Moving to Philly in January-cheap place to live (Chester, Darby: apartments, lease)

[Carollia]

I'll be moving to Philly sometime in January-second week probably- I just graduated from school and got this part-time position at Temple University that pays $1800 per month, I don't know how much that means after taxes. Would that be enough to survive in Philly? I guess I'll have to share my place with roommates, which I don't mind. I don't own a car so I'd rely on public transportation. I won't have cable or any other commodity. This is temporary while I find something better. Any advice about a cheap place where to live, close to Temple or close to public transportation stations, would be greatly appreciated

[MikeNigh]

I suppose since things are temp etc I'd recommend roommates in a decent area close to a subway stop.

[2e1m5a]

Yeah, I'd look in South Philly along the Broad Street Line for a roommate situation with no lease. I'd imagine your net pay would be about $1400 per Month after all taxes, which is completely doable.

A general rule of thumb is to spend about 33% or less of your income on housing costs-which will be ~$500 for you.
Most 3 Bedroom rowhomes in South Philly rent for less than $1500.

[Carollia]

Thanks!! that helps. I just hope South Philly is a safe -and quiet-place to live

[RightonWalnut]

Most of South Philly is very nice or gentrifying and becoming very nice. Just stay away from Point Breeze/Grays Ferry area for the time being.

Making $1800 a month, you're going to need roommates. You could also look in Manayunk. Try looking for a place that will be $400-$500 in rent a month per person.

[nosyneighbors]

Is it possible for you to supplement your income with either another job or a small home based business?
My suggestion is Delaware County: it is safe, inexpensive, green and leafy and has plenty of public transportaion options. The best deal for using SEPTA is to buy a monthly pass.

If you do decide on Delaware County, stay away from Chester, Darby, Trainer, Tinicum, and Marcus Hook and sections of Upper Darby. The newspaper the Delaware County Daily News (aka Delco Times) has many listings; Norwood, Ridley park and Prospect Park are inexpensive safe areas close to shopping and have a regional rail line (SEPTA). There are plenty of apartments there- I have seen one bedroom apartments for 675.00.
Don't get me wrong, living in Philly will be easier, but Delaware county is still pretty convenient and is an excellent alternative.

[Tryingtomovetodisney]

Try Port Richmond its not too bad.

[Whatdoesthefoxsay65]

I would try living in Templetown. You can find a nice apartment for about $650 each month, and you may have to share it with a roomate. But, you would be fairly close to class and the subway trains to get Downtown. Not to mention the fact there is a lot of restaurants and shops around there so you won't always be stuck going Downtown for everything.

If you choose Templetown, steer clear of anything above Susquhanna Ave, and further than 17th St; nothing less than 11th St.

[NJhighlands87]

Immediately off Campus from Temple there are some apartments that rent mostly to students, but not exclusively. Some of the newer buildings are pretty nice and close to campus. A lot of them indclucde cable, internet, and utilities too.