What to do in Philadelphia???? (Washington: apartments, neighborhoods, school)

[Pichurri]

hello,
I'm planning to move to Philadelphia with a friend for school. I will be attending the arts institute which is at center city, and being that i've only visited philadelphia once, i know very little about the city. I'm from NY and I've lived in a calm neighborhood my whole life. Not used to living in the city. I've heard that there are some bad neighborhoods in philadelphia. And i'd like to know where would be good for us. Money wise, and safety wise. Craigslist has helped a bit, but the adds don't really let me know where the apartments are, and even if I did know, it wouldn't make a difference. And the ones that I have found in center city, i'm not sure if they are in good neighborhoods and the prices are very high.
How would I go about searching and know those facts?
My roomate saw a great apartment in the 19114 zip code, is that a good neighborhood?
Please leave some info

[twinmma]

I am not familiar with that particular area...Good luck though. You may want to call a local realtor and see if they can give you any insight on that particular zipcode...Or, call the school you will be attending and ask someone there...Student Services or student housing.

[Bookmen]

That zipcode is in the far northeastern part of Philadelphia, a considerable distance from Center City where your school is located. That doesn't mean it would be out-of the-question for commuting since public transportation is pretty good but I don't know anything about that particular area.

[JerzBoy]

the zip code is located in a decent area of NE Philly. However as mentioned above it is quite far from center city and the night life of the area. Will you have a car with you?

[loose cannon]

I would just find a place by the Arts Institutes. You will be near great bars like Mcglinchies and Dirty Franks where all the Art students hang out anyway. Be part of the culture. The neighborhoods are by no means 100% safe but they're not bad either. Just use common sense.

[newmarlig]

Look in Washington Square West. It's close to your school and safe.