Living in a densely populated city like Philadelphia, New York, or Chicago is different than living in the suburbs or in the country, and it is different than living in big western cities like Phoenix, or Dallas, or even Los Angeles.
Philadelphia is a densely populated -- especially the Center City area. In South Philly, Northern Liberties, and even Fairmount, which border Center City, a car is more of a necessity and less of a burden.
Life in Center City Philadelphia is enjoyable for those of us prefer walking to driving, and who like the conveniences, and the "buzz" of city life. Center City Philadelphia is parks, restaurants, shopping, museums, churches, all packed into a couple square miles where a couple hundred thousand people live, work, and relax.
Finding a place to live once you have decided on Center City.
1. Spend some time in the city in a hotel or Bed and Breakfast near where you want to live. A block or two can make a big difference in a place you want to live and a place you don't.
2. Use Craigslist. Check out the short-term rental
3. Do Web searches.
4. Talk to the locals.
5. Leasing agencies. Our worst experience in leasing was with Philadelphia Management Corporation (PMC), which I have to say is as unresponsive as any landlord can be. Maintenance help from Philadelphia Management Corporation is usually a 3 - 7 day wait. Elevators break, fire alarms go off, and good luck getting all of your deposit back.
I had three leases with three different agencies in my 2 years living in Center City. One was a nine month lease, one was a three month lease, and the last, PMC was a one year. The only one I had problems with was the last, Philadelphia Management Corporation.
Summary: Unless money is not an issue and you want to pay an agent to find something for you I suggest starting with Craigslist and a general web search. Don't be surprised if people do not call you back. Our experience and the experience of friends was that dealing with an individual or a small company is much preferable to most leasing agencies.
Divisions in the general area called Center City.
1. Rittenhouse Square -- probably the most expensive area in Center City, but also the one with most amenities for the resident. And the safest.
2. Museum District -- a good area but flooded with tourists on weekends.
3. Washington Square -- good, better prices than Rittenhouse, but the park is less crowded.
4. Old City -- I love walking through Old City. I don't think there are many rentals there. Very crowded on weekends with tourists visiting Independence Hall
5. Society Hill -- same as Old City
6. Fairmount -- good for students, singles, and some sections have young families moving in. Many college students but it appears on the graduate level.
3 years ago
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