A possible move to Philly for a new job (Philadelphia: car rental, apartment)

[md911]

Hello all,

I am thinking about applying for a govt job that I have a good chance of getting since I already do the same work with the same agency at a different location. I am currently living in the south (lived in the south all my life). I am a single male under 30yrs of age and the cold/snow does not bother me at all. I visited Philly a couple of times and I loved it.

1. Is it hard to meet people outside your job in Philly? Is it a good place for educated single males wanting to meet educated single females?

2. Is it possible to stay in a safe area in Philly or in New Jersey with rent up to $1100 a month? (I prefer to pay between $800 to $1000 though in a safe place). I prefer a two bedroom but I will be satisfied with a one bedroom. I dont mind a 30 to 45 minute commute. Please name area and I will research.

3. What do you like/dislike the most about Philly?

Thanks for your help!

[kidphilly]

Where you office will be and what type of neighborhood may be helpful

there is sticky thread with a list of questions you may want to copy in aanswer.

Also seeing as you have been before, maybe a short bit on the areas you liked and why may help find some places for you.

Best wishes and I you do move to philly, welcome

[md911]

The possible job location is at the VA Medical Center.

[md911]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

Where you office will be and what type of neighborhood may be helpful

there is sticky thread with a list of questions you may want to copy in aanswer.

Also seeing as you have been before, maybe a short bit on the areas you liked and why may help find some places for you.

Best wishes and I you do move to philly, welcome

Thanks for your response!! Here is the sticky info.

When are you moving? Possible this summer
Where are you coming from? Georgia
Why are you moving? Job Advancement
Where will you be working? VA Medical Center
Have you been here yet? Yes Twice

Will you buy or rent? Rent at first
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Doesnt matter up to $1100 but prefer $800 to $1000
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Doesnt Matter

Are you married or single? Do you have children?Single no kids
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? Want sure need no
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Does not matter

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

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

Coke or Pepsi? hmm.. is this a trick question? I like coke.

[maf763]

You might try East Falls, Manayunk or Roxborough, though not all places will come with dedicated parking - you'll pay more for that. You could commute by train to 30th street and jump on the trolley for a couple of stops to work. Center City neighborhoods might be too pricy or too much of a pain to keep a car. If you want to go suburban, you can try Media or Jenkintown, both of which have good train service to University City, which is only a few blocks from the VA. Not everything will fit your price range, but you only need one place.

[FamousBlueRaincoat]

For what it's worth, I found a place in Center City that's within your price range - actually in the lower half of it. And it's a pretty decent place. If you want to live in Center City, you just have to be willing to put some time into finding the best thing in that price range. I looked at a places that were more expensive than where I am now, in center city, and they were pretty awful. You'd be happier getting rid of your car if you found a place in center city though.

[md911]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I would love to live in Center City but I dont think I could/want to get rid of my car. Its a fairly new car so resale value will kill me and I would like to explore the region via driving. I will keep doing my research though.

[FamousBlueRaincoat]

Originally Posted by md911

Thanks for all the suggestions. I would love to live in Center City but I dont think I could/want to get rid of my car. Its a fairly new car so resale value will kill me and I would like to explore the region via driving. I will keep doing my research though.

You'd be surprised how little you actually miss your car. But I never owned one to begin with, only had to drive my parents car everywhere when I lived in more suburban settings. And I've explored a ton of the area by train and bus, including such far off places as Trenton, NJ. Not to mention cheap megabus to New York City. There are some pockets that are harder to get to, of course. But good luck.

You don't have to get rid of your car either, of course. People have cars - streets are full of parked cars, and behind people's houses, and in garages. It's just not worth the hassle, and you'd probably find yourself using it so little you'd wonder why you even had it.

[md911]

Originally Posted by FamousBlueRaincoat

You'd be surprised how little you actually miss your car. But I never owned one to begin with, only had to drive my parents car everywhere when I lived in more suburban settings. And I've explored a ton of the area by train and bus, including such far off places as Trenton, NJ. Not to mention cheap megabus to New York City. There are some pockets that are harder to get to, of course. But good luck.

You don't have to get rid of your car either, of course. People have cars - streets are full of parked cars, and behind people's houses, and in garages. It's just not worth the hassle, and you'd probably find yourself using it so little you'd wonder why you even had it.

Since you put it that way. It sounds like I wouldnt need a car.

[newmarlig]

If you are willing to give up your car - check out Philadelphia Car Sharing with PhillyCarShare - Philly Non Profit Car Share Company and Car Sharing, an alternative to car rental and car ownership – Zipcar.