I am looking for a place in the center city. I have been to the city once and checked out a few places such as the sterling apartment on the 1815 John F Kennedy Blvd. The place is too expensive, $1300 for a small studio with rent including no utilities.

I am now paying 900 a month for a spacious 1-bed apartment in a small town. The only additional cost, the electric bill, is less than $100 a month. I am willing to pay $500 more to enjoy the convenience of living in a city. Not sure what kind of place this budget can get.

I work from home most of the days. I'd love to walk downstairs after a day's work alone at home, and the grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores, flowershops, and restaurants are right there. The sterling apartment I just mentioned above seems to be in a district where there is no body walking on a Saturday.

I do need to commute to work two days a week. so the place should be within walking distance to a train station.

any suggestion? thanks

For $1500/month, I'd suggest looking slightly north or south of CC.

Western JFK is a dead zone on weekends, as it's part of the city's financial district.

There are good, interesting neighborhoods in CC (Rittenhouse, Old City, Fitler Square, etc) that have plenty of life and activity on the weekends, but they are all off of the Market/Broad corridors. There are also areas outside of CC proper (Bella Vista, Northern Liberties, Fairmont, Northern South Philly, etc) that are all within easy commuting distance of CC and which have their own life.

I'd strongly suggest looking for an apartment in a converted house as they represent the bulk of Philly's rental stock. Luxury apartments like the one you mention are fairly uncommon here and command a premium.

Go down to the Forum called "Ask a Philly Friend" and read all the appropriate posts for information.

__________________
Forget it Jake……It’s CHINATOWN!

Live where ever you want - just don't be on the street after about midnight. look on craigslist - come to riverwest 21st and chestnut and look at the book of available rentals. apts go for 1350 up all utilities included. although coupled with my earlier post this morning not sure you will take the recommendation.

__________________
Beware of KILLER PONIES!!!
see (my opinion) best of PB thread 2007 "center-city-unsafe-hellish"
favorite daily show vid. http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/in...piscolypse-now

seriously? awesome advice.

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?

Ummm you can find less expensive apts in nice, vibrant areas of the city. Check out the washington square west, society hill, queens village, etc. I wouldn't be so quick to spend at the top of your budget as rents can only go up. Definitely check out craigslist.

Good luck with your search

thank you for your suggestion.

I do need to take the train at either suburban station or 30th station to work. Society hill might be too far for walk.

I might need to go to the city again this week to check out more places.

If you need to catch a regional rail train keep in mind you can catch those at Maket East also

ok, so where are you/will you work?
This will help us with your question.
walking a few blocks to the subway and then riding it across town is very easy.