd Saturday arts crawl every month with plenty of out door spaces and "rec" leagues for kids who may not just meet at school. The proximity to Philly is great and on the PATCO and it is certainly one of the most safe regions in the area. I could keep my doors unlocked if I wanted to. Take a look at the town website at collingswood.com

[remix182]

I appreciate the info and will most definitely look up the suggested areas. Hopefully something good will come of it. I do intend to drive out there before hand and have a personal look before I make the final decision.

[newmarlig]

I would give second, third and tenth thoughts about going to The Art Institute.

Colleges that profit, students who don't | Philadelphia Daily News | 03/25/2011

[GraysFerryB4]

As someone connected in the educational system at the secondary level with a degree in Guidance Counseling I concur,....do not enroll at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Look into a school like Temple's Moore College of Art. It is a not a for profit school and has an excellent reputation.

[templeu]

Temple's art school is Tyler.

[GraysFerryB4]

Opps...Thanks Temple U. I always get Moore connected with Temple. I know that both are excellent schools over the Art Institute which has a "Can you draw Tippy?" reputation.