Mid 20s couple working in KoP but want downtown life (Philadelphia: apartments, rental)

[JustMovingOnUp]

My girlfriend and I are moving to the area for work and would really like to live downtown because of the walkability and urban lifestyle we want. I will be working in KoP near the mall but her location hasn't been determined yet. What areas do you suggest we look at? Right now we really like Rittenhouse Square just worried about the commute.

We are willing to do about an hour commute so we can have the quality of life we want. We'd rather be walking distance to fun casual bars, interesting restaurants, and music venues than be close to work and have to drive to all that. We are willing to pay more to live in the city. We're very laid back and unpretentious so we don't need to be around a specific crowd just a fun area with fun young people.

When are you moving?
-End of march
Where are you coming from?
- Tennessee
Why are you moving?
- New job
Where will you be working?
- King of Prussia near the mall

Have you been here yet?
- Only one day for onsite visit. Will be coming up again late next week to tour places.

Will you buy or rent?
- planning to rent would consider buying

If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
-open to either $2500 a month for house payment

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
-$2,500/mo We like the modernness of lofts but location is more important than the specific building type.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?
- Hi-rise would be nicer but not a deal breaker.

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb?
-no preference just worry about commute from NJ

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
-Not married but not single haha. No kids.
Do you prefer public or private schools?- No kids
Do you have pets? - No
Do you want or need a yard? -Not a requirement

Are you keeping a car?
-Yes 2 unfortunately

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
-Definitely looking for more activity than quiet.

What do you want to be closest to?
- restaurants, bars (not into fancy clubs and cocktails), museums, nightlife, etc.
-probably an hour from kop is the max

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
- no concern as long as it's safe

Coke or Pepsi?
-We are from the south so it's all Coke haha

With all that said what do you suggest? Is it realistic to live in downtown and make it to KoP every day in about an hour?

[MikeNigh]

What I do is leave my car parked at 69th station for $60 per month. This might work for you. You should also be able to leave your car parked monthly at certain regional rail stops. I don't suspect you are going to want to park your car downtown for $200/mo and try to drive it through 76 during rush hours though. If you learn the times when 76 gets backed up and you are flexible with when you can come in / leave then driving from the city might work. Ultimately I would recommend using the KOP job to sustain you while you find a downtown job. Being able to work downtown too adds a lot to the experience.

[FindingZen]

I'll put out the "usual" recommendation for Manayunk, a neighborhood in NW Philly which is popular with twentysomethings and would somewhat split the difference between KOP and Center City. Your rental budget is generous enough to consider the Venice Loft Apartments there.

[stuckinsj]

I'd second Tone509's recommendation. 2,500 is plenty in Manayunk and has the urban feel but closer to KOP.

[JustMovingOnUp]

Thanks for the responses so far Manayunk does look promising.

Any thoughts on living in center city? How long would the commute really be?

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by JustMovinOnUP

walkability and urban lifestyle we want

IF I were in your situation I would be looking at one of the new apartment towers/projects in Center City/University City. Its maybe an extra 10-15 minute commute to KOP as opposed to Manayunk. If there arent any accidents or bad weather the commute to KOP is less than an hour.

Center City is diverse and vibrant, nothing else in the region comes close. Nearly 100,000 residents, 250,000 Office workers, 100,000 college students , millions of tourists, 2,700 small commercial stores. One of the most walkable neighborhoods in the country. The only problem may be be "parking" for 2 cars. Space is tight in Center City. Crime is usually not a factor in center City but it is a big city with alot of nefarious characters so always be vigilant, especially at night.

Radian and 2116 Chestnut are the 2 newest apartment towers not sure how parking works with either. There are another dozen or so new residential projects/towers either going up or about to go up so maybe you dont want to lock into anything long term. Newer and better apartments in Center City will be coming on line in the next year or so.


One thing to keep in mind is Philadelphia City Wage Tax. Its a putoff to some others not so much. If you live in the city limits of Philadelphia your income will be taxed an extra 3.924% even though you work in KOP. As opposed to the 1% wage tax if you lived in say King of Prussia or Plymouth Meeting.

Good luck.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by JustMovingOnUp

Any thoughts on living in center city? How long would the commute really be?

Too long. You'll be doing a reverse commute, but it still will be a huge pain in the behind.

Manayunk is a good compromise, shaves at least 20 minutes if not more off your commute, and you can be in Center City via train in no time.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Too long. You'll be doing a reverse commute, but it still will be a huge pain in the behind.

Manayunk is a good compromise, shaves at least 20 minutes if not more off your commute, and you can be in Center City via train in no time.

Agree. It really depends on how much one puts a premium on living downtown. Although it is not in the core of the action, Manayunk definitely provides for a sufficiently urban experience for many people.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Too long. You'll be doing a reverse commute, but it still will be a huge pain in the behind.

Manayunk is a good compromise, shaves at least 20 minutes if not more off your commute, and you can be in Center City via train in no time.

30th Street(Center City) to Green Lane(Manayunk) is a 5-10 minute commute under normal traffic conditions. Center City to KOP is a very doable commute. Geez its only 15 miles/30 minutes .

There is absolutely no comparison in regards to urban lifestyle Center City-UnivCity/ and Manayunk. Two completely different types of living enviornments.

[qjbusmaster]

Originally Posted by JustMovingOnUp

Thanks for the responses so far Manayunk does look promising.

Any thoughts on living in center city? How long would the commute really be?

downtown has the express bus 125 directly to many business parks in KOP. try to take some of the first buses to skip traffic. 124 also goes to KOP. If I-76 is backed up use the EL to 69th for 123 that uses another less congested highway. If your doing a reverse commute you may luck out on the 124/125 express buses which are very frequent during the time you are leaving and also run all day