Where to live in Phily (Suburbs vs. Downtown)? - ideas are needed (Ardmore: rent)

[BostonPostDOC]

I'm moving from Boston to Philly for a job at UPenn. I am debating between living downtown (no idea where yet) and anywhere else (your ideas are needed here). I prefer to live and rent not in the city, but in some nice (good and safe, not necessarily upscale) area. Can anyone please give me the names of the towns/neighborhoods that are close to UPenn and are good and safe. Thank you!

[NewGuy]

I suggest living in Glenolden. It is a sururban neighborhood that is ok. The main thing is that you can take the R2 train line to Temple. Now that I think about it, there are allot of places you could live and take the train to work. Parking is really screwy in the city, so that may be a good option.

[thesixth]

Try Narberth or Ardmore along the Main Line. Very nice family neighborhoods and easy access by R5 train to CC.

[Tone509]

If you like to go out and enjoy nightlife and culture after work, then you'd enjoy living downtown. The neighborhoods of Center City are as lively as any larger urban downtown area. Using the common sense and street wisdom you developed in Boston, you should be able to recognize and avoid any typically uncomfortable situations.

Regarding the suburbs, there are lots of good choices, depending on how long of a commute you are willing to tolerate. The University City commuter rail stop is convenient to Penn and most of the routes pass through it.