20something moving to Philly (Pittsburgh, Ardmore: apartments, renting, condo)

[vivalavida89]

Hi everyone! So, like the title of the thread says, I have just received a job offer in Philly and am looking to move there. I've done a little research, and it seems like a lot of people recommend Manayunk. I've also looked a little into East Falls, but I'm not sure how that area compares? Any help is greatly appreciated!

When are you moving? Immediately
Where are you coming from? Baltimore/Pittsburgh
Why are you moving? job
Where will you be working? Logan Square
Have you been here yet? yes (for an 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? probably apartment, but open to townhouse - $1250, give or take a little
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Walk up, but open to hi-rise

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

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no kiddos
Do you prefer public or private schools? couldn't care less
Do you have pets? nope
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? calm and quiet in the immediate area, but easy access to bustling activity if I want

What do you want to be closest to?
Work - this, within reason
Shopping - don't care if I have a car
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) - don't care if I have a car
Nightlife - at least somewhat close
Train or subway stations - this, if I'm going to be living in a more suburban area

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Definitely similar age would be a plus; I don't think I'd want to live in a neighborhood that was all families, but otherwise safety outweighs everything else

Coke or Pepsi? depends on the day

[maf763]

I'd say that East Falls or Roxborough could give you calm and quiet in the immediate area but easy access to Manayunk nightlife which fits your age demographic. You could find places in Center City, Fairmount, University City, South Philly, Northern Liberties which will have better access but will be less desirable for keeping a car and may not be as calm and quiet.

There are suburban areas as well, but you'll be further from work. Logan Square is well served by the regional rail - you can look at places like Narberth, Ardmore, Jenkintown, Conshohocken.

[Whatdoesthefoxsay65]

If you're going for calm and quite, I think Chestnut Hill would be nice. You would have space to park your car, and you could probably walk over to the regional train, which will have you downtown (I'm no expert on this) in 20 minutes tops. It also has a town center along Germantown Ave, with plenty of shops and things to do. Although the area does have the mature/family friendly type feel, I think it would be synonymous with what you are looking for. There are also lots of bars out there for hooking up, and you'll be fairly close to Manayunk for the nightlife I guess.

[templeu]

Have you thought about Logan Square, itself? I've been looking at the area myself lately as I plan to move into the city at some point in the next year or two. From what I've read, Logan Square feels like a quiet residential enclave with easy access to hustle and bustle. From what I understand, it is also a fairly safe area. Though, this all comes from reading message boards etc., I'm not yet super familiar with the area.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by templeu

Have you thought about Logan Square, itself? I've been looking at the area myself lately as I plan to move into the city at some point in the next year or two. From what I've read, Logan Square feels like a quiet residential enclave with easy access to hustle and bustle. From what I understand, it is also a fairly safe area. Though, this all comes from reading message boards etc., I'm not yet super familiar with the area.

Logan Square is fine and the OP could find 1BR apartments in her budget range. Parking - whether in a building or by city permit - would be an additional cost, though.

[MikeNigh]

calm and quiet in the immediate area, but easy access to bustling activity if I want

Logan Square is perfect for this.

[2e1m5a]

I like Fitler Square better than Logan Square. Both are more quiet areas but Fitler is more quaint and charming.

[vivalavida89]

Hi everyone! Thank you SO much for all your input (I would have responded sooner, but our power just came on after going out during that crazy ice storm!). To answer templeu, I did briefly consider Logan Square, but kind of assumed it would be a ginormous pain to keep my car (and the few apartments I did look at were out of my price range). But I will definitely put it back on the list!

[sirgrotius]

If you're a 20-something, I'd recommend living in the city proper. Lots more social activities, there are a few parks, but more importantly, if you're moving for a job, you'll want to schmooze with the young-professional crowd, etc. Living in the city will give you much more access to networking opportunities. Manayunk is fun and all, but is more about boozing it up and not as cultural.

Anyway, my recommendation would be the Museum District. Very cool area, you can run along Kelly drive, lots of young people as well as young families, great museums (obviously), you can walk to work, and there's a Whole Foods now.

Other cool areas include Northern Liberties (more economical), Fitler Square (as mentioned), and Rittenhouse, although the latter two are pricey for someone starting out. Cheers!