single female-Job at Penn Med- where to live on $800/mnth? (Philadelphia: sublet, cheap apartment)

[grapes4]

Hello All,

I am a single female in my 20s who may be moving to Philadelphia from Baltimore in the next 2 months for a Job at Penn (hr process moving much faster than I expected). If I take it, I will also be taking classes off and on during my time there, that may fall in the evenings. (note- I grew up in the Baltimore suburbs- so the row house lifestyle is completely foreign to me.)
Id thought of commuting for the first month or so- but an amtrak monthly pass is $1100+, and megabus takes too long.

I would like to live close enough to a train/trolley (+Lucy) for a simple commute to work and a quick ride back home after an evening class (leaving my car in b-more). I know University City would be the most practical location, but I hate the idea of living too near Undergrads, and I am not too found of the feel of west philly (i just dont "feel" as safe?). At this point, Im thinking right across the river would be ideal? Im just not sure how far is too far to be practical- so far I really like fairmont/art museum as a neighboorhood- but the commute seems less easy than if I were to live in center city west (filter square/logan suqare) closer to the market/frankford line. Should I also be looking at washington square- or is that too far east for a quick-ish commute? Is the feeling of safety worth the additional cost? (I figure if there is a gym in the building and I can walk to trader joes- yes? lol)

Note- I will also try to take over a lease or sublet (furnished if possible) for a few months before committing to a location long term (ill be in philly for 2-3 years total)

TIA!


When are you moving? March/April 2012
Where are you coming from? Baltimore Suburbs
Why are you moving? Job + School
Where will you be working? Perleman Center for Advanced Medicine (3400 civic blvd)
Have you been here yet? For interviews + penn uni tour, not to explore neighboorhoods yet

Will you buy or rent? rent
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? $700-$800 per/month - apartment share preferred over house share, but researching both- a small studio would be ideal, but I dont think I can afford it in center city
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? high rise (safer?)

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no children
Do you prefer public or private schools? n/a
Do you have pets? no
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? I would like to leave it in Baltimore
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? I would like quiet at night- not sure if it is possible (dont want to live surrounded by drunken partying basically)

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 just want to feel safe- but as I am an AA female, I dont want to feel like I am "the element" either

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

[newmarlig]

Washington Square West would be an easy commute. You would just walk to 13th and Market and get the subway surface car to Penn.

[jaimealison]

If you're willing to be not in center city, east falls would be perfect for you. You can get a floor in a coverted row home for less than 800, also consider looking in powelton village south of 38th, between Powelton and Baring. I lived there for 3 years while at drexel, cheap rent, decent apartments. You can also look north of penn like around 41st and pine some cheap apartment up there as well.
You wouldn't need a car since you can take the el, or the trolleys. Or the buses but I never ended up on those.
Best of luck

[FindingZen]

If you are indeed willing to share, then $800/month will be more than enough for a 2BR in much of Center City. Washington Square West as suggested would be a great choice. You may even luck out and find a roommate in the Rittenhouse Square or Fitler Square areas which would be a somewhat shorter commute (~10-15 mins) for you.

[dorado0359]

City Line Avenue. Apartments are conveniently located at the intersection of City Line Ave. and I-76. Shopping Centers, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, television stations, restaurants and hotels all within a 5 minute walk from from Apartment complexes. Also, Rt 44 bus stops almost at the front door of Apartments for a 10 minute ride to University of Pennsylvania and and Drexel University.

[Marius Pontmercy]

Try University City right around UPenn. Rents are still pretty reasonable and it's a pretty good area. Great transit options to downtown as well: route 34 trolley and MFL are very convenient.

[grapes4]

Thank you all so much for your input! Any recommendations on where to actually search for rental/sublet/share listings? So far I have only been using the Penn off campus housing database, craigslist, padmapper and philadelphia weekly

I have also read that some people use realtors for this process- would that be appropriate for someone in my position? I would feel a bit embarrassed to use such a service for just an $800/mth apartment