South Philly or West Philly/U-City? (Philadelphia, Springfield: apartments, home, neighborhoods)

[karenwcandy]

I'm in the process of finding a place to live in Philadelphia, and I'm torn between a place in South Philly, by Passyunk Avenue and Dickinson Street, or a place in West Philly/University City (sorry--not really familiar with where one stops and the other starts), by 49th north of Springfield Avenue.

Safety is my ultimate concern. I'm a short, small-framed Asian female in my 20s, and I'll be coming home in the evening hours most nights, most likely by myself. I'm not at all intimidating looking, and I've had problems in other places that I've lived with being a target of cat-calling and things that made me feel downright uncomfortable. I don't want to deal with being so scared that I won't want to leave my apartment to go grocery shopping at night, or have to feel like I need to have pepper spray in my hands at all times. I also don't want to be worried that my car will be missing/broken into every morning. I know this might seem like i'm asking a lot, but the people I've talked to have all said that Philly is "up-and-coming."

When I visited both properties, the tenants both said the same thing- that they never had any problems, etc etc, but I want some unbiased advice. Which apartment would you recommend, based on my needs?

[orrmobl]

That part of South Philly is a very busy very nice area. I would pick South Philly over West Philly any day of the week, especially if I was a female who would be walking alone at night.

[twista6002]

University City section of West Philly isn't too bad. There are a lot of cops patrolling around and you should be fine if you don't walk too far from the neighborhood. Plus there's an awesome resteraunt at 38th & Chestnut called Abner's!

[pman]

In UCity I'd stay north of the tracks. I like south philly, esp over there by passyunk, but parking may be a pain relative to the leafy area of UCity you're looking at .OTOH, there's a fair amount of Asian shopping (grocery stores, bakeries, etc) on Washington Ave, if that's important to you .

[chessimprov]

I'm not very familiar with either location, only a little, but I'd say South Philly is probably a better choice for what you're looking for.

[Sasssy]

I've lived in West Philly, and I live in South Philly now. Generally West Philly isn't bad, but the closer you get to 50th St, the sketchier things become. The area you're describing of South Philly is one of the trendier areas, with a bunch of new restaurants and shops opening along East Passyunk. I'd feel safer there.

[karenwcandy]

thanks everyone!! i appreciate your advice

[sweetcityluvn]

There is a saying in Philadelphia for West Philly. "Do not go past 40th Street!" Neighborhoods change fast if you know what I mean.

[delcolover85]

Originally Posted by sweetcityluvn

There is a saying in Philadelphia for West Philly. "Do not go past 40th Street!" Neighborhoods change fast if you know what I mean.

So what does this leave of West Philly then? 10 blocks? lol The vast majority of West Philly lies beyond 40th street...and I hardly consider the area between 40th and the river truly West Philly, its a hybrid of Center City and the universities and there's not a great deal of residential housing unless apartments are your thing. Apartments and drunk 20 somethings...

[Just1Lion]

ill put a legit vote for south philly. passyunk ave is a good spot to be. especially by dickinson, there are many amenities close by. plenty of nightlife, and an ACME supermarket is in walking distance. CVS, dunkin donuts. dam i want a coffee....back to the topic, i dont really "do" university city, not for any particular reason. but that area of south philly is definitely one of the better ones. you will figure out which blocks to look for parking on. its not too bad. and let me say this first before i type my nextr sentence ----THE NEXT STATEMENT IS NOT MEANT TO OFFEND ANYONE---- you mentioned that you are of an asian background. south philly has a growing asian population, and has many shops on washington ave that are asian run (restaurants, stores), almost like a 2nd chinatown feel to it.