Future residents looking for a place to live for 4 years... (Philadelphia: apartment, rentals)

[vinc718]

Hello. So here is the story. My girlfriend got into UPENN Dental School so we will be moving to Philadelphia in the next 2 months so she can start the semester in August. UPENN is located in city center/university city. We definantly do not want to live across the street from the school. We want a place in the suburbs where she can easily drive/commute to the school without spending to much time traveling. We are moving from Brooklyn, NY and I will be working in Staten Island, NY. I will be commuting Monday-Friday so a place near the I-95 corridor would be ideal.

When are you moving?
-In the next 2 months.

Where are you coming from?
-Brooklyn, NY

Why are you moving?
-Girlfriend got into UPENN Dental.

Where will you be working?
-I will be working in Staten Island, NY.

Have you been here yet?
-A few times for daily visits but don't know any of the areas.

Will you buy or rent?
Rent.

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
We are looking for any of the above with at least 1 bedroom, a living room, kitchen, and 1 bathroom. We are willing to spend up to $800.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?
Doesn't matter. A walk up will be good for exercise but I have nothing against elevators.

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
We are not married, yet. But we will be eventually. No kids.

Do you have pets?
No.

Do you want or need a yard?
No yard needed.

Are you keeping a car?
We have 2 cars so we prefer a place with good and safe parking.

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
Calm and quiet.

What do you want to be closest to?
A highway for easy commute to Staten Island, NY and UPENN Dental in city center.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
We are both 22 years old. We really don't care about the people as long as it is safe. I'd like to be able to walk outside at 2am to my car without getting jumped or robbed.

Coke or Pepsi?
Finally... Coke if drank with Captain, and Pepsi for all other occasions.


Looking forward to hearing some suggestions. Thank you very much in advance.

[kimrocktherealtor]

$800 + Parking will be tough. How far are you willing to be away from UPENN?

[vinc718]

Hi, thanks for your reply. We would want no more then a 20-30 minute drive to UPENN. Thanks.

[newmarlig]

I would check Delaire Landing in northeast Philly. They have a shuttle bus to the train. Your wife could take it to 30th Street station and transfer to the Frankford El or trolley to Penn. If you plan to take public transportation, you can take it in the opposite direction to Trenton and get the train to NYC. On the other hand if you plan to drive, it's right off of I-95. It's a condo, but if you go to craigslist and type in Delaire Landing. There are a lot of rentals available.

ETA - driving to Penn would be about 1/2 hr.

[kidphilly]

Maybe look at at No Libs or Fishtown - both have access to the Frankford El/Subway which is easy access to Penn - prices are a little cheaper than downtown but still vibrant area. Plus there is free street parking and for you easier access to 95 to 73 to NJ turnpike to Staten Island - it is commutable but will be a pain. i go from CC to North jersey a few times a week and mostly the traffic will move well even at rush hour but you will need to give yourself somewhere between 75 and 90 minutes to be safe on the commute

[JasmineFlower]

Not that I can name a place, but maybe you should look in Jersey. I'm sure someone who knows Jersey better can suggest a place. I personally think you will have a tough time finding a 20-30 minute drive to Penn in an area on the PA side where you can run to your car at 2am no problem, that has great access to 95, will be calm and quiet, and will be $800/month.