University City/Drexel questions (Penn: place to live, military, safe)

[CHIP72]

One other thing that hasn't been noted for Jesse that could be a bit of a culture shock and is true of basically all the East Coast cities - the rough areas of East Coast cities tend to LOOK worse than the rough areas of West Coast (or at least Southwest) cities, even if the crime is comparable or slightly worse (or even slightly less). Heck, even some solid, low crime, working class areas (like parts of South Philadelphia) look a little shabby. Much of this is probably related to the fact the building stock is older. That's something to keep in mind if you go to college in one of the East Coast cities.

[jessemh431]

Yeah, I understand. I like the old architecture and I've always dreamed of moving back east and living in a rowhouse. I love the architecture of them. I find the ones in Boston to look the best. Philly and DC have nice ones too. Don't really like the ones in NYC for some reason. Wouldn't mind living in one though.

The rundown neighborhoods don't have the boarded up windows and collapsing patios/porches and weeds and all that stuff to make it look like the home has been abandoned for a decade do they? I can't stand that. It makes me wanna puke all over the house and then just tear it down with my bear hands.

[Calibound-Yorkiemom]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

But see, you are woman wearing expensive clothing. I am a male that will wear Hurley, Quiksilver, Vans, etc. You are a much easier target. Plus, if I go out, it will be with a friend in UC. If I move to CC, I will still probably go with friends because I like company wherever I go...except the bathroom like you women. I don't usually carry a lot of money on me. 50 bucks at the most, unless I'm going somewhere to eat. But then, I will just bring a credit card which I can cancel. I would also bring it shopping, not cash. My car will not be flashy whatsoever, maybe just big rims, but the car is a Nissan Xterra. Not a big target to steal.

my point in writing that was to state that if I have avoided being a victim of violent crime in CC/OC/ and surrounding areas the chances are you will have a good chance of doing so also providing that you exercise good judgement, what your back and are somewhat streetsmart.

[CHIP72]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

The rundown neighborhoods don't have the boarded up windows and collapsing patios/porches and weeds and all that stuff to make it look like the home has been abandoned for a decade do they? I can't stand that. It makes me wanna puke all over the house and then just tear it down with my bear hands.

Entire bad neighborhoods aren't like that, but individual houses in the neighborhood can be.

[jessemh431]

Sorry to bring this thread up again, but doing more college research and found Temple University. Is that in an urban area or a safe area?

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Sorry to bring this thread up again, but doing more college research and found Temple University. Is that in an urban area or a safe area?

You do not want to live near Temple. The best choice is Washington square West (in center city) or Bella Vista (just south of center city). You can walk to the Broad Street Subway and take that to school in about 10-15 minutes.

[Tone509]

All neighborhoods within the city limits are "urban areas" but no, despite the development around the intersection of Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave., the area is not a safe place to live. Newmarlig's suggestions would combine convenience, vibrancy and safety.

Originally Posted by jessemh431

Sorry to bring this thread up again, but doing more college research and found Temple University. Is that in an urban area or a safe area?

[jessemh431]

So what exactly are the good areas of Philly? It seems like everywhere but Center City is unsafe.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

So what exactly are the good areas of Philly? It seems like everywhere but Center City is unsafe.

There are many safe areas. The responses given were for areas convenient to the schools you inquired about. Some (but I'm sure not all) safe (but not as convenient to the schools) areas would be: The northeast and greater northeast, Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Roxborough, Manayunk, Andorra (all northwest). South Philly (east of Broad Street). And those are just within the city limits.

[jessemh431]

I have friends from Essington and Mt. Laurel. Would those be considered good areas?