Moving very soon, where to live? (apartment, renting, how much)

[viv_smi98]

I've been looking at some neighborhoods (Mt. Airy, Manayunk, Fairmount, Spruce Hill, Wynnefield Heights), just curious to see what your thoughts are. I'm used to an hour-long commute to work, so it would be great to be able to get to work in 30 minutes, either driving or public transportation. Some of those neighborhoods seem pretty far. Are there any good choices closer? I'm mid-30s, female, AA. Likes bike riding, shopping, and museums. Don't care for night life.


When are you moving? Next 1-2 months
Where are you coming from? Chicago
Why are you moving? Job
Where will you be working? Center City.

Have you been here yet? Briefly, over a year ago
Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? An apartment, 1 bedroom under $1200.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Either. Newer/cleaner is better

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? PA suburbs is fine if not too far (under an hour by car) from center city.

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no children

Do you have pets? no
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? Not entirely sure yet, but leaning towards keeping it.
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Something in between.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
Diverse

Favorite Beverage - water

[kyb01]

OP, it might be a struggle to find a one bedroom in Fairmount for under $1200. However you might want to look in the adjacent neighborhoods, Spring Garden or Francisville. I live in Spring Garden.

[rowhomecity]

Hmm. Based on your price range and desire for balance and the outdoors I would explore:


Brewerytown
East Falls
Manayunk

East Falls and Manayunk will be further removed from Center City but offer a nice balance. I feel like Manayunk or Brewerytown are your best bets. Both are close to recreation, offer some great neighborhood amenities and will have options in your price range. Brewerytown will be fairly easier to commute to Center City, as you have multiple bus lines and trolley lines, versus in Manayunk you will take commuter rail.

[chessimprov]

Mt. Airy might be too far out for you, Manayunk has too much of a night life for you I think, Fairmount you could more easily do with a roommate, Spruce Hill might be good or expensive, and Wynnefield Heights you'd need a roommate and public transportation is very limited in that section.

I personally think East Falls or Fairmount is your best bet.

East Falls is still accessible to public transportation, but close enough to Manayunk Tow Path or Fairmount Park to walk.

Fairmount area (different than Fairmount Park), you could do around a 30 min walk to go to and from your place of work probably. You are relatively close to Kelly Dr. for a walking/bicycle trail.