Moving to Philly, within 2 and a half weeks (Scranton, Franklin Park: apartments, house)

[slo1987]

Hi, everyone.

I'll be relocating to Philly because a job opportunity has come up for me (I'll be coming from the Scranton area). The job is in New Jersey, but I've had no luck with finding somewhere in NJ to live (for various reasons), so I decided to just up my commute time and live in Philly. The job starts Dec. 12, so I'm looking to move ASAP. I've been to Philly a handful of times, so I like the city but don't know enough to where I know exactly the right neighborhood for me.

I'm a single, 24-year-old girl and I'd be living on my own, so safety is one of my main concerns. I'd rather live in a safe but boring area and drive/take transportation to entertainment, nightlife, etc. I'd like to be close to basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.). So I guess the ideal would be safe, close to nightlife and close to those basic services.

My budget would be around $1000 (slightly higher if utilities are included) and I'll have a car. I looked into Phillycarshare, but because I'll be commuting, I think it makes more sense to keep my own vehicle.

Tomorrow I have appointments to see Park Towne Place Apartments (2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway), Chancellor Apartments (206 S. 13th Street) and Cloverly Park (437 W School House Lane). So far, reading ratings of these places doesn't inspire a lot of confidence, but it's hard to tell who's fair and who's just disgruntled.

I'll be making more appointments to see other places as well. I was wondering if any of you had any experience with any of the above places, and also what my best bet neighborhood-wise would be.

Thanks!

[newmarlig]

Where in NJ is the job? Do you know if it's within walking distance of the High Speed Line?

[slo1987]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Where in NJ is the job? Do you know if it's within walking distance of the High Speed Line?

The job is in Plainsboro. The office building doesn't really look like it's within walking distance of much public transportation (maybe a bus stop, I think).

[newmarlig]

Ok - that's near Princeton. You'd be best off living close to I-95 in the center city area. My first suggestion would be Queen Village. Then Old City and Northern Liberties. Another place to look would be Delaire Landing Apartments. It's in the northeast, again close to I-95. That's a gated community.

[slo1987]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Ok - that's near Princeton. You'd be best off living close to I-95 in the center city area. My first suggestion would be Queen Village. Then Old City and Northern Liberties. Another place to look would be Delaire Landing Apartments. It's in the northeast, again close to I-95. That's a gated community.

Thanks for the reply. I've started checking out some places in those areas, and put in some requests for more info on them. Thanks for the help.

[frankgn87]

Your job is in Plainsboro NJ? Thats an hour from Philly. Way too far for a daily commute. + you are going to get banged with city wage tax if you live In the city. Plus you are worried about safety? The big city is not where you want to be then. If you must live in pa, try Lower or central Bucks county. That part of Jersey is a wonderful area. Id recommend staying up around your job.

[slo1987]

Originally Posted by lajones

You should try looking at Manayunk, Society Hill, or Northen Liberties.

Thank you for the suggestions.

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Your job is in Plainsboro NJ? Thats an hour from Philly. Way too far for a daily commute. + you are going to get banged with city wage tax if you live In the city. Plus you are worried about safety? The big city is not where you want to be then. If you must live in pa, try Lower or central Bucks county. That part of Jersey is a wonderful area. Id recommend staying up around your job.

I've searched for somewhere to live in the area near my job and it hasn't worked out. As it gets closer to the start time for my job, it's looking like less and less of a possibility to be near it. I've already resigned myself to a commute, and I've done similar in the past. (I have looked at places in Bucks county. I'm waiting to hear back from some of them.)

I've lived in a city that's been called the "murder capital of western Europe" multiple times. I know how to handle myself in a big city, but that's no reason for me not to worry about it.

At this point, I need to explore all options.

[Avalon08]

Well, I figured Plainsboro was pretty far since I never even heard of it. I've gotta say, I would definitely not want to commute that distance every day. If you are determined to be in the Philly metro area, I'd be looking up in Bucks County, as close as possible to the state line.

[frankgn87]

keep in mind that if you live in the city and commute every day and if you say.. make $50k a year.. Expect to pay about another $450+ month for the wage tax and the commute costs (maybe more)

[kidphilly]

I know many people who commute to the Plainsboro/Princeton Rt 1 corrider it can be done but is about an hour each way.

Best of luck