Moving to Philly for grad school (Philadelphia, Penn: apartment complexes, city hall, for rent)

[UAwildcat]

I'm a 22 yo student moving from the West coast to Philly in July. I'll be attending Drexel University's Center City campus.

Growing up in Phoenix, I've never been to a large East coast city. I'm used to the urban sprawl of PHX, LA, San Diego, etc, so I'm a bit lost on where to look. I've been told areas around Temple are pretty scary, and to stay out of North/South/West Philly (not sure where these divisions start). Since I'll be at the Center City campus (15th St and Race) and I likely won't be bringing my car, I'd like to live within 0-2 miles from school

I've been looking at several different condo/apartment buildings, but I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing perusing Craigslist from across the country. Ideally, I'll be spending >$1000/month including utilities, if possible. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for buildings or areas with decently priced apartments for rent within Center City? I've been looking at the Parkway Condos at 2601 Pennsylvania Ave, any thoughts on the building/area?

Thanks for the help.

[pman]

If you can fit it into your budget, center city. I'd say those geographic boundaries (north,west, etc) are too broad to be meaningful. If CC isn't in your budget, spring garden is an easy walk from the north. I'd recommended being flexible on space and renting near your school.

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by UAwildcat

I've been told areas around Temple are pretty scary

It is no worse than Tucson.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

If you can find a place in center city that would probably be ideal. For $1k per month, however, you will probably need to look at having roommates or studios. Unlike the western states there aren't many huge apartment complexes in Philadelphia. I understand why you are gravitating towards that type of building but you will almost certainly end up overpaying. There are many other great areas to live as well.

The Passyunk Square and and East Passyunk Crossing neighborhoods in South Philly are nice, safe, and have quite a bit of night life and will have places in your price range. You wont need a car and can take the subway or a bus to class. I live in a 1 bedroom in Passyunk Square with my fiance and we pay only $650 per month in rent.

You should also look in West Philly as well, especially around 48th and Baltimore. The area is very pretty and you can take the trolley to class.

Other areas to check out are: Art Museum/Southwest Center City/Northern Liberties/Fishtown. If living outside of Center City I would try to live within easy walking distance of one of the subway/El lines.

[DeborahT]

I am also a graduate student at Drexel University. I moved to Drexel from suburban , VA, so I had many similar fears and questions when I started my moving quest.

I found housing at University Crossings (located at 32nd and Market) right on Drexel's campus. It is not a campus owned building, however. The building has two and three bedroom apartments, and the rents is fairly cheap (I pay $520/mo. for my half in a two bedroom). It is literally across the street from the University buildings, 2 blocks away from 30th Street Train Station, and 2 blocks from the downtown area. I think it is the perfect place for graduate students to live... and since it's on campus, it is pretty safe! I think that is your best bet!

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by JHG722

It is no worse than Tucson.

Yes, yes it is ..... and i'm no tucson fan boy.... although UA is considered to be a bad neighborhood, you really can't compare bad neighborhoods here in AZ to those in Philly

As for where to settle, most of the city core will be fine, public transportation is really good and the city is very pedestrian friendly

When I lived there the car share program wasn't up and running and some of the more urban markets weren't really up and going .... but my roomates had their cars so we could make the run to pathmark or super fresh for our groceries without much issue .... most things are pretty convenient though

congrats & best of luck

[Finger Laker]

Originally Posted by DeborahT

I am also a graduate student at Drexel University. I moved to Drexel from suburban , VA, so I had many similar fears and questions when I started my moving quest.

I found housing at University Crossings (located at 32nd and Market) right on Drexel's campus. It is not a campus owned building, however. The building has two and three bedroom apartments, and the rents is fairly cheap (I pay $520/mo. for my half in a two bedroom). It is literally across the street from the University buildings, 2 blocks away from 30th Street Train Station, and 2 blocks from the downtown area. I think it is the perfect place for graduate students to live... and since it's on campus, it is pretty safe! I think that is your best bet!

Important to note that it's right next to the main campus - not the campus where the OP is attending

Still not a bad location, but will probably require a transit pass and a little time to have the freedom to and from campus

[MsChelle]

I'm also a grad student from the West Coast. I live in West Philly (closer to City Ave). Philly is way nicer than Phoenix! I don't have a car and I get around just fine. I would recommend living in University City, Powelton Village, or West Powelton. Since you are new to Philly, make sure you stick to the area south of Spring Garden St. and east of 40th St. I don't know what average rents are in Center City, but some of the housing can be pricey.

Since you probably won't have a car, I'd highly recommend that you live within a few blocks of the Market-Frankford Line (aka the El). Stations close to the Drexel Campuses are at 34th, 30th, and 15th Sts. Just be aware that there are no stops between 30th St. (30th Street Station) and 15th St. (City Hall). There's plenty of bus service in Center City and University City, but the El is much faster than any buses that run on Market, Chestnut, or Walnut Sts. (e.g., 21, 31). Go to SEPTA | Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority for more details about mass transit.

Originally Posted by UAwildcat

I'm a 22 yo student moving from the West coast to Philly in July. I'll be attending Drexel University's Center City campus.

Growing up in Phoenix, I've never been to a large East coast city. I'm used to the urban sprawl of PHX, LA, San Diego, etc, so I'm a bit lost on where to look. I've been told areas around Temple are pretty scary, and to stay out of North/South/West Philly (not sure where these divisions start). Since I'll be at the Center City campus (15th St and Race) and I likely won't be bringing my car, I'd like to live within 0-2 miles from school

I've been looking at several different condo/apartment buildings, but I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing perusing Craigslist from across the country. Ideally, I'll be spending >$1000/month including utilities, if possible. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for buildings or areas with decently priced apartments for rent within Center City? I've been looking at the Parkway Condos at 2601 Pennsylvania Ave, any thoughts on the building/area?

Thanks for the help.