Should I live in Delaware or Philly? (Philadelphia, Washington: apartment, rentals)

[life101]

Cost of living less in Delaware. Considering work in North Philly. Can I live in Delaware and commute to Philly for work, daily? Without having to pay a $3.00 toll, each day? Single, professional female needs clean, safe, reasonable area to work and play. What are your thoughts, City-Data family? Thanks for your kindness and insight.

[jjtdjr]

There are no tolls between Wilmington DE and North Philly. The I 95 commute will be a hassle, it will take at least 45 minutes and be bumper to bumper depending on your work schedule. Rush hour commutes are slow.
There are some great neighborhoods in Phila., but you are taxed at a much greater rate than in DE.

[kj27]

While DE is good in terms of space, shopping options, etc., Philly certainly has many plus points as well. Have you considered Mount Airy, Chetnut Hill, NE Philly neighborhoods. You can most certainly find fast SEPTA options to work and Center City (night life), while retaining the ability to drive for shopping, dining, etc.

[life101]

Thanks for your help. I'll look at those neighborhoods. Need some place to park my car. I've used free rent locators in major cities. Any experience with this? Yes, I want it all for a great price.

[gigibell214]

Hey,

I just moved to the Elkins Park, Cheltenham area and I work in North Philly also. I am renting an apartment for right now. Not a bad commute. I an not a big "commuter" person so I definitely couldn't see "myself" driving from DE. I wouldn't want to pay that much gas either. I know some people don't mind though, so think about it.

[life101]

Many of the listings request 1-3 times the amount of rent for security deposit. Is this the standard, or does it just depend on the rental property? I don't have $1400-$2100 for deposit. Don't have much money and too old for the room mate/college living. Don't mind a commute, but gas is expensive too. Any suggestions?

[ApartmentNomad]

Originally Posted by life101

Many of the listings request 1-3 times the amount of rent for security deposit. Is this the standard, or does it just depend on the rental property? I don't have $1400-$2100 for deposit. Don't have much money and too old for the room mate/college living. Don't mind a commute, but gas is expensive too. Any suggestions?

I would say that, yes, that sort of upfront security deposit/last month's rent is pretty standard in Philadelphia (though there could certainly be exceptions). I think during the slower season (notably the middle of the winter), landlords will sometimes reduce security deposit requirements (or create similar financial incentives), because fewer people are moving, and they need to make a more inviting offer to renters.

[life101]

Seems a lot of the rentals cater to college students. Certainly I understand the huge college population in Philly. But I'm far pass that era and need something safe, clean and peaceful...minus the university life with parties and loud music. Professional lady needs a reasonable apartment in North Philly and a place to park car.

[LovesOceans119]

Originally Posted by life101

Seems a lot of the rentals cater to college students. Certainly I understand the huge college population in Philly. But I'm far pass that era and need something safe, clean and peaceful...minus the university life with parties and loud music. Professional lady needs a reasonable apartment in North Philly and a place to park car.

Life101 I'm so with you! I'm 25 year old professional femal who is looking for a place to live in or around Philly. I actually work in Fort Washington PA and have been commuting the past year 2 hours just to get to work (with no traffic) I'm done with the commute and paying way over $150 a week in gas :-( Although I"m from North Jersey I dont' know much about the area but also am working on a tight budget. Paying to park my car and the additional tax i hear about is making me wonder! However, I also want a place like you safe and clean but I need a scene where I can meet people as all my friends are in NYC.

Any additional recommendations will definitely be appreciated!

[Sminthian]

If you're looking for a safe place, you're not going to find it around Philadelphia. And northern Delaware is pretty much an extension of Philly. And yes, there's a big special tax just to work in Philadelphia. If you want a nicer place aim for southern New Jersey or central or western Pennsylvania.