Another neighborhood question .....Brewerytown? (Philadelphia, Washington: apartment, crime, neighborhoods)

[ldbug35]

I am moving to Philadelphia this summer to attend UPENN...... from Texas. I am beginning my apartment search and am researching areas to the best of my ability. I visited Philadelphia a couple of months ago, but of course, could not map out the entire city. I stayed in CC while I was in Philadelphia and I LOVED it. However, it is very different than Dallas, TX.

I am a single female, so safety is my primary concern. I will NOT be arriving with a vehicle. So, I also need to be able to get essentials via public transportation or by walking.

How safe is this address: Girard Ave at 28th? Is says it is in Brewerytown and I know nothing of this place.

Thank you for any advice/input.

[templeu]

I would not recommend. Brewerytown has improved but, IMO, still has a long way to go and is located around some pretty rough areas. For a single female, I'd be concerned about safety. You'd be better off living in University City (right by UPENN) or in the heart of Center City if your budget allows.

Alternatively areas like Mt Airy (East or West), East Falls, Manayunk would be a little further out - but accessible to UPENN via the Regional Rail system.

[Philly PA]

Yeah, forget Brewerytown. As a UPenn student and non-vechicle owner who liked the feel of Center City, I would suggest you look at the following neigborhoods:
-- University City (obviously)
-- Fitler Square
-- Logan Circle
-- Fairmount
-- Spring Garden neighborhood
-- Graduate Hospital (North of Washington Ave)
-- Rittenhouse Sq.
-- Bella Vista

You can google these areas to find exact street locations and more info. about the scenes and neighborhood feels. As a new-to-Philly resident, I would stick to the city proper rather than go out to East Falls, Mt. Airy, Germantown.

[ldbug35]

Thanks for the input. I will scratch that from my list of possibilities. My next question was about Fairmount area..... so thanks for answering that question as well!

[pman]

to the list I'd add northern liberties and fishtown as well as old city and south philly.

[ldbug35]

I visited old city when I was in philly and I loved it. However, I was there during the day when there were lots of people out and about. I wasn't sure about the safety at night. Not that I would be out in the middle of the night. But I will probably have clinical rotations that will keep me out after dark. So, I will look in that area as well.

I have read so many varying opinions about fishtown and as far as I know I did not visit that area when I was there. I'm not really sure because I am not familiar with all of the boundaries and it is so confusing at times!!!!! Some people seem to strongly dislike fishtown!

[Philly PA]

Originally Posted by ldbug35

I visited old city when I was in philly and I loved it. However, I was there during the day when there were lots of people out and about. I wasn't sure about the safety at night. Not that I would be out in the middle of the night. But I will probably have clinical rotations that will keep me out after dark. So, I will look in that area as well.

I have read so many varying opinions about fishtown and as far as I know I did not visit that area when I was there. I'm not really sure because I am not familiar with all of the boundaries and it is so confusing at times!!!!! Some people seem to strongly dislike fishtown!

Yeah, forget Fishtown too. NL and Old City are possiblities, but I was trying to keep to neighborhoods that were West of Broad to put you a little closer to UPenn. If you're open to a longer commute, I'd also add Washington Sq. and Queen Village. I wouldn't look further south than Washington Ave. and further north than Poplar St. if I was you.

If you provide some lifestyle preferences, I'm sure we can help you narrow your search further, as most of these neighborhoods have decidedly different vibes.

[pman]

Originally Posted by ldbug35

I visited old city when I was in philly and I loved it. However, I was there during the day when there were lots of people out and about. I wasn't sure about the safety at night. Not that I would be out in the middle of the night. But I will probably have clinical rotations that will keep me out after dark. So, I will look in that area as well.

I have read so many varying opinions about fishtown and as far as I know I did not visit that area when I was there. I'm not really sure because I am not familiar with all of the boundaries and it is so confusing at times!!!!! Some people seem to strongly dislike fishtown!

old city at night is fine. not sure what the hate for fishtown is all about, certainly less crime than brewerytown!

[ldbug35]

Thank you very much for the guidance. I am an older grad student and very serious about studying. I do not go to bars/clubs....ever. I love live theater, museums, opera, ballet, etc. I probably will not work while attending grad school, but if I do it will most likely be in a hospital. I loved CC and the abundance of shopping, restaurants and I would love to live right downtown. However, I realize that my limited budget will most likely prohibit this. I can spend 900.00-950.00 month at the most. Since I will be living on savings, definitely prefer to spend less. I will not be bringing a car so I would like to have at least a convenience store within walking distance. I really prefer to be able to walk for grocery shopping, but at the very least I need an easy commute via public transportation for serious grocery shopping.

I know University City will be the closest to Penn, but I did'nt get to spend much time walking around there so I don't know the area. I don't know how far away I can go and in what direction and still be in a relatively safe environment. I really do like to live around alot of activity as far as shopping, etc. I just don't want to live around young kids who are loud and partying all of the time. Any help you can give will be appreciated.

[pman]

you should be able to find something downtown in your budget. there are a lot of students downtown. the place might noy be as nice as btown but the neighborhood will be better. you can see if you like it when you get here but downtown is the safer bet