Best Places to Live in Philly/Cost of Living (Philadelphia: rent, crime)

[JakilaTheHun]

I'm in the midst of a job search and I'm not ruling out too many places. Philadelphia has a lot of companies that I might be able to target, so I'm strongly considering it. I've hung out in Philly before, but I don't know much about the best places to live in the area and the cost of living. So here are my two big questions:

(1) How does cost of living in Philly compare to Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD?

(2) I like living in urban areas with lots of things to do. However, I'm open to living in the suburbs if it's significantly less expensive and there are not lots of great options in the city. But if I do live in the 'burbs, I still want to be close to the city. Are there areas in the city itself that might appeal to me? If the city is a poor option, what other areas might I consider? (The companies I'm looking at are all in the Pennsylvania areas; none on the Jersey side, but feel free to throw me some Jersey options anyway if you'd like.)

For anyone familiar with Baltimore, some of the areas I really like there are Patterson Park, Canton, Fells Point, Hampden, and Charles Village. The commonality is that they are densely populated areas, reasonably safe (even if there's some crime), lots of younger people, close to the heart of the city, property is reasonable, and all the areas have really spectacularly awesome rowhouses! Ignoring the fact that I'm not going to find a B'more rowhouse in Philly, any comparable areas, otherwise?

[pman]

It's in between Baltimore and DC, generally speaking. I think you should consider Manayunk, west philly (say, 44th to 48th, walnut to baltimore...cedar park?), spring garden (fairmount ave to spring garden, art museum to broad), south philly (east of broad), northern liberties. are you renting or buying?

[JakilaTheHun]

Originally Posted by pman

It's in between Baltimore and DC, generally speaking. I think you should consider Manayunk, west philly (say, 44th to 48th, walnut to baltimore...cedar park?), spring garden (fairmount ave to spring garden, art museum to broad), south philly (east of broad), northern liberties. are you renting or buying?

Probably renting for a bit, but I will consider buying sometime within the next year or two.

[jenniredsox]

The suburbs of Philly can be just as expensive as the city. I would avoid Spring Garden. It can be kinda rough there in the evening time. What is your price range? There are places in the city that are not too expensive but in good neighborhoods. I would look at Washington Square West. It is in a pretty part of the city and very affordable. Avoid north Philly or Southwest Philly if you can. DO NOT RENT FROM GREEN STREET OR SIGNATURE COMMUNITY. WORST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY EVER. We have had TERRIBLE problems from them.

[jessica8curry]

I am moving to the Philly area from Alaska. I grew up in NJ. We'll be staying in NJ with my parents while we look for a place to buy in the Philly area. I have a 5 year old, so safety and schools are tops on my mind. My boyfriend is a graphic designer and has located a few web jobs in the area already. What are the nicest areas that are affordable for first time buyers?

[Boeing]

@the OP, you'd probably like Queen Village or Bella Vista, maybe Northern Liberties. A lot of cool bars and restaurants, just a little crime (don't walk around at 3 AM drunk and listening to your iPod), young crowd, and close to the city. It can get expensive though, but there are deals to be had.

[redz812]

Jakila, West Mt. Airy is a nice area. Also Bella Vista and Passyunk Square which are part of South Philly. I lived for a time in Balto (Bolton Hill, is that still an area?). Actually there are lots of homes that compare to the homes in Balto. Since both cities were relatively settled around the same time, many old federal type homes exist. The Center City area has many examples. Good luck in your job search. I hope you move to Philly, it gets a bad rap, but is a very enjoyable city to live in.

[pman]

Originally Posted by jenniredsox

The suburbs of Philly can be just as expensive as the city. I would avoid Spring Garden. It can be kinda rough there in the evening time. What is your price range? There are places in the city that are not too expensive but in good neighborhoods. I would look at Washington Square West. It is in a pretty part of the city and very affordable. Avoid north Philly or Southwest Philly if you can. DO NOT RENT FROM GREEN STREET OR SIGNATURE COMMUNITY. WORST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY EVER. We have had TERRIBLE problems from them.

I take it you haven't been to spring garden in ten years. the biggest downside to spring garden these days is it's expensive.