Where to Start? 40 YR Single Female Moving to Philly (Philadelphia: apartment, leasing)

[profkj]

Greetings. I'm having a tough time figuring out my best rental option and I'm hoping you can help. :-) I'm moving from Florida to Philly for a new professor position. I want to live nearby culture, coffee shops, etc. (maybe Center City), but I'm worried it will be too loud and rowdy.

Here are some things I'm interested in finding:
-Laid back but close to culture and activities
-Walking friendly
-Max. 1,500 for an apartment
-I won't know a soul, so the availability of social outlets would be great
-Can anyone tell me the cost of renting a parking space?
-Is there a good apt. leasing company out there?


Or, maybe there's a suburban option that fits my needs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. :-) I'm basically at your mercy since despite my research, I still can't fully determine what would be best.

Thank you, thank you!

KJ

[Tangled Threads]

If you're going to be working in University City, neighborhoods of interest for you in Philadelphia could be Fitler Square, Rittenhouse Square or Graduate Hospital. If you're thinking of looking in near suburbs Narberth or Ardmore could be good options. If your position is somewhere other than University City, other neighborhoods could be better.

[profkj]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I'll be working in Glassboro and was told many of the faculty commute from Philly. (Not the typical 8 to 5 job, and I'll be going against traffic.)

Fairmont looks nice. But is it in walking distance to other places (i.e., coffee shops, restaurants, taverns)?

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by profkj

Thanks so much for the feedback. I'll be working in Glassboro and was told many of the faculty commute from Philly. (Not the typical 8 to 5 job, and I'll be going against traffic.)

Fairmont looks nice. But is it in walking distance to other places (i.e., coffee shops, restaurants, taverns)?

Do you want to pay the Philadelphia wage tax & bridge tolls?

[Tangled Threads]

If you're going to be working in Glassboro you may want to look at Haddonfield or Collingswood (both walkable towns with lots of the amenities you seemed to be looking for). You can drive or take PATCO into Philadelphia easily (it runs 24 hours a day/7 days a week) and save yourself a lot of wear and tear. You will also get a lot more apartment for your money, not have to pay extra for parking and probably save a considerable amount on car insurance.

[MikeNigh]

Looks like Fairmount / Art Museum / Logan Square would be great. Should be able to get a place with street parking to offset the $5 one way toll on the bridges. Otherwise center city parking can be up to $250 per month.

[profkj]

Wow, I didn't realize the toll is five bucks each way. That would easily amount to over $160 since I need to be on campus four days a week. I'll take a look at both places. Thanks!

[MikeNigh]

Originally Posted by profkj

Wow, I didn't realize the toll is five bucks each way. That would easily amount to over $160 since I need to be on campus four days a week. I'll take a look at both places. Thanks!

Pretty sure it's only one way

[Pennsgrant]

Originally Posted by profkj

Wow, I didn't realize the toll is five bucks each way. That would easily amount to over $160 since I need to be on campus four days a week. I'll take a look at both places. Thanks!

Keep in mind an additional 4% of your wages will be taxed as well if you live in the city(Philadelphia County). Philadelphia City Wage Tax.


I second the recommendations for Haddonfield and Collingswood NJ. Cherry Hil NJl is more typical autocentric suburbia but its a nice area as well, probably where you will find the best housing opportunities.

You can always visit the city in your spare time. And keep in mind the Bridge Toll is $5 but it covers a round trip.

[RightonWalnut]

You could live in the city if you want. Bridge tolls are only one way (leaving NJ), and there will be an almost 4% Wage Tax living in Philadelphia (3.8% I believe), but the Wage Tax will start lowering again next year, and Philadelphia is typically has less property taxes than NJ. However, the commute time will also be more than a half hour. I would suggest, as the others have, Collingswood or Haddonfield. They have walkable downtown areas, and both are serviced by the PATCO train line, which will take you right into Center City Philadelphia.