Moving from Pittsburgh to Philly.. advice? (apartment, rentals, how much)

[allysonisdope]

Hello, all!

I come seeking advice. I am looking to move to Philly next year. I don't know anyone there, nor have I visited long enough to explore.

I'm looking for the usual things - a safe, fun, friendly neighborhood. I love shopping and concerts, and I would like to go back to school to further my education. Just by browsing through this board, I'm thinking Manayunk, Germantown, and Queen Village sound the most appealing. I've been checking craigslist for rentals in these areas, but I welcome any advice or tips you may have.

Thanks in advance! =]


When are you moving?

I'm moving sometime during the summer in 2011.

Where are you coming from?

Pittsburgh.

Why are you moving?

I need a change. I have lived right outside of Pittsburgh my whole life, and I am bored with it. Nobody ever leaves! I feel like I am suffocating here, and I don't want to wake up at 60 wondering why I never took a chance on anything.

Where will you be working?

Not sure yet. I am just doing as much research as possible right now.

Have you been here yet?

I have, but only for quick trips. I am moving mostly sight unseen.

Will you buy or rent?

Rent.

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?

No preference, really. I'm look at a range of $500 - $800.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?

No preference.

Are you married or single? Do you have children?

I am single, no kids.

Do you have pets?

I have a cat.

Do you want or need a yard?

Not necessary.

Are you keeping a car?

Yes.

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?

I like both.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Hmm.. I currently commute an hour to work each way, so it would be nice to be a bit closer. It would also be nice to be close to some kind of action, but I don't mind the 'burbs, either!

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?

Same age would be nice. I'm in my 20s.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke, of course. =]

[pman]

what do you like about pittsburgh, or what areas of pittsburgh do you like? for 500-800 you're in a studio in center city, a smallish 1BR in queen village, spring garden (near the community college). I'd also add south philly, particularly "passyunk sq"

[allysonisdope]

Well, it's actually easier for me to pinpoint what I DON'T like about Pittsburgh. I am really into music, and a lot of bands skip PGH because there isn't a venue for them to play. I'll admit, another place just opened up, so it is improving, but I still think it will be better in Philly. There isn't too much variety when it comes to shopping. I love going to NYC to shop, so +1 for Philly. I'm not really a sports fan at all, so that's not an issue. Also, it's never fun trying to get my car up hills in the snow. On the up side, we do have a low cost of living.

As for which areas I like, they would be North Hills, Robinson, and South Side.

[pman]

Philly is much bigger so there will definitely be a larger music scene. I'd keep my previous suggestions and add fishtown to the list (johnny brenda's has a music venue upstairs, there's the fire on girard, north star, connie's ric rac in south philly as well as the bigger venues off the subway (the arena), the electric factory, and perhaps most storied, the trocadero. there's also the TLA on south st. there are more.