New college grad relocating to the area and need some advice (Philadelphia: apartment complex, to rent)

[NotSoSmartGuy]

I'm a 22yo recent college grad and I've accepted a job in Newtown Square. Since I'm young and single I figured a room with roommates would work just fine. My budget for a room would be around $650 a month. I don't own a car/license so I would have to commute via bus/train until I get one. It's not a problem however since I'm from NYC and 1hr+ commutes using the train doesn't bother me too much.

So mainly I'm looking for advice on a good diverse area for a young guy, where commuting via a bus/train to work and facilities like a super market/mall wouldn't be too much of a hassle. I'd prefer a city like area with a young crowd. Philadelphia itself looks like a good option but I heard the wage tax is pretty bad. Exactly how much is it if anyone knows? I'm thinking it might be worth it considering the convenience but any other advice on areas near Newtown Square would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[FindingZen]

Newtown Square is only transit accessible via the 104 bus. At the western end of the route, West Chester will be your best for a younger crowd as the state university of the same name is located there. The downtown area there should more than suffice until the weekends although you'd be in for a long haul into the city. While it would take about a half hour to go from West Chester to Newtown Square - and I'm assuming your employer is located off West Chester Pike - it would take another half hour or so just to get to the eastern terminus at 69th Street in Upper Darby on the edge of Philly. From there, you would hop on the Blue Line "El" train for another 15-20 minute ride into Center City. While an hour-plus train ride might be relatively comfortable, the El/bus combination isn't.

Also $650 is a bit on the low side, at least for a managed apartment complex. If you can bump that up to $800, that might expand your options.

[NotSoSmartGuy]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Newtown Square is only transit accessible via the 104 bus. At the western end of the route, West Chester will be your best for a younger crowd as the state university of the same name is located there. The downtown area there should more than suffice until the weekends although you'd be in for a long haul into the city. While it would take about a half hour to go from West Chester to Newtown Square - and I'm assuming your employer is located off West Chester Pike - it would take another half hour or so just to get to the eastern terminus at 69th Street in Upper Darby on the edge of Philly. From there, you would hop on the Blue Line "El" train for another 15-20 minute ride into Center City. While an hour-plus train ride might be relatively comfortable, the El/bus combination isn't.

Also $650 is a bit on the low side, at least for a managed apartment complex. If you can bump that up to $800, that might expand your options.

Thanks, West Chester seems like a very good option. I've only been looking on CL and the 650 was in regards to renting a single room since most seem to be below that range...I wouldn't mind bumping it up to 800 if it's worth it though.I've been looking at some rooms available in Center City as well. For most rooms in the area the commute according to google map looks like (MFL - 104) is the MFL the "El" train you were talking about and if not would you say the MFL/bus combination is better than the El/bus?

Also, If there're any other room/apartment sites you recommend please let me know.

[kidphilly]

Originally Posted by Talentfull

Thanks, West Chester seems like a very good option. I've only been looking on CL and the 650 was in regards to renting a single room since most seem to be below that range...I wouldn't mind bumping it up to 800 if it's worth it though.I've been looking at some rooms available in Center City as well. For most rooms in the area the commute according to google map looks like (MFL - 104) is the MFL the "El" train you were talking about and if not would you say the MFL/bus combination is better than the El/bus?

Also, If there're any other room/apartment sites you recommend please let me know.

MFL (Market Frankford Line) and the El (Elevated)are one in the same

The MFL is subway and elevated in other parts.

Also not sure if Media PA (worth looking into as closer burb proximity and a pretty good DT area) is along that bus route or not

PT to the burbs is not the best in the philly area though much of the core is fairly well connected.

If you are going to use the MFL you may want to look at University City, No Libs, and Fishtown as all are on the MFL and have a lot of recent grads and may be a little less expensive than some other areas of Center City

Here is some info on Center City that may be useful

http://www.centercityphila.org/life/Neighborhoods.php

[NotSoSmartGuy]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll focus primarily around the west chester area and the MFL areas in center city.

[MsChelle]

You may also consider Manayunk, East Falls, and Unviersity City. These are neighborhoods in Philly. Parking is terrible in Manayunk, but it has a lot of great stuff for 20 somethings.