Looking at taking a job in City Centre and trying to figure out where it would be good to live (Philadelphia: city hall)

[SusieQ321]

I am looking at moving in the new year sometimes Jan/Feb
I am coming from the Toronto area so I am used to cities.
I am looking at taking a job for a corporation in City centre
Downtown
I have been to philly several times but it has been a lot of years and I will be heading there in the next few weeks to check things out again.

I am looking to rent, for an apt or loft 1 bdrm it is just me so I don't need a ton of space or have a ton of stuff but I would like some modern items like in apt washer and dryer and air conditioning and maybe a gym on site but since I have a gym membership to a national chain this is completely optional.
I would like to keep it as cheap as possible but I can spend up to 1000 a month.
I don't mind if it is a high rise or a walk up but if it is a walk up I would like the option of adding an alarm system or having it come with one.

I am single with no kids so schools etc do not matter. Amenities like if possible I would like to walk to work, transit if it is too far or else drive is my last choice. I would prefer to be in an area where I can walk safely to a great restaurant or two, maybe some local groceries stores etc. I prefer something more urban over rural. I do not have pets, I don't need a yard but a place to set up a grill on a balcony wouldn't be a bad thing for me.

I will be keeping my car so I need parking and as long as I can sleep I don't care about the noise level, my main factors are safety and being somewhere I can relax and have some fun and enjoy the city.

I prefer to be closest to work, if I have to transit or drive I am ok with it but walking would be lovely and shopping as in groceries, funky neighborhood cafes and some little places to shop would be nice.

I am not a huge club goer so I am more looking for a place where I can go take a seat at the bar grab dinner and a great glass of wine and relax over a place to go dancing.

I am in my late 30's and I would prefer to be in a neighborhood that was similar in demographics race doesn't matter mostly I just don't want to have to listen to a bunch of college students screaming up and down the streets every night.

I want somewhere to be comfy, safe and have fun where I can walk and just enjoy life in general.

Any suggestions on places to get great rates on apts, condos or lofts and neighborhoods is appreciated.

Thank you
Susie

[FindingZen]

There are plenty of neighborhoods in and around Center City - a walkable two square miles - that you may be interested in. Using City Hall/Broad Street as the "center" of things...

Rittenhouse Square and Fitler Square are slightly southwest. Rittenhouse is arguably the most "ritzy" downtown in terms of its shopping and dining selections. I suspect that you would be spending a lot of quality time here. Rent may be a little higher than your budget, though. For that reason, I'd look into Fitler Square, just a bit south of Rittenhouse Square. Similar vibe, just fewer proprietors.


Northwest is the Art Museum/Fairmount area. Besides said museums, there are a number of popular restaurants there. The diagonal Ben Frankin Parkway leading to the Phila. Museum of Art is dramatic and gives the city an "international" feel.

Southeast are Queen Village and Bella Vista. These are laid-back neighborhoods just south of South Street, our "funky" if increasingly commercialized street. Technically you're in South Philadelphia at this point.

I believe all of these areas might appeal to a 30something who is looking to be close to the action but not quite in it. The flipside of a walkable downtown, however, is that parking is scarce and expensive. You may likely either find yourself paying for a garage or a city-issued on-street parking license. FYI, you may find Old City and Northern Liberties (NE Center City) interesting places to visit but they may be more rowdy/young than you prefer.

Good luck!

[SusieQ321]

Thanks for your quick reply I figured if the apt doesn't have parking that I would be tacking on 200-300 a month for parking and I could probably go higher on the rent if I wasn't taking transit or driving since there would be no transit pass, gas or parking costs.

I am going to look at those areas.

[thekish]

Originally Posted by SusieQ321

I am looking at moving in the new year sometimes Jan/Feb
I am coming from the Toronto area so I am used to cities.
I am looking at taking a job for a corporation in City centre
Downtown
I have been to philly several times but it has been a lot of years and I will be heading there in the next few weeks to check things out again.

I am looking to rent, for an apt or loft 1 bdrm it is just me so I don't need a ton of space or have a ton of stuff but I would like some modern items like in apt washer and dryer and air conditioning and maybe a gym on site but since I have a gym membership to a national chain this is completely optional.
I would like to keep it as cheap as possible but I can spend up to 1000 a month.
I don't mind if it is a high rise or a walk up but if it is a walk up I would like the option of adding an alarm system or having it come with one.

I am single with no kids so schools etc do not matter. Amenities like if possible I would like to walk to work, transit if it is too far or else drive is my last choice. I would prefer to be in an area where I can walk safely to a great restaurant or two, maybe some local groceries stores etc. I prefer something more urban over rural. I do not have pets, I don't need a yard but a place to set up a grill on a balcony wouldn't be a bad thing for me.

I will be keeping my car so I need parking and as long as I can sleep I don't care about the noise level, my main factors are safety and being somewhere I can relax and have some fun and enjoy the city.

I prefer to be closest to work, if I have to transit or drive I am ok with it but walking would be lovely and shopping as in groceries, funky neighborhood cafes and some little places to shop would be nice.

I am not a huge club goer so I am more looking for a place where I can go take a seat at the bar grab dinner and a great glass of wine and relax over a place to go dancing.

I am in my late 30's and I would prefer to be in a neighborhood that was similar in demographics race doesn't matter mostly I just don't want to have to listen to a bunch of college students screaming up and down the streets every night.

I want somewhere to be comfy, safe and have fun where I can walk and just enjoy life in general.

Any suggestions on places to get great rates on apts, condos or lofts and neighborhoods is appreciated.

Thank you
Susie

The problem is Center City is probably the most expensive area and there is very little parking. The parking that is available either costs extra or is added to the rent. My friend has a car in a garage and I think he pays about $20O/mo.

I would recommend Chestnut Hill. There is a direct train, parking, restaurants and a great main street with shopping. It isn't right in CC but it is in the city and still close.

[bryson662001]

I would just suggest you read all the other threads in this forum (if you haven't) that have asked the same questions you have. All the information you need is already here.