Considering moving to West Philly, what are the worst and best hoods? (Philadelphia: crime, homes)

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by FindingZen

It appears your knowledge of West Philly is based on what you may have heard about west of 52nd and/or north of Market. The areas I and others have referred to are thriving and would appeal to 20-30somethings like the OP.

Ah no,I have worked and driven through there extensively. And it depends on which kind of 20-30 somethings...

[AshbyQuin]

U city and Wynnfield are ideal. I’d avoid everywhere else

[henrychen]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Ah no,I have worked and driven through there extensively. And it depends on which kind of 20-30 somethings...

I would discourage my young adult children from moving anywhere in West Philly. I don't care how 'gentrified' some areas are becoming - still too close to the rubbish. Comfort Level Matters.

[selhars]

Why do you want to live in the city? Commute? Cultural amenities?

I am Philly born and raised. Always was a promoter of it. And still am regarding some things.
But I no longer encourage anyone to live IN the city proper. And I discourage going into the city as much as possible.

(I have a paid off house here and I want to leave. But can't live as cheaply anywhere else as having no mortgage. If it weren't for the house, I'd never be in the city.)

I'd say live right across the county line.
Any commute would be the same. You could go to any events or amenities whenever you wanted without the daily exposure to negative and undesirable aspects of the city.
And taxes and car insurance would be less.

Many younger people want the "vibrancy" of "living in the city." Well residents are certainly getting that and a lot more these days.

If you just HAVE to live in West Philly: Spruce Hill or Clark Park areas.

[Truth11]

Originally Posted by henrychen

I would discourage my young adult children from moving anywhere in West Philly. I don't care how 'gentrified' some areas are becoming - still too close to the rubbish. Comfort Level Matters.

Exactly,and Conshohocken on it's worst day is still better than west Phila on it's best.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Truth11

Ah no,I have worked and driven through there extensively. And it depends on which kind of 20-30 somethings...

Recent college grads and other younger people of various races live in the communities I referenced, not to mention Penn faculty and medical professionals in their forties and beyond.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by AshbyQuin

U city and Wynnfield are ideal. I’d avoid everywhere else

For a 20-something, I'd actually agree...although Wynnefield IMO would be more appealing for as a midpoint between a daytime commute to the likes of the Main Line, Conshy, or Fort Washington and nights in Manayunk, University City or Center City.

EDIT TO ADD: I still think Powelton Village is worth a look but isn't as vibrant as the University City neighborhoods.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by henrychen

I would discourage my young adult children from moving anywhere in West Philly. I don't care how 'gentrified' some areas are becoming - still too close to the rubbish. Comfort Level Matters.

Your comfort level is apparently lower than the people who live there, including yours truly for a recent two-year period and on and off over the last 25 years.

Anticipated response: "Then why did you move?"

For personal reasons unrelated to perception of safety...but I am still in the city.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by selhars

Why do you want to live in the city? Commute? Cultural amenities?

I am Philly born and raised. Always was a promoter of it. And still am regarding some things.
But I no longer encourage anyone to live IN the city proper. And I discourage going into the city as much as possible.

(I have a paid off house here and I want to leave. But can't live as cheaply anywhere else as having no mortgage. If it weren't for the house, I'd never be in the city.)

I'd say live right across the county line.
Any commute would be the same. You could go to any events or amenities whenever you wanted without the daily exposure to negative and undesirable aspects of the city.
And taxes and car insurance would be less.

Many younger people want the "vibrancy" of "living in the city." Well residents are certainly getting that and a lot more these days.

If you just HAVE to live in West Philly: Spruce Hill or Clark Park areas.

I agree that it would good to know what the OP is looking for. I wish we could have gotten that information from another recent 20something poster.

I can respect your personal desire to leave the city while appreciating the positives that Philly still has to offer for visitors.

While I won't say that the West Philly neighborhoods that we and others agree on are a utopia, there are minimal issues one may encounter compared to many other parts of the city.

The walkability, eclectic dining, and Clark Park community experience can't be duplicated in Bala Cynwyd, Plymouth Meeting, Bensalem or Cheltenham.

[henrychen]

Originally Posted by FindingZen

Your comfort level is apparently lower than the people who live there, including yours truly for a recent two-year period and on and off over the last 25 years.

Anticipated response: "Then why did you move?"

For personal reasons unrelated to perception of safety...but I am still in the city.

Explain "Your comfort level is apparently lower than the people who live there ..."