Possible relocation to Philadelphia questions (Westmont, Ashland: apartments, for rent, crime)

[njforlife92]

Hi all!

I am in the interview process for a job that would be located in the Independence Hall area in downtown Philadelphia. While I am from New Jersey, I am not familiar with Philadelphia and was hoping for some advice in the event I relocate to the area.

I am looking for rent that would ideally be below $1,200 (really ideally below $1,000 but I know that's tough in the area). The two things I care most about are safety and being in a quiet area and/or building. I am a professional in his 20s.

So far, I found an apartment that looks good that I like in Haddon Township, NJ but am unsure what other towns to look in in both NJ & PA and what neighborhoods in the city itsself to look into.

With that in mind, does anyone have suggestions as to areas in either the city itself or surrounding suburbs in Pennsylvania or New Jersey that fit my criteria?

Also, should I want to live near the train to commute downtown or is driving there doable during rush hour?

Thanks!

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by njforlife92

Hi all!

I am in the interview process for a job that would be located in the Independence Hall area in downtown Philadelphia. While I am from New Jersey, I am not familiar with Philadelphia and was hoping for some advice in the event I relocate to the area.

I am looking for rent that would ideally be below $1,200 (really ideally below $1,000 but I know that's tough in the area). The two things I care most about are safety and being in a quiet area and/or building. I am a professional in his 20s.

So far, I found an apartment that looks good that I like in Haddon Township, NJ but am unsure what other towns to look in in both NJ & PA and what neighborhoods in the city itsself to look into.

With that in mind, does anyone have suggestions as to areas in either the city itself or surrounding suburbs in Pennsylvania or New Jersey that fit my criteria?

Also, should I want to live near the train to commute downtown or is driving there doable during rush hour?

Thanks!

Independence Hall is located in Center City. The PATCO line has a stop at 8th and Market.

The largest number of apartments in South Jersey are in Cherry Hill. Some apartments in Voorhees are fine, but some are not. Avoid Lindenwold. Check crime maps to verify individual sites. If you stay in South Jersey, the wage tax is deductible on your state taxes.

[njforlife92]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Independence Hall is located in Center City. The PATCO line has a stop at 8th and Market.

The largest number of apartments in South Jersey are in Cherry Hill. Some apartments in Voorhees are fine, but some are not. Avoid Lindenwold. Check crime maps to verify individual sites. If you stay in South Jersey, the wage tax is deductible on your state taxes.

Thank you for the feedback, good information! The train does not go to Cherry Hill though, correct?

[rowhomecity]

The most important question is. Do you want to live in the city? There are many thriving neighborhoods in the city that meet your budget.

[PHL10]

^^^ I'd say considering the smaller budget and "safety" and "quite" being priorities, the City might not be the best option. I like the idea of commuting from NJ via PATCO for the first year, especially since the OP is "NJforLife".

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by njforlife92

Thank you for the feedback, good information! The train does not go to Cherry Hill though, correct?

Woodcrest station is in Cherry Hill. Ashland station straddles Cherry Hill and Voorhees. Both have large parking lots. Haddonfield has a small parking lot. Westmont has a bigger parking lot. There's a lot of bus service to Haddonfield, from Cherry Hill.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by PHL10

^^^ I'd say considering the smaller budget and "safety" and "quite" being priorities, the City might not be the best option. I like the idea of commuting from NJ via PATCO for the first year, especially since the OP is "NJforLife".

That was my thought. If the OP wants to move into the city after a year or so, the OP will know where to go.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by rowhomecity

The most important question is. Do you want to live in the city? There are many thriving neighborhoods in the city that meet your budget.

Really? Where are the many thriving neighborhoods that one can get a good apt for under a grand?

[Leps12]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Really? Where are the many thriving neighborhoods that one can get a good apt for under a grand?

OP will have a hard time finding an apartment decent areas of South Jersey for under a grand, too. Most likely looking at living in a bad area, or a dumpy garden apartment that probably has pest issues.

[njforlife92]

Originally Posted by rowhomecity

The most important question is. Do you want to live in the city? There are many thriving neighborhoods in the city that meet your budget.

I am open to living in the city if it's a safe and quiet area, though I think the suburbs would be preferable. But I really am somewhat open minded.

Originally Posted by PHL10

^^^ I'd say considering the smaller budget and "safety" and "quite" being priorities, the City might not be the best option. I like the idea of commuting from NJ via PATCO for the first year, especially since the OP is "NJforLife".

This username is a few years old haha.

Thank you for the feedback. I did notice PATCO goes into New Jersey. Would you recommend the New Jersey suburbs over Pennsylvania? I would rather be close to the train, but I guess I can't rule out driving.

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Woodcrest station is in Cherry Hill. Ashland station straddles Cherry Hill and Voorhees. Both have large parking lots. Haddonfield has a small parking lot. Westmont has a bigger parking lot. There's a lot of bus service to Haddonfield, from Cherry Hill.

Thank you for the feedback, this is quite helpful!

Originally Posted by kyb01

Really? Where are the many thriving neighborhoods that one can get a good apt for under a grand?

Originally Posted by Leps12

OP will have a hard time finding an apartment decent areas of South Jersey for under a grand, too. Most likely looking at living in a bad area, or a dumpy garden apartment that probably has pest issues.

What is a more realistic budget, or where should I look to get better value?