Young Person Moving to Philadelphia: Which area should I live in? (Washington: neighborhoods, university)

[kodachrome919]

I just received a job offer in Philadelphia (Though it is consulting so I may not actually be in the city itself that often), and was wondering what areas might be appealing to me. I am 22 years old, male, and will be graduating from college this spring. I am from the Washington D.C. area, just to give you some perspective.

In terms of what I am looking for, I am trying to find an area with a good, young nightlife (i.e. people in their low to mid twenties generally), not in the center of the city(I really don't want to be surrounded by high-rises), and safe in terms of crime. I would describe myself as a 'preppy' type person, for lack of a better word, so if that would help in deciding which might be a good area please take that into account. As far as cost goes, it is not really a huge issue, and especially coming from the D.C. housing market, everything I have seen so far in Philadelphia seems very reasonable.

For people who are familiar with the D.C. area, areas there which I like are, DuPont Circle and Arlington. And for anyone familiar with Baltimore, I am really a fan of Federal Hill (Young, Good Nightlife, Generally Safe).

If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated!

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by kodachrome919

I just received a job offer in Philadelphia (Though it is consulting so I may not actually be in the city itself that often), and was wondering what areas might be appealing to me. I am 22 years old, male, and will be graduating from college this spring. I am from the Washington D.C. area, just to give you some perspective.

In terms of what I am looking for, I am trying to find an area with a good, young nightlife (i.e. people in their low to mid twenties generally), not in the center of the city(I really don't want to be surrounded by high-rises), and safe in terms of crime. I would describe myself as a 'preppy' type person, for lack of a better word, so if that would help in deciding which might be a good area please take that into account. As far as cost goes, it is not really a huge issue, and especially coming from the D.C. housing market, everything I have seen so far in Philadelphia seems very reasonable.

For people who are familiar with the D.C. area, areas there which I like are, DuPont Circle and Arlington. And for anyone familiar with Baltimore, I am really a fan of Federal Hill (Young, Good Nightlife, Generally Safe).

If anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated!

This one's easy: Manayunk

[Becca8377]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

This one's easy: Manayunk

Yep, 110%.

[rainrock]

Center City or University City. Dont let the big buildings scare you ,best place for young person imo.

[Becca8377]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Center City or University City. Dont let the big buildings scare you ,best place for young person imo.

But he specifically doesn't want to be around highrises, as he said in his OP.


OP, I live in Manayunk and work in center city - I take the train at least 5 days per week and it is anything but an inconvenience. Going out in CC on a regular basis is not an issue at all coming from Manayunk. Plus you have tons of bars and restaurants right in Manayunk as well. If you think Manayunk might be for you, I'd be glad to answer any questions you have

[MB1562]

His wants and needs practically scream Manayunk.

[Better Than You]

Fishtown.

[motownewave]

What about Chestnut Hill? Or Mt Airy? Roxborough? Maybe Overbrook closest to St Joe's?

[kodachrome919]

So, a lot of people seem to be mentioning Manayunk as a good fit for what I'm looking for. Can anyone tell me a little more about the area in general? Are the bars/restaurants centered around one main drag or are they sort of spread about the neighborhood? How safe is the area, as in, would you feel comfortable walking around at night on your own? Anything else that you feel deserves mentioning?

Also, and I'm sure this is kind of a generalization, but what type of people tend to live/go out in Manayunk? I know that around where I live, there are certain neighborhoods (Arlington being one that comes to mind) that people would describe as 'fratty' or 'douchey'; does Manayunk have this same feeling? This wouldn't necessary be a bad thing, as I actually tend to enjoy areas that people describe as such, but I would like to know before committing to anything. Thanks again!

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by kodachrome919

So, a lot of people seem to be mentioning Manayunk as a good fit for what I'm looking for. Can anyone tell me a little more about the area in general? Are the bars/restaurants centered around one main drag or are they sort of spread about the neighborhood? How safe is the area, as in, would you feel comfortable walking around at night on your own? Anything else that you feel deserves mentioning?

Also, and I'm sure this is kind of a generalization, but what type of people tend to live/go out in Manayunk? I know that around where I live, there are certain neighborhoods (Arlington being one that comes to mind) that people would describe as 'fratty' or 'douchey'; does Manayunk have this same feeling? This wouldn't necessary be a bad thing, as I actually tend to enjoy areas that people describe as such, but I would like to know before committing to anything. Thanks again!

The Bars/Restaurants are mostly centered around Main Street but there are others scattered throughout the neighborhood. Main Street is very popular. It is one of the safer neighborhoods in Philadelphia and I think most people would feel safe walking around at night. It is extremely hilly so that can cause some parking problems or is something to keep in mind if you really dislike walking up hills.

"Fratty" and "douche" are words that are often used to describe Manayunk so it looks like you are good here. There are certainly non-fratty places to go, however, if you want a break from the bro-bar scene.

The only issue may be the commute. It is certainly not a bad commute from Manayunk to Center City, especially if you live near the train station. Some neighborhoods may have similar amenities/people but be located much closer to work. I would imagine Old City (which is part of Center City but is not exactly full of high rises) or Northern Liberties may be worth considering. That said I agree with MB1562 that your list of wants and needs screams Manayunk.