Submitted by AutoModerator t3_107cogv in philadelphia
Thinking of Moving to Philly or recently moved to the area? Ask your Questions Here!
Submitted by AutoModerator t3_107cogv in philadelphia
Thinking of Moving to Philly or recently moved to the area? Ask your Questions Here!
If you're looking to move into a larger apartment building, you can start looking now. The management company will generally know what apartments will be available for your move-in date even if they aren't listed online. You can have the whole process done 2 months before your actual move-in date.
If you're going for something operated by a private landlord or smaller leasing company, give yourself 2 months to start browsing and really get serious about it in late March. Personally, I'd aim to avoid unnecessary stress and have everything squared away in the first few days of April.
Are the West Lofts on 47th st a good place to live? I saw some reviews on google and it seemed like it had some issues when it was first being constructed.
Just some thoughts from someone who lives nearby and considered moving there: The apartments themselves look awesome and cheap. Located close to the El but also sandwiched between two busy streets. That part of west philly is less gentrified than the neighborhoods closer to Baltimore Ave. Also that construction equipment and chain link fence have been up forever. When are they actually going to landscape? Also that building is the former site of West Philly high school. In a city with a criminally underfunded school system, some may take issue living in an old school that was sold to private developers.
Thank you for the insight! I’ll consider that when moving out
Perfectly fine area and building. Locals are vocal online like everyone but in general no one cares you live there. It’s right near garden court apts which are getting a 13 story addition soon so there may be construction noises in the near future. Otherwise very friendly neighborhood and close the the el/42/21/64 and Baltimore Ave trolley. Tons of stuff to do at Clark park.
Im moving to the city from out of state in about a little less than a month. I never lived in a city before so I’m a little excited and also nervous. Im also moving out of my parents house, so I need to make a life for myself. How do you make friends in the city?
You can find the many answers to this if you search the philadelphia subreddit. Here are a few quick ideas. Join a sports league. I met some great people through Heyday Sports. Philly has a discord channel where there are a huge number of different activities promoted. Volunteer. Welcome to the city!
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I teach improv classes and at least 3 or 4 people every class sign up because they're new in town and wanted to make friends. You've got options with Crossroads Comedy, Philly Improv Theater, and ComedySportz :)
Where can I find Charlie Was A Sinner vibes with non-alcoholic drinks in Rittenhouse? (not sober, just don't drink)
The vibes: dark, vintage, cozy sexy
anyone know any clubs I can join?
so i’m 26F i moved back to philly (live in center city) 6 months or so ago to start my first “real job.” things are going okay except I feel like im going to die alone because im not making new friends and dating is absolutely tragic. when I say this people and my therapist say “go out and meet people in real life!! join clubs” okay where? there are some okay options on meetup but I was really hoping to find something more in line with my interests plus a lot of them are online only and i’ve been trying to get out of the house for something other than work. i don’t really use social media so maybe i’m missing some things on FB. things I like include houseplants, crafts, home improvement projects, nonfiction books, traveling, trying new foods/restaurants. if anyone knows of any events/groups that might align please let me know where I can find them. thanks!
Philaqueens is a a FB group that a ton of Philly women use as a way to meet new people! I’ve seen the group organize sports games, exercise classes, dinners, etc. for members. There are also a lot of women who post looking for new friends. Also, I know a lot of people do HeyDay intramural sports when the weather gets nicer.
you should take a free class at fleisher art memorial
There’s a Philly Girls Who Walk group that gets together maybe once or twice a month - I’ve never gone but seems like it could be a way to make friends. They have an instagram page, even if you aren’t on social much you could check the page from time to time to see what’s coming up? You could also check out the free library’s culinary center (food-related workshops and events), or something like a class at the new Philly Cheese School.
Just some general advice on this subject that I'm trying to follow myself: Don't let perfect get in the way of good. What I mean by that is stop expecting to find a perfect club to join based on online descriptions, and just start somewhere by showing up
I joined a running club for this purpose. There are clubs all over the city, some more chill than others. I've found it's a great way to meet new people, make friends, explore the city on foot, and exercise! Philly Runner has a great list: https://philadelphiarunner.com/running-groups-in-philly
Edit: in case you're not a runner or are unfamiliar with the idea of a running club, don't be scared off thinking it's some crazy hardcore thing. Plenty of groups (incl the one I run with, Passyunk Beer & Java Runners) are full of just regular people, many who run slowly but enjoy doing so with others.
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Fitler Club has been excellent for us
34 and single with a good career, looking to sell my house in the burbs and rent in the city for a year or two while I can. I'm pretty isolated down here and am interested in meeting people. Suggestions on neighborhoods to look into?
Tbh olde Kensington (West of fishtown, east of temple) is swarmed with new development and is surrounded by other apts with 25 to 40 somethings and a fun bar/ food scene. Might be worth looking into
Grad Hospital, Queen Village, East Passyunk
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I am overwhelmed by the number of Septa fare options. There are too many variations of everything. I mostly take the bus and sometimes take the BSL, and also regional rail maybe 2x a week on different lines, mostly weekends. I don’t use public transit every day but feel more comfortable having the option to. Which pass would make the most sense to get?
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Thank you! That’s what I was leaning towards but every time I read about the other options I start questioning myself. Trial and error I guess. I also didn’t realize you could have both a Transpass and wallet on the same card.
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I haven’t been taking enough trips so far to justify it because I’ve mostly been unpacking and settling in, but I’ve been venturing out more and I know my usage is only going to increase (I don’t have a car).
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TransPass are valid on Regional Rail on weekends, so TransPass is the highest level you would need. If you take more than 12 trips (0 or 1 transfers each) per week, the pass is cheaper. If not, PAYG is cheaper. Count RR trips as 2-3 trips for pricing purposes.
If you will take more than 48 trips in the month, go for the monthly pass.
Note that all the passes are Calendar Week or Calendar Month, NOT 7-day/30-day as you would expect.
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Travel question for potential new job!
How do you get from the William H Gray 30th Street Amtrak station to the regional rail 30th street station?
So they’re in the same building. The main part of the station is where Amtrak boards. There’s a ramp adjacent to the northwest side of the main hall that takes you up the stairwells that lead to the elevated regional rail platforms.
ah, thank you!
It's the same station, you just have to walk up a ramp (indoors) to get from the Amtrak side to the SEPTA side.
do you mind describing where the ramp is? I know where the food/vendors are but ive never been really around inside
So the food/vendors are towards the Market Street side of the station. The connection between SEPTA and Amtrak is in the opposite direction on the 30th Street side. The 29th Street side is where the taxi stand is and the 30th Street side is where you'd catch a rideshare.
There are also signs when you enter and you can ask staff for help. They are typically pretty nice. I took regional rail for the first time a few months ago and it was so easy. I gave myself an extra 10 min to find my way around just to be safe!
They're in the same building, you just walk inside around the corner - takes 2min
>do you mind describing where the ramp is? I know where the food/vendors are but ive never been really around inside
do you mind describing where the ramp is? I know where the food/vendors are but ive never been really around inside
You can just say 30th Street station from now on
I’m thinking about relocating to Philly in the next year or so. I have a long term partner and a new puppy, what neighborhoods would be good for walkability, parks, restaurants, museums and art? I also love hidden gems.
Thank you!
Spring Garden. Fairmount. Old City. Center city. East Passayunk. Rittenhouse. Brewerytown. Northern Liberties. West Poplar. Germantown. Mt Airey.
Rittenhouse/fitler square/logan square
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Any recommendations for short term rentals in the main line area? Specifically bryn mawr or Ardmore? I’m moving to Philadelphia a couple of months ahead of my wife and need a crash pad in the meantime.
If you dont mind just a room theres some good selections on airbnb ~ possibly even full places if you're lucky
Anyone know any good gyms around center city/Washington square west area.
Just joined at city fitness at 12 and market. It is NICE.
Second city fitness
Thank you will definitely check them out. JW How much are you paying per month?
So yeah it is on the pricier side. And completing some gym tasks gets you 10 off a month. So this is the first gym I’ve ever joined because im an anxious baby, I’m not going out to bars anymore so thats whats substituting for my budget. Everyone is nice and there arent people filming themselves for social media. Very pleasant.
Cheapest membership at City Fitness is about $80 per month.
Where are the dangerous parts of philly?
Thanks so much for posting that link. I've been trying to parse neighborhood crime information and never came across this map. A similar map was absolutely vital for us when we were figuring out where to buy back when we still lived in New Orleans, so this is hugely helpful! <3
Glad to help. In a comment just below I also linked the PPD crime map that has other crime categories.
Oh and if you're moving to Philly and might vote in the Mayoral election next Nov, I'll plug that this map was created by the city's Office of the Controller under former Controller Rebecca Rhynhart, who resigned in order to run for Mayor. This is just one example of her work in office that makes me want to vote for her.
Excellent to know - thank you! I'll absolutely be digging into candidates.
We'd moved up to Boston a few years ago for my spouse's job, but we'll be priced out entirely once our lease is up in the summer. Loved Philadelphia (felt so much like home in N.O.), though, so it seems like a quick bounce a few hours south. These weekly moving threads are so helpful.
I'm having a hard time reconciling that data vs. what I see on my local citizen/fb group/next door app.
This dataset seems like a lot less than what I was expecting.
Lol, I can't tell if you're making a joke, but just in case you're serious or for anyone else reading this who isn't sure: right, that's the most common criticism of those apps, that they tend to stoke fear needlessly. Of course, they report actual shootings but if you're not Batman, why do you need realtime updates on every shooting? Also, for every legitimate shooting, idiots report every other loud noise, of which the city has many. I do not consume those apps and have felt very safe in Point Breeze for two years now.
For add'l crime data, PPD has an interactive map but it's a little annoying to use (you have to draw the boundaries you want to search then select the time range, and it only shows up to like 1k results, so don't make your search too large): https://www.phillypolice.com/crime-maps-stats
Citizen is a disease and feeds the moral panic trend at a level local news could only dream of.
My coworkers are fucking hooked on it.
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Fairmount's great! It's got a river, parks, museums, and lots of walking space and groceries. Rittenhouse is cool too, but a lot more literal obstacles (for ex., small sidewalks, street solicitors, etc.) and imo more expensive.
I'm in real estate, and I always recommend newbies to the city stay pretty central. Rittenhouse, Center City, Midtown (Gayborhood). This will make getting used to the city a little easier and allow you to explore and find the neighborhood that suits you best.
Anyone have any experience with Old City apartment complexes such as The Ledger or One Water Street? I’m moving into the area, wanting to live in a complex so I would be appreciative to any experience you could share!
Not those 2 in particular (although I toured The Ledger), but lived in 2 Old City complexes at one point. The amenities are nice and if you shell out for a nice unit - upper floors, good views its pretty sweet but extremely expensive.
Storage is typically not great and walls will most likely be thin. One Water Street will be noise from the Patco train.
Dont live in a unit close to the trash room on the floor - smell but more importantly noise from other tenants opening/slamming the door, loading the trash bin.
I've since opted for a smaller/older building in Old City. Dont hear as much neighbor noise, less expensive, but lack the amenities like a roof deck, fitness room, community room, pool etc.
One Water skews young and can be loud. Same with 218 Arch. One Water has a dog park across the street, which is a nice touch. The View has the best amenities (I think), but the name is ironic as you either face the mint or the highway. Did you look at Chocolate Works or The National?
218 was one of the ones I lived it. I liked it overall, and yeah younger crowd. I toured both Chocolate and National. I stayed away from The View ..they had major flooding and mold remediation work..check their older user reviews on Google. They also had an entire floor for AirBnB type rentals and seemed like a dumpster fire. Not sure if still the case.
As for the lack of amenities: the new Old City City Fitness is offering discounted memberships for a limited time. We bought in a very small condo building and signed up! I do miss Carl from 218 though and make excuses to go say hello
Can anyone recommend a good apartment complex in East Falls?
Hi, I am planning to move to Philadelphia For a 6 months fellowship At Will’s Eye hospital, do you have any suggestion for a good apartment near the hospital ?
Hi! I grew up in NJ, but moved away when I was 18, and at 27, I’m moving back to the area for a job in northern Philly. I left on the shore so I’m not incredibly familiar with the neighborhoods around Philly, but wanted to know the ideal neighborhoods in the area. I’ll be working at the the northern airport (PNE), so anything within 40 min is great. I noticed a lot of housing on the south side is much cheaper but that’s a huge drive from what I can tell. I’m looking for something in the 300-325k range that will actually provide some sort of square footage (maybe around 3 bed, 1400 sqft~). Thank you!
Summoning our resident fairygodrealtor u/decentchinesefood
!!! Thanks for the mention, /u/Brahette!
/u/unboundgaming: I would easily suggest Port Richmond as a great fit.
It's in between some fun neighborhoods (Fishtown, Northern Liberties) and the northeast airport (20 minute drive).
My buyers who have purchased in this area like it for the prices. $300K range is more than enough to get 1400 square feet, an outdoor space, and 3 bedrooms. Unlike Fishtown and further south, where that prices will buy you less and less in terms of space and amenities.
I agree that South Philly would be quite a drive for you, especially considering that housing is more expensive on the east side of Broad, generally.
Welcome back to the area!
Thank you so much! I’m looking now. We have two dogs so a little space in the back would be nice, don’t need a ton of room but more than a 10ftx10ft area. Fingers crossed, I’ll keep you in mind if we end up buying soon
Do you help with people wanting to rent too?
Hi, I do. Can you DM me with what you're looking for?
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Open DJ deck nights?
Hi there! Looking to see if there are any spots that have open decks for house or techno DJs? Ideally one that’s conducive to playing out some new original material. Just moved back to the northeast after being away for a decade, so I’m not as plugged into the scene here anymore.
Cheers, magicjar
Is it common and feasible to commute from Philly to Delaware? Is Amtrak reliable?
I did it for years. Had a number of co-workers do it too. SEPTA is the correct train to take ha. There's an express train that skips a lot of the delco stops in the morning you want to take. The real question is where you are working in Delaware. Downtown Wilmington is the easiest to get too.
I wouldn't say it's common but there are people who do it, mostly in the other direction. Feasibility depends where you are on both sides. The NE Regional had a 65% on time rate, with "on time" being up to 25 minutes late. So... Not great.
SEPTA has a better track record and better prices/more flexibility.
Best places to move for making friends in mid twenties? I WFH (which I dislike) and have been socially isolated my whole life so I'm kind of shy and introverted. It's also my first time living in a city so I don't know what to look for in terms of night life and social hobbies.
Visiting I really liked East Passyunk but I worry it's mostly 30s-with-kids and I'll have a hard time connecting. Fairmount seemed nice, maybe more of what I am looking for. When I go back I want to check out NoLibs and fishtown more.
Fishtown, east/olde kensington area. Tons of young professionals starting out in life.
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I plan to move to Philly in a couple months. I've narrowed it down to Logan Square (where I work) or Washington Square West/Society Hill. I don't plan on keeping a car and want to enjoy the restaurants and bars the city has to offer (not too much of a club/late night type of guy). I LOVE greenery and a nice walkable neighborhood. I'm single and these places look like a place a young professional can go out and meet people, but also spend a wonderful day exploring solo. What do you guys think?
I live in Washington Square West and love it. I don't have a car so I walk everywhere or use the bus system. There are a lot of parks, neighborhood restaurants/bars, shops, and grocery stores.
Has anyone here used neighbor.com to secure a long term parking spot/garage ?
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Why does the city insist on picking up the trash and recycling from 8-9am on Monday?! Who thought that was a good idea? Traffic is so gridlocked, takes 10+min to go from South Street to Walnut.
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I agree in general but I guess they could theoretically do it overnight... Would be hard on people who already have a tough job though and I assume the pay would not increase as compensation for working the night shift.
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I have a toddler, I get woken up 2-3x every night. I also live off a bus route with a road currently covered by a metal plate with a hole beneath it....my life is already filled w a sad amount of sleeplessness that I'm now remembering is not normal.
Okay so for the record, there is trash and recycling pickup every weekday, not just Monday. The workforce they would have to have to get it all done one day of the week for a city this size would be insane.
Night work isn't likely for both the reasons you mentioned and because people would go apeshit over the noise.
Sorry for not being clear but I did mean overnight every day. Kind of like how in Boston they do street sweeping overnight in certain areas. I didn't think about the noise though! Good point. Also dang the number of downvotes I got for one slightly misguided idea is hilarious. It's just a conversation, jeez.
No, you can pick up at 4-6am and there will be much less of an impact. SF did this and never sat in traffic. LA would do midday which was marginally better. But rush hour on Monday mornings is not a great idea. The city apparently is testing pick-ups between 7pm Sun and 7am Mon but I don't think they've actually followed through with that.
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helium_hydrogen t1_j3mbozs wrote
Not a new resident but a moving question nonetheless.
My lease ends April 30th and I'm looking to sign a new one by mid-April. How early is too early to be looking/applying for places?