Where are good areas to live in Philadelphia (for apartments)?

Question

In the next few years I am heavily considering moving to Philly when I graduate. Without having to visit Philadelphia inbetween quarters---I am trying to figure out some good places to live that have a young and fun environment (no family subdivisions).
I have been to Philadelphia oncec before, for only a week, but it's one of the best cities in the US that I have visited. So, will you please help me?

Answer 1

Someone said something about Chicago. I have to say, that as a casual visitor to Chi-town, but a resident of Philly, I'd move if I could. Regardless...

Northern Liberties is up and coming right now. It's pretty affordable for the most part, but in a few years, it should be pretty full, and probably more pricey. The neighborhood to the North is Fishtown, and they are catching the spill-over of NL's development. You may want to look into Fishtown, but only if you can see the apartment and "feel" the area...it can be hairy in some spots.

Fairmount is another neighborhood that can be really nice and I expect to be nicer in a few years. Look on a map for Spring Garden Street, with the Art Museum to the West, Broad Street to the East and Girard to the North...this is the Fairmount/Spring Garden area. Right now, Mt. Vernon is what I would consider the furthest North I'd travel in this part of town during night-time.

Staying South of Girard Avenue altogether is usually a pretty good and safe strategy.

South Philly can be very nice and very neighborly, depending on the area. It's kind of territorial between the good spots and te bad spots---like one block is good, the next may be bad.

This is a good resource, especially to ask questions to people already in these neighborhoods. Keep watch of all of the happenings, and it'll be like you're already in-the-know before you get here...

http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/index.php?s=29ef6da4eb629cf983e2b6dc4855b628&

There are a lot of other bolgs/websites/forums that can be found through this site as well.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Where are good areas to live in Philadelphia (for apartments)?
In the next few years I am heavily considering moving to Philly when I graduate. Without having to visit Philadelphia inbetween quarters---I am trying to figure out some good places to live that have a young and fun environment (no family subdivisions).
I have been to Philadelphia oncec before,...

Answer 3

Oh yes! I love Philadelphia. It is so cosmopolitan, hip and beautiful.

Live in the University area near Penn and Drexel. There are lots of student type and young adult apartments in that area, and there is so much going on.

You can also find out a lot more by joining the PhillyBlog,

Answer 4

I'd live somewhere beteween Rittenhouse Square and the Schuylkill River. It's close enough to EVERYTHING, but it is still very much a neighborhood feel.

For the "fun" that you will undoubtedly get tired of, look towards South Street, but go south of South Street for affordability. An area bounded by 4th and 8th and Bainbridge and maybe Catherine is close to the South Street scene and not too scary.

Answer 5

Not sure if this helps you, but I went threw HoneyBrook, which is 20 Min's out of Philly, and there was a few apartment for rent signs there, it is in the country so quite, but close enough to work there daily.

Answer 6

Hey Rittenhouse is the nicest,but very pricey..you can also look near the art museum..off jfk blvde, all centrally located with lots to do! stay out of north,southwest,west and even south philly....

Answer 7

south street and broad street areas are cool areas to live
also chestnut street has some nice apartments

Answer 8

Well I have never been to philly myself but I have had friends move to places they have never been to before. The key is using websites like rent.com it allows you to pics of the apartment and also see prices and locations.

Answer 9

Philly is a ****-hole. You should try Chicago instead