Young professional moving to Philly (Philadelphia, Ardmore: apartment complexes, city hall, rent)

[CardsfanfromBoston]

Good afternoon!

I'm not really familiar with this forum, but came upon it in my research for moving to Philadelphia. Thank you in advance for any assistance and advice!
I'm a 23 year-old male, and am moving to Philadelphia from the DC area. I will be working in a building across from City Hall. My employer will be paying for my train pass so I'm assuming (hopefully rightly) that I can reasonably live anywhere in the greater Philly area because I'm working in the Center City. If possible, I'd like to live within 1 mile of a train station to support this commute (don't know much about parking at these stations, etc.) Ultimately, I would like to have a commute less than 35 minutes if possible (but the shorter the better!)
I would like to bring my car though for weekend travel, so I know that might require me to live out of the city. I'd like to live in a 1BR or studio and am willing to pay anything from $800-1200 (to include parking).
Obviously, I'd prefer to have an area with less crime, but I've lived in Boston, Baltimore and DC so it's not like I'm from Idaho. I'd like to live in an area with younger people with some fun places and maybe a walk able restaurant/bar type of main street, etc. I certainly appreciate diversity, but I don't want to be the only white guy in a neighborhood. Other random facts that might help someone advise: I'm huge into sports and enjoy parks, etc. I'm also Catholic and will be looking for a church. I'd also prefer to meet some young people as I'm new to the area and only have several friends there.
In my preliminary research, folks have advised me to live in Manayunk, University City, Old City, and some of the areas in Northeast Philly that are "up and coming," according to a friend. What about Villanova? Is that a good place to live? And how about Wayne?
Thank you again for the help.

[CardsfanfromBoston]

Anyone???

[Duderino]

Welcome to the area.

Considering you're looking to move within close proximity to the train line and want to limit your commute into Center City to around half an hour, I'd look into living in any of the inner-suburbs on the R5 SEPTA line. Granted, the closer you are to the city -- while still in the suburbs -- the higher rent prices tend to be. However, I think it's definitely doable to find a 1 BR apt. or studio within your price range in towns like Haverford, Ardmore or Villanova. Conshohocken or Manayunk, on the R6, would also be great options for someone who is looking for more of that twenty-something vibe. All of the areas mentioned have great traditional, walkable main streets, as well.

As far as Catholic churches, they are certainly not in short supply anywhere in the area -- so I don't think that will be an issue for you. Consohocken, Manayunk, and Ardmore would be best on the diversity front.

Good luck!

[rainrock]

Center City neighborhoods are the most vibrant part of the entire area, for a young guy thats the place to be imo. How about the Art Museum area. You could easily walk/shuttle to work and be at the doorstep of (Kelly Drive) one of the best urban recreational areas in the country. There are a bunch of apartment complexes near the Art Museum. City View, Park Towne,Museum Towers etc.Those apartment complexes run hourly shuttles into Center City.

The Basillica of SS Peter & Paul which is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is within walking distance of the Art Museum area.If you want a Catholic Church thats the one to be a member of.

Old City,Center City,Manayunk and City Line(Bala Cynwyd,Ardmore,Wynnewood,Narberth etc) would be other recommendations.

Good luck

[thesixth]

Narberth is a cute town, but more family oriented than what you might be looking for. St. Margaret's is the church.
If you look at Ardmore, St. Colman's is the church there and further out in Villanova, you have Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Thomas of Villanova as parishes to consider.
Phila is a heavily Catholic area. You will find a church with ease.

[regkos]

Hey Cardsfan -- I'm in the same situation as you were (I see this is dated 2009) I'm a 23 yr old girl working in Center City -- down the street from City Hall actually! I am looking for the same living situation...1BR or studio, somewhat decent area though I'm not picky. Just something not too dangerous for a young woman living alone. Preferably younger/fun crowd...only because I'm in withdrawal of the college campus atmosphere and miss cafes and walking to local shops. However I'm looking for something in a slightly lower price range than you were willing to pay-- then again, I don't necessarily need parking since I can leave my car at my parent's place across the bridge (I'm from Jersey) and am very familiar with the public transportation in the area. I wanted to find out if you did end up finding a place as you described and if so, would you have any recommendations for me? Thanks!

Originally Posted by CardsfanfromBoston

Good afternoon!

I'm not really familiar with this forum, but came upon it in my research for moving to Philadelphia. Thank you in advance for any assistance and advice!
I'm a 23 year-old male, and am moving to Philadelphia from the DC area. I will be working in a building across from City Hall. My employer will be paying for my train pass so I'm assuming (hopefully rightly) that I can reasonably live anywhere in the greater Philly area because I'm working in the Center City. If possible, I'd like to live within 1 mile of a train station to support this commute (don't know much about parking at these stations, etc.) Ultimately, I would like to have a commute less than 35 minutes if possible (but the shorter the better!)
I would like to bring my car though for weekend travel, so I know that might require me to live out of the city. I'd like to live in a 1BR or studio and am willing to pay anything from $800-1200 (to include parking).
Obviously, I'd prefer to have an area with less crime, but I've lived in Boston, Baltimore and DC so it's not like I'm from Idaho. I'd like to live in an area with younger people with some fun places and maybe a walk able restaurant/bar type of main street, etc. I certainly appreciate diversity, but I don't want to be the only white guy in a neighborhood. Other random facts that might help someone advise: I'm huge into sports and enjoy parks, etc. I'm also Catholic and will be looking for a church. I'd also prefer to meet some young people as I'm new to the area and only have several friends there.
In my preliminary research, folks have advised me to live in Manayunk, University City, Old City, and some of the areas in Northeast Philly that are "up and coming," according to a friend. What about Villanova? Is that a good place to live? And how about Wayne?
Thank you again for the help.