I'm in a particular season where I feel - just for now - that I can't give renters my full level of service. I pride myself on giving nothing but my absolute best, and while it pains me to say I can't take on renters for the time being, it pains me more to promise to help a renter, only to feel like I'm failing them.

All this to say: yes, in general. But not at this instant. I do have a few resources to point you toward, though. DM me!

And we became buds in the process! Super happy for you, and thanks for the kind words! :)

Nah. $3-4K is quite high end in terms of Philly rental budget, with a much smaller pool of competition.

It's a common misconception that you need to look for rental units 3+ months out. No units will be listed yet - no one's given their notice.

There are two best times to look: 60 days out, then again at 30 days out (definitely keep scouting in between).

The landlord for your future place hasn't even been told it's going to be vacant yet. They won't until May, if not June. While I understand preparedness, you're just far too early.

Hope that helps.

When summoned, I arrive! /u/mkc44, welcome to Philly!

Generally, I'm partial to the Northwest areas if someone says they need parking (Manayunk, East Falls, Mt. Airy, etc.). These areas also have plenty of outdoor space. Parking is just not really a thing in many other 'hoods, but you can occasionally find one in Northern Liberties or Old City.

For suburbs, there aren't a ton of rentals, but rather more listings for sale. My buyers generally like Jenkintown, Drexel Hill, and Bucks County. But that is very, very different than city life. I feel you should nail down first which kind of experience you want before pursuing housing. With keen eyes, you can definitely find some rentals, too.

Let me know if I can be helpful in any other way!

Seconding comment that says East Falls/Manayunk.

A lot of my buyers like the space, trees, and park access that this side of the city provides. We have some good local stuff (restaurants, bars) to walk to - and the home prices are great. Mt. Airy is a good choice, too. East Falls specifically is a progressive and inclusive neighborhood.

$425K is going to get you much more in the Northwest than in Fishtown, frankly. Especially if you're interested in a driveway/parking spot or easier parking in general. Close to downtown Manayunk being the exception here.

The access to Kelly Dr./Schuylkill River Trail is undeniably convenient up here. Plus, the train stations run throughout Northwest Philly to get you to Center City in 15 minutes for the upscale dining and drink spots.

I would not recommend Port Richmond if you want to easy access to the SRT. 676 traffic and/or side streets to cross the city won't be fun - and all just to enjoy the trail.

I realized I stated "my buyers", but also "we". Yes..I am a realtor, but I myself bought in East Falls in 2021 after 10 years in Fishtown. We love it for all the reasons listed above. :)

Done a lot of leasing. Like, a LOT.

My biggest tip: how an apartment looks when you're touring it is what you're going to get on move-in day.

Is it the perfect place, but the paint is chipping, the tub is moldy, and the door handle doesn't click properly? Then it's not the perfect place. Because if that's how the owner leaves the unit to be marketed, you can guarantee that when you show up, bright and happy to move into your new apartment, it's going to look like that.

Oh, and don't believe them when they promise they'll clean it all up / take care of it. Just find a difference place that will actually treat you like a tenant. There are lots of 'em!

Don't get me wrong, you are required to have working appliances, working heat, etc. That stuff will be in tact. It's those small updates/details that won't change between your showing and your move-in.

!! Hope you’re well, u/brahette! Thanks for the mention!

Thank you so much, u/helium_hydrogen!! :-)

It’s so freaking cool to meet people on here and then help them find an apartment or home. What a joy. Y’all seriously rule.

Realtor here! Many of my buyers from elsewhere (with families) who want some type of suburban/urban hybrid land on Manayunk/Mt. Airy/East Falls. Good local stuff to walk to, tree-lined streets, hopefully a driveway/garage. More space and quiet than most Philly neighborhoods.

Roxborough and the Far Northeast I wouldn't necessarily recommend (your safety concerns aside). They are just a bit too culture-less feeling for most folks. Think more chain stores, less corner businesses to enjoy, and lack of public transit.

There are great suburbs to consider, too! But first, I'd decide if you want Philly proper.

Done a lot of leasing. This all depends on if you can afford the rent (and get qualified) on your own.

If you are looking for a $1600/mo and can get accepted on just your income and credit alone, I'd vote to find the place you want and then find the right roommate.

If you cannot float that per month, and/or your take-home pay doesn't qualify for that amount, I suggest finding a roommate first. Both incomes will be considered (keep in mind, both credit scores will be, too), and as a team you have much stronger potential to qualify. They will be on the lease with you.

In the former example, you would be "subleasing" a room. The upside is, you get to pick the apartment, your bedroom, the furniture, etc. The downside is, if your sub-leaser doesn't pay their rent, you can't take that up with the landlord. It's on you.

To you and anyone else reading this: if you ever need a background/credit/eviction check on someone, I have access to a top tier service for this and I'll do it for you for free. The person getting run (for instance, your tenant or subtenant) has to pay for the check. But my time and effort to do it for you are free. :)

Realtor here, I've had buyers consider Bridgeport before. It's pretty relaxed, with decent access to Center City via regional rail. Definitely some stuff to walk to. Probably similar to Oaklyn!

Prices aren't bloated, which is cool. Typical 3-beds are around $320-$330K, but I've shown listings as low as $270K before there. So, I like that.

Not sure if you own or rent out in NJ, but property taxes there are $2-4K more per year, in general. Bridgeport's taxes look in line with Philly, and much more manageable.

Hi, I do. Can you DM me with what you're looking for?

!!! 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!

Realtor here - I've helped five people from the Lone Star state find homes this year! From different places, too - San Antonio, Houston, Austin, etc.

If you can DM me where in Texas you're from, and what neighborhood you moved to in Philly, I'd be happy to make an introduction based on the best fit.

Plus, I'll be your friend, too. Boom.

Edit: SUCCESS! DM received, introductions made. :)

My answer depends on what you mean by "a bit of work". If you're talking cosmetic upgrades like swapping cabinets and ripping out carpet, then OK. My clients that fix/flip or buy/hold tend to target Mt. Airy, West Philly, and Fishtown for this type of job.

If you truly want to renovate, you're talking about updating the systems (plumbing, electrical), the windows, etc. You're replacing 80% of the bathroom and kitchen. If you're going to do that, you're going to make a decent return on any rentable Philly neighborhood.

FWIW - many buyers who tell me they intend to "renovate" really mean some cosmetic upgrades.

Realtor here! Been lucky to help folks move to Philly this month from Texas (my fifth client from the Lone Star State this year), Maryland, and LA! Mix of renting and buying.

Here for any and all questions. My latest inquiries on Reddit have been about rising interest rates (and how to workaround them), how to take advantage of a slowing rental market, and how much the Sopranos house recently sold for ($3.4MM).

Fire away! Love y'all.