Newly widowed considering a move to Philadelphia (Indiana, Girard: to rent, home)

[CarLess wannabe]

I am recently widowed , originally from Boston, living in AZ for the last 12 years. I want to move back to the East Coast and I am considering Philadelphia due to its history, culture, architecture and walk ability! I may be mistaken but it seems to be just a little more tempered weather than New England? I don't mind some cold weather and I prefer it to the hot temps in Arizona in the summer.

Do not know anyone in Philadelphia so wondering if any other widows out there have made similar moves. How did you connect in a new city? - clubs, groups, volunteering, etc. I am a "young", active 68 and wonder if Philadelphia has many retirees, downsizers, widows, etc? Is the city "senior-friendly"? Where would I find these people?

Looking for a safe walk-able neighborhood - Rittenhouse square, spring garden, etc.

I would be looking to rent for a year and will rent out my home here in Arizona, just to keep my options open.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance !

[Indiana Tony]

Originally Posted by CarLess wannabe

I am recently widowed , originally from Boston, living in AZ for the last 12 years. I want to move back to the East Coast and I am considering Philadelphia due to its history, culture, architecture and walk ability! I may be mistaken but it seems to be just a little more tempered weather than New England? I don't mind some cold weather and I prefer it to the hot temps in Arizona in the summer.

Do not know anyone in Philadelphia so wondering if any other widows out there have made similar moves. How did you connect in a new city? - clubs, groups, volunteering, etc. I am a "young", active 68 and wonder if Philadelphia has many retirees, downsizers, widows, etc? Is the city "senior-friendly"? Where would I find these people?

Looking for a safe walk-able neighborhood - Rittenhouse square, spring garden, etc.

I would be looking to rent for a year and will rent out my home here in Arizona, just to keep my options open.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance !

Spring Garden (Fairmount, yes) isn't all that safe. Rittenhouse Square - Highly recommended! The 22nd and Cherry neighborhood is also a real jewel.


Or try Atria Senior Living ... 150 N. 20th Street, near 20th and Race. Great area.


I don't know the ins and outs of the place, but the few times I've been by there in the evening, I see nicely dressed seniors coming and going, looking like they're enjoying themselves. The property looks well maintained.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by Indiana Tony

Spring Garden (Fairmount, yes) isn't all that safe. Rittenhouse Square - Highly recommended! The 22nd and Cherry neighborhood is also a real jewel.


Or try Atria Senior Living ... 150 N. 20th Street, near 20th and Race. Great area.


I don't know the ins and outs of the place, but the few times I've been by there in the evening, I see nicely dressed seniors coming and going, looking like they're enjoying themselves. The property looks well maintained.

Spring Garden isn't all that unsafe, either.

[lpranger467]

68 is hardly a senior in my opinion, this is a lively city and I wouldnt categorize myself to senior living, you could live in the young hip areas and enjoy life. Sorry but I look at AZ and Florida as places people go who want to accept growing old, thats not me and if you move here it wont be you

[Indiana Tony]

There's a low-income housing project in Spring Garden, enough said.

[TownDweller]

Originally Posted by Indiana Tony

There's a low-income housing project in Spring Garden, enough said.

Enough said?

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by TownDweller

Enough said?

If Indiana Tony considers 10th and Brown "Spring Garden," then he has his neighborhoods mixed up.

Spring Garden lies west of Broad Street. East of it, from 6th to Broad and Spring Garden to Girard, are East and West Poplar.

The presence of Spring Garden Elementary School in this district doesn't change this fact.

Spring Garden isn't all that unsafe. It gentrified a while back - its eastern portion used to be heavily Hispanic but is no longer.

[Indiana Tony]

Either way, it's too close and I wouldn't encourage anybody, especially an older female, to move there. I care about people.

[Indiana Tony]

Originally Posted by TownDweller

Enough said?

Hey, if you wanna live next to a housing project, have at it.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

Spring Garden isn't all that unsafe, either.

Very likely our resident fear-mongerer has barely put much of a toe in Spring Garden the place I've called home for 20+ years without a single bad thing happen to me.