Moving to Philadelphia summer 2015 (Washington, Clark: for sale, apartments, rentals)

[FoolAboutTown]

Hi - My wife and I are relocating to Philly next summer. I have a job that involves a lot of travel and can locate myself anywhere from Boston to Philly but my wife would like to start a masters at Drexel (Race St). We are both early 30s and will be looking to start a family while there. We are both very keen on eating out but also fairly health conscious (yoga, running etc). We have lived in London and Miami in apartments so are used to big city life / challenges.

I am trying to get a feel from afar for area to focus on - Buying budget would be up to 500 or so, lease about 3000 I guess - 2 beds min is only real requirement. Happy to take on projects. Key thing would be that I would like relatively easy access to airport or train to NYC (I would be going through one or the other at least once each week) and easy access for my wife to get to Drexel on Race St.

We are in two minds about either a) getting into the suburbs and get more space or b) go into Center City to Rittenhouse / Fitler square and get into another apartment. Any thoughts on places where you could get both benefits. I can visit regularly to wander around neighbourhoods over the next 6 months.

tl/dr - need transport links + yoga studio + restaurant scene. Center City only option or not?


Cheers

[MB1562]

University City is another good option. It is where Drexel is located, as well as 30th Street Station (Amtrak). Its not too bad of a drive to the airport or you can take the SEPTA Airport Line to PHL. University City also has a great restaurant scene, with lots of ethnic or American options. Its also a very lively area of the city due to the major influences of Penn and Drexel being located right in the heart of it.

[Becca8377]

Based on what you're looking for, I would stick with a city neighborhood. For CC neighborhoods, I'd focus on Rittenhouse, Washington Square, Bella Vista, Queen Village, and Old City. Outside those confines, check out University City and West Philly. All those neighborhoods are easily accessible to Drexel and 30th St Station by all public transit options. And you can take the Airport Line on the Regional Rail from Jefferson, Suburban, or 30th St.

[kidphilly]

Also throw in Logan Sq and Fitler Sq

to buy you get a lot more to extend one additional neighborhood

[FoolAboutTown]

Thanks everyone. I think I wil start in Fitler, Rittenhouse, Logan areas on the first visit. I am guessing it's all fairly walkable but any tips appreciated.

Apologies for dumb question but is every property listed on a central database so if I look at realtor.com or equivalent it has everything or is it more complicated?

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by FoolAboutTown

Thanks everyone. I think I wil start in Fitler, Rittenhouse, Logan areas on the first visit. I am guessing it's all fairly walkable but any tips appreciated.

Apologies for dumb question but is every property listed on a central database so if I look at realtor.com or equivalent it has everything or is it more complicated?

The only central database is Trend or the MLS-which any realtor will have access to. Anything you find on realtor.com, trulia, etc is from the MLS but most properties will be on multiple sites.

Trulia is a pretty good site that seems to have most listings though. Hotpads.com is pretty good for rentals.

[Becca8377]

I second Hotpads for rentals - love that site and it's how I found my current house! Padmapper is another one that works the same way.

[Phuffy]

The Fitler Square area is a great option if you want more space than the high-rise apt buildings in Rittenhouse Sq, yet have access to dining options and other amenities.

My husband and I were in in a similar situation and moved over the summer from Manhattan - we now live in a townhouse between Rittenhouse and Fitler and we're able to walk to work (we both work in Center City), yoga/spin/pilates studios, restaurants and shops in under 10 minutes. There's also a great running and bike trail nearby.

[PHLondoner]

To the OP, since your wife will be at Drexel you could consider Spruce Hill (university city). It's an old victorian neighborhood on the left bank of the river (same side of the river as Drexel) with great amenities and transit access.

This may be more space than you need, but since you are planning on starting a family maybe you'll fill it out? For $469,000, great Trolley access and across the street from Clark Park (playgrounds, green space, farmers markets, shakespeare theatre in the summer, etc.)

South 46th Street, Philadelphia PA For Sale (Mod removed link for single house listing, which is not allowed)

It also has the advantage (both personally and for re-sale) of being located in one of the finest elementary schools in the region (Penn Alexander).

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

Also throw in Logan Sq and Fitler Sq

to buy you get a lot more to extend one additional neighborhood

And yet, another: Art Museum/Fairmount.