Moving to philly- need advice from fellow philadelphians (Penn: apartment complexes, rentals)

[Philadelphian2013]

When are you moving? June 1
Where are you coming from? Chicago
Why are you moving? Starting my residency in medicine
Where will you be working? Hahnemann Hospital
Have you been here yet? Once for my interview

Will you buy or rent? RENT
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? I'm thinking of a 1 Bedroom apt. My MAX would be somewhere around 1500/month ideally.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Not sure on this one yet, but I am leaning towards Hi-rise because of amenities

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb?

I am not sure how location will play out and will need opinions on this from you guys. I will be doing some rotations in Abington, PA for 2 or 3 months out of the year so I will need to drive up there. I was looking at places in center city but it appears most of them don't include a parking space so you have to park in a parking garage which adds on 150-200 bucks of extra expense per month. I also thought of manayunk because I might be able to get a place with free parking for much cheaper but then I would have to commute every day to work at least 15 minutes. I would prefer some place in center city because it would be a relatively easy walk to the hospital I guess, but then the problem with parking comes up. Still debating all this right now so I will need input from you guys.

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, No children.
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? No pets
Do you want or need a yard? I don't need a yard
Are you keeping a car? Yes, I will need to for at least 3 months of the year.
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Bustling. I want the whole city experience

What do you want to be closest to?
Work. Definitely
Shopping Preferably
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) Definitely
Nightlife Would be nice but not mandatory
Train or subway stations Would be a plus but can do without if I can walk to work

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
I just want a SAFE neighborhood where I don't get mugged after I'm coming home from work at odd hours.
Coke or Pepsi? COKE

[AgelessStranger]

Well as you mentioned, living downtown with a car your gonna have to park it in a garage as finding a parking spot can be a thing during the daytime. If you can afford it, obviously it would put you closer to work at the hospital. Manayunk is just a short commute to center city. There are bus routes along Ridge ave. Don't know the route numbers but you could check online at Septa.com for that. Manayunk has shopping and night life along Main street, and you could find something cheaper to rent in Manayunk. Plus park your vehicle on the street for free. Manayunk is zip codes 19127 / 19128 (also Roxborough). You can use these to research rentals online. I know, not much in terms of advice, but hope it helps.

[bryson662001]

Hahnemann is located north of Market St between Broad St and 15th on Vine St in an area of Center City that is much less congested than south of Market. There are more parking options including several apartment buildings with discounted on site parking. There is actually a huge parking garage next to Hahnemann itself at 15th and Vine St with lower rates. The problem is that the rental market here is really tight and with vacancies so low these buildings don't advertise. BTW if your destination in Abington is adjacent to Abington Hospital it is easy to reach by subway and then bus. Check out Philadelphia Apartments for Rent | Philadelphia PA Apartments | Philadelphia Pennsylvania Rentals looking in the fairmount neighborhood of Center City and also Parkway/Logan square for places near Hahnemann. Also google Museum Towers and Buttonwood Square in Philadelphia. You will probably have to email or call for rates and if they have anything available and parking rates. Oh and forget Manayunk, it is over hyped and not very nice except for it's small entertainment district on Main St and for your purposes inconveniently located. It is strictly for fashion victims . There are dozens of neighborhoods that would serve you better if you don't want to be downtown near the hospital.

[pman]

live in spring garden and walk to work. spring garden is roughly broad to the park, spring garden st to fairmount ave. highrise will put you over budget so walkup and park on the street (permit parking). there are some highrises near hahneman, the packard building, museum towers, and another on callowhill (OFT?).

[RightonWalnut]

I'd advise Center City or surrounding areas. You could walk to work most days. $1500 a month should be a good budget even with parking. Try finding a place that has parking (a high rise with a garage). Some apartment complexes have parking behind the building. Some rowhomes have garages. Look around a little.

[N2Philly]

Hello, I too am moving to Philly for work on June 1st. I found a realtor through zillow. He was great and sent me listings based on my needs. I found place on chestnut street and Market street. Not sure if you found somewhere yet. But 2040 Market street is good and 2116 chestnut but it will not be completed until July 1st.
Let me know how you find the house hunt...