Moving to Philly from South Africa (Clark: apartments, for rent, credit score)

[RandomGRK]

Hi all

The company I work for is probably transferring me to the US. They are located in Wilmington but I want to live in Philly.

I will be earning about $95k. I understand there is an additional 4% income tax for living in Philly. Sucks but so be it.

Since I am single and wont know anyone, I decided that I would rather commute a little more and live in a vibrant part of town. I visited Philly this year for a week and enjoyed the area I was staying in which was near Italian Market. Not sure if that's the name of neighbourhood but it was a street down from the market.

I could live anywhere between Rittenhouse house square and there, although preferably closer to the train that goes to Wilmington. Is this ok for me? Is the train a viable option since I wont have a car for the first few months.

Oh, and my biggest issue is that I won't have a credit score. How do I build one quickly and what effect will this have on me being able to rent or pay massive deposits?

What is a fair amount to pay for rent. I'm sitting on Trulia and seeing some nice places for about $1.2k to $1.4k a month in the areas I am looking at (19103 area code). Is there anything specific I should be wary of?

Problem is I'd also need a parking spot. I'm an avid motorcyclist and would be looking to buy one. Is a small parking spot impossible to get?

[Clark Park]

Originally Posted by RandomGRK

Hi all

The company I work for is probably transferring me to the US. They are located in Wilmington but I want to live in Philly.

I will be earning about $95k. I understand there is an additional 4% income tax for living in Philly. Sucks but so be it.

The wage tax is 3.924% to be precise.

Since I am single and wont know anyone, I decided that I would rather commute a little more and live in a vibrant part of town. I visited Philly this year for a week and enjoyed the area I was staying in which was near Italian Market. Not sure if that's the name of neighbourhood but it was a street down from the market.

South Philly.

I could live anywhere between Rittenhouse house square and there, although preferably closer to the train that goes to Wilmington. Is this ok for me? Is the train a viable option since I wont have a car for the first few months.

Why not consider living in University City, where the 30th Street Station is located?

Oh, and my biggest issue is that I won't have a credit score. How do I build one quickly and what effect will this have on me being able to rent or pay massive deposits?

Can't help you on that.

What is a fair amount to pay for rent. I'm sitting on Trulia and seeing some nice places for about $1.2k to $1.4k a month in the areas I am looking at (19103 area code). Is there anything specific I should be wary of?

In University City you can get a decent apartment in the $800 - $1000 range, but nothing luxurious. If you can afford it the apartments in the most desirable buildings like Domus and the Radian can go for as much as $3,000 a month.

Problem is I'd also need a parking spot. I'm an avid motorcyclist and would be looking to buy one. Is a small parking spot impossible to get?

Good luck!

[RandomGRK]

Thanks Clark

$3000 is a little excessive and on my $95k not really viable so I would try get away with about $1.2k as a max.

As for University city, I'd have a look. I didnt spend any time in the area so not really familiar with it. Is it like a University city filled with students partying?