21yr old working at temple/can I live outside of city and have a short travel time? (Philadelphia: hardwood floors)

[greencandles]

Hi, I am a 21yr old Black female, originally from OH, recent graduate of a top 10 university. I have just accepted a position with Temple University (specifically located around Cecil B Moore and N Broad Street) and wanted to know if someone could help me out with deciding an area to live within philly, philly suburbs or south jersey.

Here are some of my concerns:

1.) Auto Insurance Costs: I am somewhat opposed to living within the city limits because I want to keep my car and unfortunately auto insurance rates will double if I live within the city, versus South Jersey or Philly suburbs. (I have 2 speeding tickets on my record, <25yrs old, making this worse for me--about an extra $1000 per year just for minimum coverage). So I would prefer to save in this section of my budget but will still consider living within philly.

2.) Safety/Commute Costs & Time: My job will require me to leave around 9pm most nights. Is it safe to catch the subway around this time in this area or should I try to drive to work for greater safety? Which option will cost more--driving my gas-guzzling SUV from farther areas, or subway fares for commuting every day? Both seem like they will add up. I'd prefer a commute time <45min by train or <25-30min by car

3.) Trendy Neighborhood: I would prefer to be in a neighborhood with other young professionals but I don't need anything super busy. I may go out every now and then, but am not interested in lots of partying. I'd rather have nice boutique stores, grocery stores (I cook often) than clubs and expensive shopping. I'd just like to have a convenient, quiet, and safe location to escape to. I'm also not a fan of bland apartment style buildings, I like places with unique architecture, hardwood floors, etc.

4.) Rent: My salary will be $48k so I'm looking to spend up to $1000 for rent but can consider a little more. However in about a year (maybe less) I will be looking to buy somewhere.

In a nutshell: Is there a safe, peaceful, diverse, trendy area for a young professional that has a short commute time to temple and is preferably located outside the city limits so that I can save on car insurance premiums? Or should I just suck it up and pay the extra money for insurance? Either way, what are good places?

Thank you in advance!!

[billb7581]

Collingswood NJ has the Patco Train Station, trendy, easy commute. Not sure what it's like riding that Broad St line at night. I would imagine it could get a little sketchy.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by greencandles

Hi, I am a 21yr old Black female, originally from OH, recent graduate of a top 10 university. I have just accepted a position with Temple University (specifically located around Cecil B Moore and N Broad Street) and wanted to know if someone could help me out with deciding an area to live within philly, philly suburbs or south jersey.

Here are some of my concerns:

1.) Auto Insurance Costs: I am somewhat opposed to living within the city limits because I want to keep my car and unfortunately auto insurance rates will double if I live within the city, versus South Jersey or Philly suburbs. (I have 2 speeding tickets on my record, <25yrs old, making this worse for me--about an extra $1000 per year just for minimum coverage). So I would prefer to save in this section of my budget but will still consider living within philly.

You are right to avoid Philly if maintaining your car is important to you. Insurance rates will indeed by high for the reasons you already stated. If you can give up the car and rent one on weekends, you will have a lot more options for 3) within a short commute from Temple.

2.) Safety/Commute Costs & Time: My job will require me to leave around 9pm most nights. Is it safe to catch the subway around this time in this area or should I try to drive to work for greater safety? Which option will cost more--driving my gas-guzzling SUV from farther areas, or subway fares for commuting every day? Both seem like they will add up. I'd prefer a commute time <45min by train or <25-30min by car

For a young lady, it depends. The corner of Broad and Cecil B Moore has been built up over the last several years, so it can be busy fairly late into the evening, especially if there's an event going on at the Liacouras Center. If you were living downtown you'd probably have ~ 15 minute commute. According to septa.org, a TransPass, valid on subways, buses and light rail, costs $20.75/week or $78/month. A TrailPass, which you would need for Regional Rail commuter trains to the 'burbs, would cost at least $39.00/$142.50.

3.) Trendy Neighborhood: I would prefer to be in a neighborhood with other young professionals but I don't need anything super busy. I may go out every now and then, but am not interested in lots of partying. I'd rather have nice boutique stores, grocery stores (I cook often) than clubs and expensive shopping. I'd just like to have a convenient, quiet, and safe location to escape to. I'm also not a fan of bland apartment style buildings, I like places with unique architecture, hardwood floors, etc.
If you're looking at the 'burbs, then Conshohocken would be the most convenient location for you that has a decent young professional population, especially by Regional Rail. Looking at the R6 train schedule, there is a train that leaves Temple for Conshy around 8:50pm and 9:50pm. It looks to be about a 25 minute ride.

4.) Rent: My salary will be $48k so I'm looking to spend up to $1000 for rent but can consider a little more. However in about a year (maybe less) I will be looking to buy somewhere. I don't know for sure but $1000 should cover you in Conshy and most suburbs. (Possibly not the Main Line area but then, you probably won't be heading out that far.) In Center City, you might have to cough up another $100 or live in a studio, depending on your tastes.

In a nutshell: Is there a safe, peaceful, diverse, trendy area for a young professional that has a short commute time to temple and is preferably located outside the city limits so that I can save on car insurance premiums? Or should I just suck it up and pay the extra money for insurance? Either way, what are good places?

Thank you in advance!!

The bulk of attractions for 20-somethings really is located in the city, particularly in and around the neighborhoods of Center City. There are lots of suburban locales that would otherwise fit your preferences. On the other hand, if coming home to a bunch of peers is of the highest priority, sell your SUV and use some of the savings to rent a nice apartment downtown.

Then again, if you're really serious about buying a house within a year or so, that might change the whole game, depending on what you're aspiring for at that point.

[juniperbleu]

#1 - Completely understandable. Insurance costs are a little ridiculous in that area. If you do end up looking at places inside the city, be sure to double-check parking. Certain areas (especially closer to Center City) will require you to pay for it.

#2 - I know people who do use the subway at night (she worked at a restaurant in Old City, so she'd be on it closer to midnight than 9:00), and it works but I heard it can be a little creepy. If you live closer-in, the gas vs. SEPTA question might not be as big of an issue. You can try looking at Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Cheltenham or Jenkintown. They're all straight up rt. 611 (Broad Street, then turns into Old York Road after 66th Avenue), and wouldn't be too bad to commute. Also, there are train stations in each that you can take to Fern Rock and transfer to the subway or take to the Temple U. station (about 20-30 minutes total).

#3 - The areas I mentioned before are more quiet and residential than "trendy", but they are very safe, and are older suburbs (read: older houses with more interesting architecture). Jenkintown and Glenside have their own little "downtown" areas with little shops and restaurants. Most trendy places I know are in the city, so if you're avoiding that it makes it a little harder. You can try looking at places near Chestnut Hill, West Mt. Airy, or Manayunk. Try to get right over the city line and you can get the lower insurance but still access the neighborhoods easily.

Also, one thing to keep in mind, check out the taxes. That's one reason my parents stayed in Philadelphia instead of moving to the suburbs. No point it trying to save $1000 in insurance if it'll cost you $1200 in taxes.

[orrmobl]

Do NOT take the Broad Street Line alone at that hour, just don't do it. You will need to buddy up with someone to walk to the parking lot to your car, or take public transportation with you or take a cab.

Personally I wouldn't take the job if it required me to be in that area at that time of day...and I'm a man!

[greencandles]

Thanks to everyone for your help!