Advice Please! LA to Philly in two weeks. (Franklin, Girard: sublease, sublet)

[lastscer]

Hi guys,

I am relocating from LA to Philly in two weeks. My new job will be in Center City and that's also where I want to rent an apt. If possible, I would like to sign the lease over the fax or on the day I arrived in Philly in mid May. Below are some questions I have about the area. Any help is appreciated!

-Could someone recommend a few apt you or your friends have lived in that are safe and free of rats & roaches in CC? I tried all the ones with good reviews but nothing was available at my price range (Ben's house, Roosevelt apt, 2400 chestnut)

-The only possibility I found was Loft 640 on 640 North Broad Street. It is a bit further north from Center City, is it a safe area? Has anyone lived there before?

- I am Chinese. Living in Chinatown is an alternative for me. But from what I read some blocks in Chinatown is not as safe as others. Is there any good places to stay in Chinatown?

When are you moving?
Mid May

Where are you coming from?
LA

Why are you moving?
Job change

Where will you be working?
Center City

Have you been here yet?
Once for interview

Will you buy or rent?
Rent

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
No preference, <1200

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?
No preference

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
Married no kid, wife will arrive in 2 months.

Do you have pets?
No

Are you keeping a car?
No

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
Calm and quiet

What do you want to be closest to?
Work > Chinatown > the rest

[Lenses & Lights.]

You want quiet & calm but want to live in Center City, possibly Chinatown? Good luck. I'm originally from Philly but have been in LA for a long time now but I do know that CC is pretty busy from about 5 or 6 AM until 10 this time of the year and sometimes later (12AM -4AM) depending on how many resturaunts, bars, or nite clubs are in the area.

I would repost this if you haven't recieved the response that you're looking for.. Good luck in your search.

[kidphilly]

Generally speaking the safest neighborhoods in CC are from South to Girard and front to the Schykyl - these also mostly afford and opportunity to be able to walk. If you you are living and working in CC you may not need a car at all but that will be your choice. Personally I recommend areas south of Market but they can also be a little pricier. the 640 N Broad is a fringe neighborhood in terms of safety and amenities. Chinatown may be a better fit honestly based on what you described. Also this area is closer proximity to much of what is going on in CC. In terms of quiet you may want to consider areas like Queen Village and Bella Vista - much quiterer but still very close to many things - just avoid South, and Bainbrdge Sts if you are looking for more piece and quiet.

Good luck on your search - maybe try craigslist or a sublet for a month or two if possible to get the feel of the city

Hope you enjoy Philly!

[FindingZen]

I would agree with all of the above. Center City itself is a pretty compact and walkable two square miles although some surrounding are convenient and interesting.

I believe the Oakwood apartments have corporate housing. If you can handle the premium for a month, it would give you a chance to get your bearings. Making a year commitment to a place across the country sight unseen would be a gamble. Not that there's anything wrong with the three places you're already looking into. (2400 Chestnut and Benjamin Franklin House, at least. I don't know anything about Roosevelt.)

[lastscer]

Thank you so much guys. I decided to find a sublease for a couple months before signing a long term one. It seems like a lot of college students are subleasing their rooms in the summer.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by lastscer

Thank you so much guys. I decided to find a sublease for a couple months before signing a long term one. It seems like a lot of college students are subleasing their rooms in the summer.

That's the best idea. Good luck.