seeking suggestion on where to live in center city - Page 2 - PhillyBlog

Art VanDelay 30 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 05:39 AM

I would stay far from the Sterling that place is not worth the money. When I moved to Philly I narrowed it down to 2400 Chestnut and Museum Towers Id check out both of those places if I were you. Thats if you want to live in a apartment building as opposed to a brownstone. Most of the brownstones I checked out in my price range were in bad shape.

Green $treet · #12 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImOnlyHuman

Thank you so much for your replies.

I was in the city today and checked out a few places. I have two favorites at this point. I am interested in your opinion.

1. 2400 chestnut. The rent they offer is $1385 for a one-bed room apartment. I like it for the fact that most tenants are grad students and young professionals. This is a good fit for me as a university professor. Also, it is close to the 30th station and the parking is $99 a month. However, I do notice that the area is a bit "dead". I can't even find a coffee shop within two blocks (not 100% sure. I might have missed one). I am moving to the city to enjoy more social life. Not sure if this location will help achieving this goal.

2. 1500 locust. It is very pricey. The one I am considering is $1565/month. It is slightly bigger than the one at 2400 chestnut. The building has a year-round in-door pool and the gym is much better than 2400 chestnut as well. It also has some sort fitness classes for residents for free. I like the idea of not having to go outside of the building for swimming and excercise, especially valuable for winter time. And the leasing agent mentioned many social opportunities the building offers. (again, not sure if it is true. She is trying to rent the apt to me after all) The downside of the building are (1) higher rent and (2) expensive parking.

If I do choose 1500 locust, I guess I will have to sell my car. I can take the train to work. However, I have become quite dependent on my car and it is a bit hard for me to imagine life without car (I have never lived in a city before, so my worries may just not be justified). What happens to grocery shopping? Friends' parties? I can't expect my friend to pick me up every time there is a party at their house, right?

thanks.

Should I post this on ask-friend board?

Try the Windsor, at 1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy. It's a hotel/apartment building. The 1 bedrooms go for $1680 but can probably be had for a bit less if you negotiate. I know for certain there are a number of open units, so you probably have some leverage.

That price includes all utilities. The 1 bedrooms are large, huge closets, and -- best of all -- balconies that overlook the whole Parkway. Incredible views of Logan Circle, Love Park, the Art Museum and City Hall. You can't beat it.

Also, there's a rooftop pool and a decent gym included.

PM me for more info.

Green $treet · #13 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art VanDelay 30

I would stay far from the Sterling that place is not worth the money. When I moved to Philly I narrowed it down to 2400 Chestnut and Museum Towers Id check out both of those places if I were you. Thats if you want to live in a apartment building as opposed to a brownstone. Most of the brownstones I checked out in my price range were in bad shape.

I agree. The Sterling's management is apparently awful and the building has insect and rodent issues.

ThisWeekInPhill · #14 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 01:17 PM

The Windsor is nice, love the pool. I also agree with checking out Craigslist and even suggest subletting for a month or so in the area you think you want to be in just to be sure. We've done that and always been happy that we found out the bad things about the neighborhood before we committed to spending a year there. You can find some great deals without the committment.

fallofrain · #15 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImOnlyHuman

Thank you so much for your replies.

I was in the city today and checked out a few places. I have two favorites at this point. I am interested in your opinion.

1. 2400 chestnut. The rent they offer is $1385 for a one-bed room apartment. I like it for the fact that most tenants are grad students and young professionals. This is a good fit for me as a university professor. Also, it is close to the 30th station and the parking is $99 a month. However, I do notice that the area is a bit "dead". I can't even find a coffee shop within two blocks (not 100% sure. I might have missed one). I am moving to the city to enjoy more social life. Not sure if this location will help achieving this goal.

2. 1500 locust. It is very pricey. The one I am considering is $1565/month. It is slightly bigger than the one at 2400 chestnut. The building has a year-round in-door pool and the gym is much better than 2400 chestnut as well. It also has some sort fitness classes for residents for free. I like the idea of not having to go outside of the building for swimming and excercise, especially valuable for winter time. And the leasing agent mentioned many social opportunities the building offers. (again, not sure if it is true. She is trying to rent the apt to me after all) The downside of the building are (1) higher rent and (2) expensive parking.

If I do choose 1500 locust, I guess I will have to sell my car. I can take the train to work. However, I have become quite dependent on my car and it is a bit hard for me to imagine life without car (I have never lived in a city before, so my worries may just not be justified). What happens to grocery shopping? Friends' parties? I can't expect my friend to pick me up every time there is a party at their house, right?

thanks.

Should I post this on ask-friend board?

I'm not framiliar with 2400 chestnut but I have co-workers that live at 1500 locust. It is very nice and comfortable. Well maintained from what I understand - but very pricey.

Have you thought about Old City? Lots of grocery stores, resturants, bars, coffee shops, gyms, bakeries, art galleries, shops etc... pretty much everything you need w/in walking distance. Its little annoying on weekends toward Market but otherwise ok. Prices are also lower for larger spaces. You can take the El to 30th street station if you need to take a train. Northern Liberties may also give you a little more space for your $$ (although when I was looking I remember it wasn't that much more) and the El is there by 2nd and Spring Garden.

As far as living in the city w/out a car check out Philly Car Share. My fiance and I both got rid of our cars when we moved to the city 3 years ago.

trisarahtops · #16 (**permalink**) 06-21-2008, 02:11 PM

Washington sq west is the place to be. it's close to everything and you'll find 10 coffee shops AND a tea bar or two within a 2 block radius. Rates aren't that bad either. Also check out philadelphia weekly. and I'd recommend looking for one not more than 2 months in advance. See what you want, come back on PB and see if there are any threads for the landlord/management company to make sure u don't end up in a rut.
good luck!

azure · #17 (**permalink**) 06-21-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trisarahtops

Washington sq west is the place to be. it's close to everything and you'll find 10 coffee shops AND a tea bar or two within a 2 block radius. Rates aren't that bad either. Also check out philadelphia weekly. and I'd recommend looking for one not more than 2 months in advance. See what you want, come back on PB and see if there are any threads for the landlord/management company to make sure u don't end up in a rut.
good luck!

I agree.

stelu · #18 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 12:01 AM

Brian Barrabee Real Estate offers 1 bedroom apts in CC for $920-$1000, utilities included, last time I checked in March.

Neuronix · #19 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008, 08:50 AM

My 1BR in CC is $1050/mo. Sure I got it 2 years ago and the landlord hasn't raised the rent on me but things couldn't have gone up THAT MUCH in 2 years can they?

My old 1BR before that was $925/mo. For the amount of money you have to spend, you should have no problem finding something.

Your issue is that you're looking at big buildings. You are going to pay a lot more if you rent from one of the midrise buildings. Look at brownstones and you will make out much better, at least price-wise. Try the Philly Weekly listings (http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/cl...sifieds&type=1). They are put up Wednesday morning and the good places will be gone by the next day. Craig's List is getting better but it's still a lot of junk that just gets reposted over and over again.

Between the 3 rail stations you should be able to find something. I'm 6 blocks from 30th street station myself.