new to area, what part of university city is a good idea? (Springfield: sublet)

[perfectdisplay]

so i've heard that being new to the area and all, i should be okay in university city and that it's "hip" and all. i've also heard parts there are not so nice. now, i don't want to sound like a scared suburbanite [i live by run down areas and such, i just know where to go and what to avoid here] but i'd like to enter into a nice area and when i get a feel of my surroundings i can probably go somewhere "less nice" that i feel i have my bearings in. i've heard to stay south of spring garden in this area.

also, i'm looking at a sublet in the fairmount area. the girl told me she rides her bike around a lot and that she always feels safe. i've also heard that the area north of girard is kind of not a good idea for newcomers, this is south of there.

i don't want to come off the wrong way, as stated i don't mind areas that have questionable parts, i just need to know my way around first.

[FindingZen]

I lived and/or hung out in University City off and on over the last fifteen years. I would say that the "sweet spot" would be between 43rd and 48th Streets heading west, and Locust to Springfield heading south. East of 43rd would have you dealing with Penn students' flexible schedules. All other "boundaries" would have you close to more challenged parts of West Philly.

You won't see that many apartments. There's a fair chance you may be renting a floor out of someone's home. That said, there are a bunch of apts and condos around Pine St. between 47th and 49th or so. You will probably want to focus on those properties on the east side of 48th on down to 47th.

The 40th Street corridor between Chestnut and Spruce is sort of the "downtown" of UC and borders Penn. However, there are interesting restaurants sprinkled throughout the area, particularly along Baltimore Avenue. You'll also find Clark Park, a bit of a relaxing urban oasis.

You'll find a mix of Penn faculty and students, people priced out of Center City (downtown) looking for a bit more value as well as West African immigrants and people such as yourself trying to get their foot in the door.

Regarding Fairmount, I would agree that Girard (or maybe Poplar) is probably the dividing line to more challenged neighborhoods further north in the neighborhood. East of Broad Street (our "14th Street") on Girard things are rapidly improving in the Northern Liberties/Fishtown area.

[niceguy19125]

I would steer clear of University City and look more at Fairmount, particularly if you're able to find something south of Fairmount Avenue. You won't have to traverse any sketchy areas as everything south of Fairmount (especially west of 16th) is pretty stable. The after-dark aspect of navigating this area is much less daunting than in University City.

[pman]

Originally Posted by niceguy19125

I would steer clear of University City and look more at Fairmount, particularly if you're able to find something south of Fairmount Avenue. You won't have to traverse any sketchy areas as everything south of Fairmount (especially west of 16th) is pretty stable. The after-dark aspect of navigating this area is much less daunting than in University City.

actually, east of 16th to broad is okay as well, if a bit desolate. it's the area around 16th and especially ridge you need to avoid.