I am Moving to Philadelphia!?

Question

I will be moving to Philadelphia in November. I have no idea what to expect in this new city. Any suggestions for possible neighborhoods? Public Transportation, Shopping, Near highways,
Thanks

Answer 1

One of the biggest issues to consider is transportation. If you have a car, then your housing options will double. However, if you plan to use public transit, then I strongly urge you to base your decision on the ease of your daily commute.

Most SEPTA riders have to rely heavily on busses and trolleys, which are slow, crowded and often unpredictable. And even if you prefer to walk or bike, make sure its a neighborhood you would feel comfortable traveling through during days and evenings.

My top recommendation would be the Fairmount area (19130). Newly renovated homes and apts. Close to downtown and lots of major routes. Lots of young adults (mid 20's to 30's) and convenient neighborhood amenities. Defintely worth checking out.

Contrary to one of your earlier answers, DO NOT cancel out general sections of the city. Morris Park and Overbrook Park (19151), Wynnefield and Wynnefield Heights (19131) are very nice neighborhoods in West Philadelphia. Also, Manayunk (19127), Roxborough (19128), Chestnut Hill (19118), West Mt. Airy (19144), East Falls (19129), are very nice neighborhoods, too.

I just made a cross-town move myself, and it was most helpful to list and prioritize the things that were most important for where I planned to live. By doing so, it immediately crossed off a few neighborhoods from the list and surface others to the top. In fact, I ended moving to a neigborhood that I had never heard of before I visited. I made a great choice.

Bottom line: There are tons of neighborhoods in Philadelphia-- some good, some not-so good. Continue to do your research. Prioritize your preferences, and visit Philly first-hand. Look at the neighborhood different times of the day, and consider how it may change from summer to winter. (for instance, the hills of Manayunk look beautiful now, but they're trecherous after a snow storm!)

Have a safe and pleasant move. Welcome to Philly.

Answer 2

Try to arrange for a house hunting trip if possible. The Philly metro area is pretty big - for example, the far northeast part of the city is a good hour drive from where I live, out in the western suburbs. So if you are working in the far northeast, you would not want to live in my area. And you would not necessarily confine you location to Pennsylvania - some people where I work commute from Delaware and many come from South Jersey.

As far as shopping goes, everyone likes going into downtown or out to the King of Prussia Mall out in Valley Forge.

There is a very good rail network, plus the usual busses, and some street cars and subways. Most likely if you don't want to commute by driving, the rail lines will work best for you. South East Pennsylvania Transportation Authority runs all the commuter transit: http://www.septa.org/

If you know what part of the city your work location will be, that would make suggestions much easier for places to live. I would be happy to suggest some locations if you can post this.

Answer 3

We just moved to the Philly area. Here are my thoughts on some Philly neighborhoods (these are all within the city, not the suburbs).

Center City - Has some great areas... Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square. Lots of clubs, restaurants, theater, museums. Public transit is easy... subway, cab or bus.

South Philly - cultural metling pot. All of the sports venues are close by. Public transit also easy.

Chestnut Hill - upscale residential area. Germantown Ave. has a nice shopping area. You can take the commuter train into Center City.

Roxborough and Manayunk - up and coming. Lots of younger professionals moving in and sprucing up these neighborhoods. Main St. in Manayunk has great shopping.

I would stay away from West Philly, North Philly and University City. These are high crime areas.

Northern Liberties and Fishtown are supposed to be improving, but I think they are still a bit shady and would not recommend you live in either neighborhood.

Good luck and welcome!

Answer 4

Center City: Pretty Expensive! Somerton: Average prices. Some near by highways are I-95 and Woodhaven Road.

Answer 5

I stay in the Fox Chase community in Phladelphia and that's a secure community. different risk-free neighborhoods in Philadelphia are Bustleton, or rather all of Northeast Philadelphia. evade Nooth Philadelphia and Kensington, for they do no longer look to be risk-free neighborhoods.

Answer 6

If you have kids look for a solid school district we're out off of rte 30 (main line) for the train - train stations run all up and down "rte 30"
We're 3 miles from King of Prussia (the mall)

Also in the city there are plenty of places to shop
and bus, train and the subway all run
Depends if you are a city person or want to be in the 'burbs.

Answer 7

1913 Sartain Street
Philadelphia, PA

Price: $219,900


Great House Right-off Passyunk Restaurant & Shopping Area. Living room Dining room with Beautiful New Oak Hardwood floors(not Pergo) ¿ Open Stair Case. New Modern Kitchen with Ceramic Tile Floors & Oak Cabinets. All New Stainless Steel Appliances - Refrigerator, Dish washer, Microwave, Garbage Disposal. Small Yard. 2 Large Bedrooms w Large Sitting Room/Den in between, Step-Up to Rear Solarium-like Bedroom with 8 New Windows Surrounding and All New Oak Hardwood Floors T/O, Beautiful New All Marble Tile Bath. Clean Cement Basement.

Answer 8

Well, have you found out where you will be moving to within the city? To be honest, there's too much here that I can answer with just a simple response.

If you click on my profile and follow the link to my 360 page, send me a message and I'll be happy to help you. I was in your position a long time ago and boy do I wish I had someone to help me out! Hope to hear from you soon.

Answer 9

Man you are gonna love this city. So much to do and so many things to see! GO to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Eagles Games, Mutter Museum. It is the best!!! You will love it. I have lived in Philadelphia for about 7 years and I love it.

Answer 10

my family is from philadelphia and i just got back from a wonderful vacation there a couple of days ago...my family lives in a suburb northwest of phiadelphia called drexel hill.
It is a great city because it is only 15-20 minutes away from downtown and public transportation is nearby inluding the city trolly. i have cousins with young children and they attend very good schools...check it out...you will love philadelphia especially if you are interested in U.S. history...good luck.