College kids looking for a place to rent (Springfield, Girard: real estate, rentals)

[gcd2020]

Hey, I just graduated college, and me and my friends are looking for a neighborhood to rent a rowhouse in. Since I'm born and raised in NE, I know a decent amount about the downtown neighborhoods. But we haven't been able to find much within our budget (max $2000 for 4 bedrooms). I've been looking at Fairmount/Francisville (south of Girard, west of Broad); Bella Vista/Queen Village; NoLib/CC border - I just want a place close to Center City (where we all plan to work) and doesn't need bbars on 1st floor windows. It looks like I'm going to have to expand my search - Fishtown, Brewerytown, the Yunk/Roxborough, Grad Hospital, Greys Ferry, NoLib, West Philly and deeper South Philly are all thoughts. What I'm wondering is what the crime is like in these areas, I don't know that much about them. I figure Manayunk is pretty safe, the rest I don't know what are the safe parts, especially West Philly ( I figure i wont be able to afford anything well inside Uni City). Anyone know about these areas, or any advice of a fun place to live?

[Tone509]

As far as University City/West Philly goes, I'd just like to confirm that you know that what is considered to be University City goes out as far west as 48th-49th St in some sections. Beyond that is probably not an area that young professionals would feel comfortable in. I don't know whether your budget would fit out there but walk around Pine, Osage, Larchwood and maybe Springfield around 47th to 49th. That would be your best chance of finding something. Dock Street Brewery opened up an outpost on 49th and Baltimore not too long ago. If you have international tastebuds, especially for West African food, you've found an inexpensive nirvana.

Originally Posted by gcd2020

Hey, I just graduated college, and me and my friends are looking for a neighborhood to rent a rowhouse in. Since I'm born and raised in NE, I know a decent amount about the downtown neighborhoods. But we haven't been able to find much within our budget (max $2000 for 4 bedrooms). I've been looking at Fairmount/Francisville (south of Girard, west of Broad); Bella Vista/Queen Village; NoLib/CC border - I just want a place close to Center City (where we all plan to work) and doesn't need bbars on 1st floor windows. It looks like I'm going to have to expand my search - Fishtown, Brewerytown, the Yunk/Roxborough, Grad Hospital, Greys Ferry, NoLib, West Philly and deeper South Philly are all thoughts. What I'm wondering is what the crime is like in these areas, I don't know that much about them. I figure Manayunk is pretty safe, the rest I don't know what are the safe parts, especially West Philly ( I figure i wont be able to afford anything well inside Uni City). Anyone know about these areas, or any advice of a fun place to live?

[orrmobl]

I worked with a guy who loved Belmont Hills. Might be worth checking out...

[ajb842]

check out allaroundphilly.com and look up in the real estate section the rentals. There are private listings which might be more what you're looking for. Also, grab a copy of the inquirer or the metro to see the classifieds. I find that the prices are better and you might be able to find something really nice.