Moving 2 Philly

[Hertzog79]

Originally Posted by Clark Park

1. As recently as 4 or 5 years ago it was possible to find an apartment for $650 in a not so bad neighborhood in Philly. That was then, this is now. I tell people the rule of thumb is $1,000 per month for a one bedroom apartment.

2. You've been finding apartments in those neighborhoods for $459 to $626? Frankly I am very skeptical!

I was paying $1000/mo 4 a 1BR n NYC & was close 2 everything. I really don't want 2 pay that much anywhere else. It kind of defeats the purpose of y I left. If I weren't going back 2 school, it would b cool. I pay my tuition out of pocket, so it's something I have 2 consider. It's very difficult 2 do a nursing program & work full time. Decisions decisions. You have been awesome.

[Hertzog79]

Originally Posted by 2002 Subaru

The one has a heading of 'Fairmount,' but the ad goes on to say 'Bella Vista,' which is in South Philly. Another says 'University City' then goes on to say 'Society Hill' in the ad ... And, trust me, you're not renting a house in Fairmount for $598 or $650 a month. These ads are lies ... don't believe everything you read on Craigslist.

That was something that threw me. I actually messaged the "owner" about the discrepancy about the locations & got no reply. I flagged another ad because of that.
It's crazy I found both my apts on Craigslist & both were great. I don't understand how people r still forking over money without visiting the place & reading the potential landlord 1st. I never stepped foot n Baltimore with the exception of my bus stopping @ Baltimore Travel Plaza. I did a meet & greet with my landlord & a walk through of the area b4 making a decision.
When I read stories of people handing $$$ over sight unseen, I don't get it. I don't like 2 c myself as a NYC skeptic, but would think most would take the extra step when making a big move. Part of my step is making a thread here. I really value all of u guys' information.

[Clark Park]

Originally Posted by Hertzog79

I was paying $1000/mo 4 a 1BR n NYC & was close 2 everything. I really don't want 2 pay that much anywhere else. It kind of defeats the purpose of y I left. If I weren't going back 2 school, it would b cool. I pay my tuition out of pocket, so it's something I have 2 consider. It's very difficult 2 do a nursing program & work full time. Decisions decisions. You have been awesome.

Oops ... let me make a clarification!

Philly is still the most affordable big city on the East Coast, and rents here are lower than Boston, New York or DC.

When I suggest people consider budgeting $1,000 a month for a rental apartment I am thinking about a nice place in one of the nicer neighborhoods.

I want you to know that people with a budget of, say, $725 to $900 can find a nice place in a good neighborhood but it takes a little bit of time, research and work. I know several people that found bargains on the fringes of really desirable neighborhoods. For example, when someone asks me about living in my neighborhood of Spruce Hill (it's pretty expensive nowadays unfortunately) I suggest they look just a few blocks further west in the Cedar Park and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods.

Originally Posted by Hertzog79

It's crazy I found both my apts on Craigslist & both were great. I don't understand how people r still forking over money without visiting the place & reading the potential landlord 1st.

As a landlord I will tell you that I've put my listings with Craiglist with satisfactory results. We landlords have to be careful of scam artists posing as tenants as well. It is still a valuable resource and encourage people to use it ... but do not neglect to take proper precautions. (Sorry, but I have a full house right now and do not anticipate any vacancies until the Spring of 2017, BTW)

[Hertzog79]

Originally Posted by Clark Park

Oops ... let me make a clarification!

Philly is still the most affordable big city on the East Coast, and rents here are lower than Boston, New York or DC.

When I suggest people consider budgeting $1,000 a month for a rental apartment I am thinking about a nice place in one of the nicer neighborhoods.

I want you to know that people with a budget of, say, $725 to $900 can find a nice place in a good neighborhood but it takes a little bit of time, research and work. I know several people that found bargains on the fringes of really desirable neighborhoods. For example, when someone asks me about living in my neighborhood of Spruce Hill (it's pretty expensive nowadays unfortunately) I suggest they look just a few blocks further west in the Cedar Park and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods.



As a landlord I will tell you that I've put my listings with Craiglist with satisfactory results. We landlords have to be careful of scam artists posing as tenants as well. It is still a valuable resource and encourage people to use it ... but do not neglect to take proper precautions. (Sorry, but I have a full house right now and do not anticipate any vacancies until the Spring of 2017, BTW)

LOL @ "vaccines." Thanks Clark Park. I really appreciate ur info. I've been fortunate 2 bypass scammers. When landlords have met me off Craigslist, they really wanted me & got a good feeling about me. The thing with me is, I know what I like when I c it. I will do my due diligence researching. I have until Sept. If I have 2 wait til Jan 2017, I will. My lease was up 2 yrs ago. My landlord doesn't want me 2 leave, but understands.
I keep finding 3 BRs & such. I'm simply looking 4 a 1 BR apt, not a full house. Looking n the summer months is ideal 4 me bc it gives me an idea of what 2 look 4ward 2 n regards 2 the area. I'm not looking 4 luxury, just something nice, safe & big enough 2 fit my large furniture.