Early 20-something moving to Philly

**BossTweed** · 03-31-2011, 10:07 PM

Hi,
I'll likely be moving to Philadelphia in the fall and am somewhat familiar with the neighborhoods, but not so much with living options. I'm looking to spend ~$1600 for a one-bedroom and haven't yet decided between CC and Northern Liberties. In NL I've been told to look at the Piazza development. Are there any suggestions for CC, or is hunting around craigslist my best bet? Thanks.

**Dayman** · 03-31-2011, 10:25 PM

If I had that cash I'd be looking in NoLibs or Queen Village/Bella Vista.

**Fjac** · 04-01-2011, 04:36 PM

This might be a good place to start looking:

Studio - 1 Bedroom Apartments and Houses For Rent Below $1,600 Near Philadelphia, PA

Hope this helps!

**BarryG** · 04-01-2011, 04:38 PM

Do you need help choosing the neighborhood or finding a place? If the former, some hints about your lifestyle would help.

**stock** · 04-01-2011, 06:23 PM

$1600 will get you a lot for a 1 bedroom.

Tell us about yourself. College grad, professional, hipster, gay etc... would help point you in the right direction to a few places, then you can then decide.

**eldondre** · 04-01-2011, 07:53 PM

id votw cc. its in your budget and the most fun imo. nothing against nl. its also the mkst central from which to explore other areas. maybe commonwealth1201.com

**sophillycpl** · 04-02-2011, 11:56 AM

Intra, it is a lovely community for raising a family, school options are something you need to educate yourself on if you plan to stay when your child is of school age. Although I'm told the local PS is making a turn around in Nolib, it's still intransition and many families we are friends with have children in charter or private schools. If you aren't familiar with Charters, they are part of the PS system but enrollment is based on a lottery system and most of these schools have more applicants that openings. Private will mean tuition, I don't know your budget for education but if tuition is feasible for a private education, keep Nolib high on your list we have fine options in Philly for these schools)...and, there is always home schooling which is an option some famolies take which gives any family more flexibility to choosing a residence so again, keep Nolib on their if this is something you are or would consider.

It is a wonderful neighborhood.

I can't reply on your budget, haven't moved since the early 90's and the market was a whole different ballgame (hint hint, it's BASEBALL SEASON and Phillies rock too, haha). I wish you luck and hope you enjoy living in Philly, you have good taste

**Malloy** · 04-02-2011, 01:25 PM

Early 20s and single - NoLibs - Piazza unit with a CC view would be my #1 choice in Philly. Even if I was in a relationship, I'd prob have Piazza high on the list. It looks like a really fun place to live, and stuff is always going on. It keeps growing too....which is pretty cool.

In my opinion, CC is a better place to live as you get older, refine your tastes/interests and frankly, make more $$$.

**BossTweed** · 04-03-2011, 05:07 PM

I really appreciate the suggestions guys. I'm a recent college grad and am in a relationship. I'll also need a place to park my car since I'm commuting north. After your suggestions, I think I'm leaning toward CC as long as parking isn't too exorbitant. Do many complexes in CC include parking, or should I be checking monthly prices at various garages? Thanks.

**dartmo** · 04-03-2011, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by BossTweed

I really appreciate the suggestions guys. I'm a recent college grad and am in a relationship. I'll also need a place to park my car since I'm commuting north. After your suggestions, I think I'm leaning toward CC as long as parking isn't too exorbitant. Do many complexes in CC include parking, or should I be checking monthly prices at various garages? Thanks.

Are you commuting every day north on 95? I'd stick to the east side of the city, its worth it. You may want to check out Old City, north of Market. Its easy to get anywhere from there when you are going out at night, and its very easy access to 95.

NoLibs in very nice too, though it isn't as connected to the rest of center city (at least on a lazy walk on a Saturday sort of way).

**BossTweed** · 04-03-2011, 05:46 PM

Yes, I'll be taking 95N everyday.

**BarryG** · 04-03-2011, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by BossTweed

Yes, I'll be taking 95N everyday.

Living in Old City (East side of Center City) or NoLibs will make your commute easier but if you are interested in elsewhere in Center City, I say go for it because it's a great launching pad to get to know the city and then you can decide if you like another neighborhood better. Many of the large buildings offer parking spaces but it's usually for an additional cost. You can possibly negotiate that away or down, though we are approaching peak rental season.. Smaller walk up type places don't usually have parking but there are garages around. I think in your budget you will be ok either way. For a recent college grad I'd suggest looking around Washington Square West, Midtown Village and the Rittenhouse area, but you'll have fun anywhere.

**dartmo** · 04-04-2011, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by BarryG

Living in Old City (East side of Center City) or NoLibs will make your commute easier but if you are interested in elsewhere in Center City, I say go for it because it's a great launching pad to get to know the city and then you can decide if you like another neighborhood better. Many of the large buildings offer parking spaces but it's usually for an additional cost. You can possibly negotiate that away or down, though we are approaching peak rental season.. Smaller walk up type places don't usually have parking but there are garages around. I think in your budget you will be ok either way. For a recent college grad I'd suggest looking around Washington Square West, Midtown Village and the Rittenhouse area, but you'll have fun anywhere.

Yeah, you'd be fine anywhere in Center City. To me Old City would be the best balance, i have a long commute and every second counts. I have to get on 76 and hate how I have to get across town (I think, if only i lived in fairmount i'd be on the road by now). Old City should definitely be in your price range, and you can get a monthly spot at the Parkominium or one of the other options near by. I pay $180/month for my spot.

I'd say if you are new to the area picking a spot that is continuous to Center City is a good call, be it Rittenhouse, OC, Wash Square-- you really can't go wrong. It'll be a good first home base and gives you easy access to everywhere. Then if you find you really like the scene in NoLibs or East Passyunk or whatever that could be your next move.

**BarryG** · 04-04-2011, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by dartmo

Yeah, you'd be fine anywhere in Center City. To me Old City would be the best balance, i have a long commute and every second counts. I have to get on 76 and hate how I have to get across town (I think, if only i lived in fairmount i'd be on the road by now). Old City should definitely be in your price range, and you can get a monthly spot at the Parkominium or one of the other options near by. I pay $180/month for my spot.

I'd say if you are new to the area picking a spot that is continuous to Center City is a good call, be it Rittenhouse, OC, Wash Square-- you really can't go wrong. It'll be a good first home base and gives you easy access to everywhere. Then if you find you really like the scene in NoLibs or East Passyunk or whatever that could be your next move.

I gotta say--I think that Old City is probably one of the least interesting places for a recent college grad to live in CC, unless you are really into the club scene south of Market. Apart from that scene, which draws mainly people that don't live in the city, the crowd is older, the establishments quieter, there is just a little less to do IMO. I think you'd probably end up going out in other areas and end up taking a cab home many nights instead of walking. Not to give the wrong impression--it's a great, urban area--but it puts you off-center from a lot of other attractions. But it will save some time off your commute.

**seal614** · 04-05-2011, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by BarryG

I gotta say--I think that Old City is probably one of the least interesting places for a recent college grad to live in CC, unless you are really into the club scene south of Market. Apart from that scene, which draws mainly people that don't live in the city, the crowd is older, the establishments quieter, there is just a little less to do IMO. I think you'd probably end up going out in other areas and end up taking a cab home many nights instead of walking. Not to give the wrong impression--it's a great, urban area--but it puts you off-center from a lot of other attractions. But it will save some time off your commute.

Yeah Barry is on to something here.

Do you typically enjoy slamming bud light lime and fist pumping in a huge crowd of people from New Jersey? Or enjoying good food and good beer in a more low key setting?

If the former, Old City is for you. If not, look elsewhere and save yourself the trouble.

**Brooke** · 04-05-2011, 03:07 PM

$1600 actually doesn't get you *that* much in CC. It used to but rent prices are up since the housing downturn. There are a few buildings with parking included--but at that price point, the places may be quite dated. You can usually get monthly parking but it seems like in high density areas there are waiting listings. You should be prepared to pay between $150-$250/mo. in parking for a monthly space.

I think NL is great and the Piazza is fun to visit but after a few visits to residents inside, you should be aware it does feel quite like a dorm at NYU or something. It's not like it's cheap nor are the restaurants/drinks right around there. If considering NL, I'd rent elsewhere in it and just walk to the Piazza for sports games/happy hour, etc.

**Brooke** · 04-05-2011, 03:08 PM

Oh, and if you want me to pull what's on MLS, I'd be happy to. Renters don't pay commission in Philly--landlords do, FYI.

**seal614** · 04-05-2011, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Brooke

$1600 actually doesn't get you *that* much in CC. It used to but rent prices are up since the housing downturn. There are a few buildings with parking included--but at that price point, the places may be quite dated. You can usually get monthly parking but it seems like in high density areas there are waiting listings. You should be prepared to pay between $150-$250/mo. in parking for a monthly space.

I think NL is great and the Piazza is fun to visit but after a few visits to residents inside, you should be aware it does feel quite like a dorm at NYU or something. It's not like it's cheap nor are the restaurants/drinks right around there. If considering NL, I'd rent elsewhere in it and just walk to the Piazza for sports games/happy hour, etc.

Spot on.

**BarryG** · 04-05-2011, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by seal614

Yeah Barry is on to something here.

Do you typically enjoy slamming bud light lime and fist pumping in a huge crowd of people from New Jersey? Or enjoying good food and good beer in a more low key setting?

If the former, Old City is for you. If not, look elsewhere and save yourself the trouble.

Thanks, but I think it's more than that. Even if OP is looking for more college type bars, he will probably be looking for places more like Drinkers on Chestnut, Fado, Time, Irish Pub, etc. where he can enjoy a Bud Light with someone his age but (as you mention) not be surrounded by people from New Jersey.

**NE19149** · 04-05-2011, 11:49 PM

Interesting thread...
They've mostly got the kid drinking & partying for leisure-time activities.. (hmm, stereotyping the 20 generation I guess)

But I didn't see anything from the kid about that.... in fact it was stated they're in a relationship...(not that couples don't party....)

Center City and its immediate surrounding neighborhoods cater to that "odd" crowd... I've noticed those types, they're different than say, a NE resident, or a south philly resident.

It's tough to describe, but the CC resident is kinda touchy, easily offended... they live in a world of their own.
They don't desire to own, they rent..... they like that "pick up & move if they don't like it or get bored" option.

Well, I guess the "birds of a feather" is true.... but at least let the kid describe more of their desires/leisure activities before proclaiming they're a bar-hopping flake-a-zoid in skinny jeans.

Life's not all about the bar scene, ya know.