Safe neighborhood on a budget (Philadelphia, Clark: apartment, loft, credit)

[alphilly]

Hi everyone,
I'm a 35-yo female looking to relocate to Philadelphia from Raleigh, NC. I've also lived in NYC - Manhattan & Brooklyn, Newark, NJ, and University City area of Philadelphia. What I'm looking for:

1) I would love a neighborhood where a pedestrian lifestyle is possible or at least convenient to public transportation, as I've missed that during my time in Raleigh.
2) I will keep a car though, so prefer an area where parking isn't a nightmare.
3) I tend to feel most comfortable in diverse, working-class areas.
4) Not much into the bar scene, but enjoy interesting restaurants, art & performance venues.
5) Safety is a primary concern as I have a dog that I need to walk at night (although I grew up in Newark, NJ so I don't need fancy or shiny new to feel safe).
6) Parks nearby would also be great for the dog.
7) Buildings with character are more interesting to me than the typical box apartment. In my ideal world, I'm a sucker for a loft space, but this is not a requirement by any means.

As I'm in the midst of a divorce, I'm on a pretty limited budget of about $1000/month for a 1-bedroom. I'll either be working in Center City or from home. Based on initial research, it's looking like these neighborhoods seem to be most realistic for my budget:
- Fairmount
- South Philly (Bella Vista)
- University City
- Mt. Airy/Germantown - know this is further out, but curious about how much of a "city" vibe it has.

I lived in Powelton Village area of University City about a decade ago & not sure about staying in such a student-centric area now that I'm in my 30's. But maybe the area is more diverse than I'm giving it credit for now?

What you think of the neighborhoods I identified already? Other neighborhoods I should be looking at?

Thanks so much for your help!
Alice

[Summersm343]

looks like you got it all figured out...

some neighborhoods I would add to your list are Northern Liberties and Graduate Hospital

Some neighborhoods I would suggest in University City that are less student oriented are Clark Park, Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

Hope this helped

[drive carephilly]

Originally Posted by alphilly

- Fairmount
- South Philly (Bella Vista)
- University City
- Mt. Airy/Germantown - know this is further out, but curious about how much of a "city" vibe it has.

Not that there's anything wrong with Mt. Airy or G-town but i wouldn't bother. It's too far from the action.

Bella Vista isn't blue collar anymore. It's actually pretty expensive these days. I would look down in Passyunk Square/East Passyunk in South Philly - there's a nice dog run at 12th & Reed, Theater Exile is on the other side of the park, a lot of nearby conveniences on E. Passyunk Ave., close to subway, etc.

[alphilly]

Thanks for the advice! Appreciate the info on Mt. Airy & Germantown - that was my concern. I'll definitely check out Passyunk Square.

[Wazzu_MLS]

I'm looking for most of the same things, so thanks for your post, got some good answers!

[2thecity]

Alice,

PM me for info about Philly. I sent you friend request. I am moving back to center city and am currently in Raleigh.