Relocating from the 'Burgh (Pittsburgh, Langhorne: subletting, apartment, rent)

[Yinzer922]

I'm a 28 yr old single female possibly relocating to Philly for a job. The job is in Far Northeast, but I didn't really feel "at home" in that part of town. I'm looking for advice on neighborhoods...I don't want to spend three fortunes in rent (ie, 800-1100?), but I'm more interested in feeling comfortable than saving money. I've looked briefly in Langhorne, University City, Chestnut Hill, Northern Liberties...I'd like to be close enough to a train that I can get into Center City with ease, but I don't want to be out in the boonies either. I don't know that I can afford Center City, to be honest I wasn't all that impressed with Northern Liberties...any advice? I'm not afraid of a city neighborhood, but I think I'd want to feel like my apartment was unique in some way to justify the higher rent, (ie loft....). I was really overwhelmed by the size of the area, and could really use some advice!

Thanks!

[rainrock]

Sounds like you are in a tough predicament. I'm not a fan of the Northeast/Lower Bucks area at all.

I agree that Northern Liberties is still a little rough around the edges but the area is improving daily. I personally woudln't want to live there at this moment. Now 3-5 years down the road its going to be a completely different story. There is alot that is about to happen over there including a 950' condo/hotel tower.


Look your still young, you want to be around people your own age with tons of things available to do. Northeast and Langhorne isn't the answer(family areas)
Best bet imo is to look around center city/ university city and take the train to work if that is possible.You'll be meeting lots of young goal oriented people in center city/university city. Check the U Penn/Drexel/Thomas Jefferson/ area campuses. You can probably find a studio or 1 bedroom in center city in your price range. Another consideration is possibly finding people looking to share rent expenses. Strength in numbers can get you a much nicer apartment and if you don't know anybody on this side of the state its a good start to meet people. I know penn and Drexel have community subletting boards and I'm sure the internet is full of sites that could help you if that interests you.

The only downfall about center city is the hassel and lack of parking, so you need to take that into consideration

Another option is Manayunk which reminds me alot of Pittsburgh, this is another area where there are alot of grad students and various area college kids that rent.

Good luck