Living near 30th street station, philly (Penn: for rent, home, neighborhood)

[traveller2010]

Hi,

Any suggestions to live near 30th street station in Philly...we are a couple, looking to rent apts in the range of 700-1200 $ preferably in a hi-rise bldg with decent amenties. ..we plan to commute to NYC everyday, hence we are looking for something really economical..so any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by traveller2010

Hi,

Any suggestions to live near 30th street station in Philly...we are a couple, looking to rent apts in the range of 700-1200 $ preferably in a hi-rise bldg with decent amenties. ..we plan to commute to NYC everyday, hence we are looking for something really economical..so any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Would it be right to presume you're interested in a 1B apt? Your high end might be on the low end for most high rise buildings right by 30th Street. The only exception I can think of off the top of my head would be Westminster Arch (22nd and Arch) but it is mostly extra-large studios with few on-site amenities.

If you're open to low-to-mid-rise buildings, you may have more options in the Fitler Square neighborhood just on the other side of the Schuykill (SCHOOL-kill, SCHOOL-cull) River and south of Rittenhouse Square.

[kidphilly]

There is a midrise at 23rd and Market - above trader Joes which may be close to the bottom end for a 1br - think parking is additional though but you can walk to 30th street station

[I'd love to travel]

How about 2400 building

[kidphilly]

Just out of curiousity why not try a place like Hoboken or Jersey City - much (i mean much) easier commute to NYC

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

Just out of curiousity why not try a place like Hoboken or Jersey City - much (i mean much) easier commute to NYC

Perhaps...but the cost of living up there would still preclude enjoying off-time for the OP. As long as the commute from Philly would be, at least they could come home to what they would consider a relatively affordable urban environment. That's what I believe is the motive behind the small but significant number of NYC refugees who commute back up there for work. Baltimore and DC have a similar dynamic.

[CHIP72]

You'll definitely want to live on the east (Center City) side of the Schuylkill River, wherever you decide to live.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Perhaps...but the cost of living up there would still preclude enjoying off-time for the OP. As long as the commute from Philly would be, at least they could come home to what they would consider a relatively affordable urban environment. That's what I believe is the motive behind the small but significant number of NYC refugees who commute back up there for work. Baltimore and DC have a similar dynamic.

The commute to from Penn to 30th St. is only about 1:15. That's not the bad part. The bad part is the price of a monthly amtrak pass. $1000 per month? x2? Plus $1000 a month for rent? You can get a nice place in JC for less than $3000 a month. Just sayin'.

If the OP does decide to rent in Philly, $1200 will mean slim pickins' in Rittenhouse and Logan Squares so they might want to check things out just behind the Drexel campus in Powelton Village.

[pman]

you could commute by boltbus

[traveller2010]

thank you all for your responses...
fyi - living in NJ is not an option since we prefer an urban environment and also due to other personal reasons. We did think abt bolt bus/megabus..however they have no monthly pass system..so its going to be an issue...moreover what happens to their schedule in winter - no guarantees there ?? "
so amtrak for now looks good..its expensive (grr!) but also saves on time! obviously we need to look for options in center city, as you all suggested, but with rent that are not very high....
more suggestions always welcome!!