Areas good for commuting to University City (Ardmore, Bryn Mawr: apartments, rent)

[eof]

Hey there,

I'm working on a Ph.D. at Penn and currently live on campus. I've grown tired of the crappy apartments in University City and I've been considering that commuting by train to campus might be a better option.

I'm essentially open for suggestion regarding areas matching the following criteria:

1. Within a 45 min commute (by public transport) from Penn and in a safe area.

2. Possible to live there without a car (I'm saving for one though), so there should be a large grocery within reasonable walking distance.

3. Possible to find a recently built/renovated studio or one-bedroom for around 900-1000/month including utilities. This means something with a modern kitchen, clean building, no pests etc.

Thanks in advance.

[eof]

As no one has answered yet, I'm making this question concrete. What areas around the main line are such you can:

1. Live there without a car.

2. Walk around at 2AM without being afraid of being robbed.

[kidphilly]

Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wayne, Bala (tops for town affording itself to walking and train access) mostly but at 2 AM common sense always prevails

Also the last trains out of Philly to the main line are closer to midnight


not sure on the rent though - may be a little on the low side but I am speculating

[FindingZen]

I'd agree with kidphilly's suggestions. I'd also bump up rent another $100-200 or detach included utilities from your preferences.