Where can I live? (Philadelphia, Washington: apartments, rent, how much)

[treegirl17]

I am currently applying to the Art Institute. I wanted housing up until I realized I could share a bedroom, not a dorm, with two other girls. Which isn't exactly pleasant since I have major issues with sharing space with people. I recently even had about $100 stolen from me at work and I am really touchy about letting random people into my room and the admissions lady said it might be cheaper to have my own place. I want to live close the school still. So, any ideas. Center City is my ideal spot or even South Philly near the train stops.
Tell me, Philly People,where should I look into at?

[newmarlig]

How much rent can you afford?

[treegirl17]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

how much rent can you afford?

$450-650

[newmarlig]

These are in South Philly on craigslist.

Large 700 sqft 1 Bedroom Apartment Recently Remodeled Passyunk Square

1 Bedroom Apt

Just stay east of Broad Street.

[chessimprov]

Univ City by Drexel or UPenn might be worth considering. In some cases, you can get your own room and share just the bathroom and kitchen. You may have to share with a lot of people at that price range depending on where you choose.

[SparkleMotionn]

I would definitely look into living in South Philadelphia. I currently live in a 1 bedroom apartment on Broad Street (close to Washington Ave) and pay about $600 monthly. But I also know people who live a few blocks from me (near the Italian market/Pat's & Geno's steaks) who pay as little as $475 for a one bedroom efficiency.

If you choose to look into South Philly for apartments keep in mind that the Orange Line (subway) runs all down Broad Street. So that there is easy access to your school. I went to the University of the Arts which is right next to the Art Ins and it took me less then 10 mins on the subway to get to class. I also rode my bike, and that took me less then 10 minutes also (and saved me a ton of money). Philadelphia is very bike friendly, so that can also be an option for you.

You really aren't going to find anything cheaper in Center City. I have friends who split two bedroom apartments and were still paying $600 each and solo students who payed $1,200 for a one bedroom apartment.

If you want a place in walking distance from your school I would also suggest looking around the South Street area (where the upper number streets are, 15th street +). For example a lot of UArts and AI students live around 16th & Bainbridge, 15th & Catherine, etc. But a lot of them share large houses (3+ bedrooms). So unless you can afford a house all by yourself, you will be forced to live with other roommates.

For a good place to start looking for places and general price ranges, go to craigslist.com
Then look up where the houses are located and use google maps "street view" to get a general feel of how the area looks.

Good luck!