Finding it impossible to find a clean and safe apartment under $1300ish

[Angus215]

i also moved between those cities - i moved from NYC to LA to Philly to NYC to Philly suburbs. of the 3 cities i liked Philly the best. When i moved from LA, I found a 2-floor 2 bedroom in one of the old townhouses in society hill (although it was a little more expensive than the price range of the OP). not sure what rental prices have done over the last few years in philly but i'd think you could certainly get a decent 1 br for $1,300.

The thing with philly is that a lot of the rentals are not in large apartment buildings - many are in converted townhouses and the only way to tell if a particular apartment is nice is to see it for yourself. I had looked at a couple places on Pine St in WashWest like another poster mentioned, and they were dumps. You just need to spend a few days in town looking around.

[missygirly66]

i like nyc better. born and raised in la and glad i didnt transfer back the second time. maybe one day i can move back to nyc.queens or long island city

[ideamaned]

An example of what you might be able to find (I'm pretty sure it won't be available in 5 or 6 months): I have a friend with a 6 unit apartment building close to the corner of Ellsworth and Broad. The subway entrance is no more than a one minute walk. His nicest unit has a recently updated, but tight bathroom and a very nice kitchen with granite counters - very nice! It has a large livingroom and one bedroom. He rents that out for $900 (it's available). The Italian market area is an easy 10 minute walk probably. And his block has a safe feel to it. His unrenovated units go for $725. And he advertises them on Craigslist. Leases are month to month. He's easy going.

He also takes a lot of pride in his building, so he regularly does maintenance on it. Tenants have a washer and dryer to use in the basement. A Save Alot supermarket is around the block.

Access to Center City is easy with the Broad Street subway being right there.

When he advertises these on Craigslist, they typically are taken within a week. The updated unit he just hasn't gotten around to promoting.

So if you hunt around a little better, there are cheaper places that are still okay out there.

[FlyerFan34]

Move to Manayunk.

If you want peace of mind, a clean/nice apartment, and a place to stroll 10 minutes outside of the city...its the perfect place.

Moderator Cut

[FlyerFan34]

Originally Posted by missygirly66

i like nyc better. born and raised in la and glad i didnt transfer back the second time. maybe one day i can move back to nyc.queens or long island city

I am moving to NYC this summer....likely Sunnyside, Queens.

How did you end up in Philly?

[missygirly66]

decided to move back because they child care is much cheaper in philly. i was living in philly for while but decided to stay in nyc cause it closer to my job and my son was living in los angeles

[chessimprov]

sharpie, consider having a roommate. Good luck.