I need advice on living in Philly or Harrisburg? (King of Prussia: rental, crime)

[sw1242]

I should be moving to Pennsylvania in late Dec/early Jan. I am going to Penn State Harrisburg campus in the spring and I have never been to PA before so after doing research online I have become very confused about what areas to live in.
Since I am young (23) African American women, I am looking for an area that is

1. Safe

2. Somewhat hip having things to do

3. Culturally diverse a place I feel comfortable and welcomed not racist, seeing people that look like me and other groups

4. Place where people are friendly, close to my age, so I can meet people b/c I will not know anyone when I move there

5. Not too expensive 500-800 rent

Also I was thinking about living in Philly and commuting to Harrisburg since I have class only three days out the week from 6:15 – 9:15pm and have found some good part time jobs I am interested in applying to in Philly, that I have not seen in the Harrisburg area, Is commuting realistic I know it is a 90 min commute (train) should I just look for places in the Harrisburg area.

If I do live in Harrisburg what should I expect?

If you think it would be possible for me to commute what areas should I look to live in Philly? (because honestly I would prefer to live in Philly) With the above mentioned five criteria?

I am not a chicken little and don’t get scared by poverty etc never been sheltered so I understand crime etc is everywhere and can pretty much adapt to all surroundings but do want to feel comfortable… Nothing to crazy...

[newmarlig]

You might also what to post this on the general Pennsylvania board.

[john_starks]

harrisburg?

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by sw1242

Also I was thinking about living in Philly and commuting to Harrisburg

That would be tremendously awful.

[FindingZen]

I second the advice to post on the general PA forum.

Is there a specific major that the Harrisburg campus specializes in that attracts you. There are a couple Penn State campuses in the Philly area as well. The Abington campus, for example, is conveniently located just north of the city.

Without knowing the Harrisburg area specifically, I can say that the hip/diversity quotient will fall dramatically the further you get from Philly.

If you're willing to find a roommate then virtually all of Center City (downtown) is your oyster. Otherwise, recommending a neighborhood within your preferred rental range would largely depend on the location of those part-time jobs you're considering... as well as where you're ultimately going to school.

Originally Posted by sw1242

I should be moving to Pennsylvania in late Dec/early Jan. I am going to Penn State Harrisburg campus in the spring and I have never been to PA before so after doing research online I have become very confused about what areas to live in.
Since I am young (23) African American women, I am looking for an area that is

1. Safe

2. Somewhat hip having things to do

3. Culturally diverse a place I feel comfortable and welcomed not racist, seeing people that look like me and other groups

4. Place where people are friendly, close to my age, so I can meet people b/c I will not know anyone when I move there

5. Not too expensive 500-800 rent

Also I was thinking about living in Philly and commuting to Harrisburg since I have class only three days out the week from 6:15 – 9:15pm and have found some good part time jobs I am interested in applying to in Philly, that I have not seen in the Harrisburg area, Is commuting realistic I know it is a 90 min commute (train) should I just look for places in the Harrisburg area.

If I do live in Harrisburg what should I expect?

If you think it would be possible for me to commute what areas should I look to live in Philly? (because honestly I would prefer to live in Philly) With the above mentioned five criteria?

I am not a chicken little and don’t get scared by poverty etc never been sheltered so I understand crime etc is everywhere and can pretty much adapt to all surroundings but do want to feel comfortable… Nothing to crazy...

[sw1242]

The campus I am going to is were my graduate program is located at....

[pman]

If I were in your situation and were to live in harrisburg, I'd live downtown or whatever the area right by the station is. it's fairly lively and there's as much to do there as anywhere out there, probably more. you're a 90-105 min ride from Philly. If you were to live in Philly, you certainly would want to consider taking on a roommate though you can find places for 700-800 (even less if you're not picky) in center city or in close neighborhoods. you can walk to the train since I imagine a car wouldn't be on your list in philly. your main problem is the last train to Philly is 9:15 pm.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by sw1242

The campus I am going to is were my graduate program is located at....

Harrisburg would be your better bet IMO. After 4 hours-plus of commuting to and from Philly, you would be in no condition for the socializing you might hope to do here.

[sw1242]

My classes will be mon, tue and wed so I would not be planning any social activites those days so it would not be a problem. Also dont know anyone in PA really so when I first get there I probably wont be doing to much until I make friends (hopefully)

[kyle19125]

You might consider the King of Prussia/Conshohocken area. There are a number of younger singles living there because many employers fled the city due to high taxes. It still places you pretty close to the city, but you lose a good chunk of bad traffic coming/to from Harrisburg.