Young Professional working in KOP, looking for safe, fun area to live with decent commute. Suggestions? (Pittsburgh: apartment complex)

[thimal888]

Hi,

I'm fresh out of college and moving out in August to take a job in King of Prussia. From what I've heard, KOP is not the place to be in terms of a fun atmosphere, so I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on areas to live in the area. I'm open to commuting <30 mins or so, but I also want a spot that has things to do, preferably other people my age, and is also pretty accessible to getting in and out of the City Center, Eagles/Sixers stadium, etc.

So far from looking online, I have seen lots of suggestions for Manayunk, and also City Center proper (like Old City, Northern Liberties, or even Art Museum). However, I'm more weary of the CC because I hear parking is a *****, there are additional fees of some kind, and getting out onto the freeways can be hectic from there.

Any help greatly appreciated. I'm a Southern guy so I am pretty unfamiliar with the area. Thanks a lot!

- T

[FindingZen]

King of Prussia is the largest employment and shopping hub in the area. It's possible that you may run into peers after-hours at some of the area restaurants. But you are correct that is not geared towards younger professionals.

Conshohocken might be your best bet for a midpoint between KOP and Center City that has decent options for younger professionals. West Chester would give you more social options closer to home with a decent commute to KOP although it would be a longer ride to Center City.

Center City is more pedestrian/transit-friendly so parking options will indeed be limited and expensive. And unless you're familiar with, say, Atlanta traffic, Philly's traffic will seem daunting. Some Center City "reverse commuters" find the ~4% city wage tax on residents worth it for being able to live near the cultural and nightlife hub of the area. It might be worth it to live closer to your job for a year, explore downtown on the weekends and come to your own conclusion as to what is more important in your lifestyle.

[ElijahAstin]

Conshohocken's a good pick. Phoenixville is another possibility. You may like Ardmore or Bryn Mawr as well, although the young people there are mostly students. West Chester is nice but a bit far.

[bryson662001]

If you are looking to meet people the best places are a church, a health club or YMCA, your apartment complex and where you work. The actual town you live in isn't that important. K of P is as good an area as any since many younger folks work at the malls.

[RightonWalnut]

Conshohocken. If you prefer the city, look at Manayunk, University City (specifically Spruce Hill area), Faimrount (Art Museum area), and Center City. What is your preferred budget?

[thimal888]

Thanks a lot for the info everyone.

So I am not really sure what the typical price range for housing is in Philly (much more expensive than Pittsburgh, I'd imagine), but I am looking for a 1BR apartment/loft, and hopefully with indoor parking (is that an unreasonable request?!?) I was thinking somewhere between $1000-1200 because I want a nice place, but I really don't know if that's what places like that go for closer to the city.

Another thing that is somewhat important to me is being able to get around easily using something like SEPTA. For example, I probably would want to head down to The Linc or Wells Fargo Center on the weekends, or CC/Northern Liberties at night while not having to worry about driving and parking. I imagine that is not so easy to do from Conshohocken as Manayunk or University City, and that will factor into my decision a little bit. Again a 20-30 minute commute is fine with me.

One more question, is it possible to use public transportation to get from the city to KOP? I know I read online, esp. regarding Manayunk and the hills, that driving can be a pain during the snowy season. It'd be nice to have the option of public transport out there on days when I don't feel like putting up with it, but I am not sure if this is feasible. Conshohocken would probably be bus-able, but from the city? What would I use to get there/how long would it typically take?

As always, any feedback and advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by thimal888

Thanks a lot for the info everyone.


One more question, is it possible to use public transportation to get from the city to KOP? I know I read online, esp. regarding Manayunk and the hills, that driving can be a pain during the snowy season. It'd be nice to have the option of public transport out there on days when I don't feel like putting up with it, but I am not sure if this is feasible. Conshohocken would probably be bus-able, but from the city? What would I use to get there/how long would it typically take?

As always, any feedback and advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

SEPTA | Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Go to bus schedules and find Rt 124 and 125

[Fireshaker]

Originally Posted by thimal888

Another thing that is somewhat important to me is being able to get around easily using something like SEPTA. For example, I probably would want to head down to The Linc or Wells Fargo Center on the weekends, or CC/Northern Liberties at night while not having to worry about driving and parking. I imagine that is not so easy to do from Conshohocken as Manayunk or University City, and that will factor into my decision a little bit. Again a 20-30 minute commute is fine with me.

Conshy's not bad to Center City at all. It has two train stops (Spring Mill and Conshohocken) and is actually on the same line as Manayunk (Manayunk-Norristown line). It's about a 30-35 minute ride into the city; not always ideal, I know, but it's a decent option. And they do run late-night trains on Saturday.