Hi,

I'll be moving up from DC at the beginning of August and have been up a few times the last two months to look for a place when I move. Anyone have any advice good realty companies (I've heard some horror stories from friends as well as read some good posts on this blog)? Also, I'll be working out in West Philly off of Conshohocken Ave (Wynnefield Heights) and was told that this would be a good area to be in as far as commuting out there by bus would be 30-45 minutes, which is fine. Does anyone have any idea how any advice/info on the buses here? I've caught them a couple times and think that they're ok, but people either tell me they're great or that I'll need a car. Any advice on Fairmont vs. Brewerytown as far as safety, conveniences (grocery store, bank, etc)? I'm looking for a modest one bedroom and would like to pay no more than $850/mo. Is that realistic in the Art Museum/Fairmont area? And I don't know if anyone has experience with short notice, but I don't get my relocation expenses (the first half of them) from my new job until July 15th. Is it realistic to be able to find a place during the last two weeks of July that will be ready for an August 1st move? Sorry for such a long post, but I could use all the help/advice anyone has to offer.

Thanks,

Zai

Well, my first advice would be to spell FairmoUnt correctly.

Then as follows:

Depends on where you're going. It might take a while. Check out www.septa.org for more info.

It's conveniently inconvenient around here. Banks, yes. Grocery stores, sort of. Klein's has a decent selection. There's an awful CVS, a palatable RiteAid. Whole Paycheck is near. I heard rumors of a Trader Joe's. Large portions of groceries would be most easy to acquire if you have a car (or sign up for Philly Car Share, but don't get whiny and righteous about it... ahem...). Great eats, lots of bars. Nice park to walk/run/play in.

I think so. Might not be the most glamorous, but should be OK.

Not sure because I own now, but you may want to give yourself more time just in case. At least start looking sooner so you get an idea of what you want/can afford.

Good luck!

$850 a month in *parts* of Fairmount is probably reasonable for a one bedroom. In the area right near the museum (say, up to 20th or so, on Green/Mt. Vernon/Wallace, it isn't, especially if you want your utilities included in that. In that particular area, $850/month total will get you a decent studio, but probably not a one bedroom unless you're incredibly lucky. The management company I rent from has the lowest rates I've found around here, and the standard for a one bedroom is around $850 or $900/month with no utilities included.

You may find it different in other parts of Fairmount, though. But as chellysue suggested, I would strongly recommend that you start looking as early as possible. You're going to have a heck of a time finding a place that you like only two weeks before you want to move in. You may have some luck with Craigslist, but most of the people I know with apartments around here found them by getting a reference from someone who already lives here, or by knowing someone who happened to be moving out. CL postings are often gone within 10 minutes of going online.

Don't mean to frighten you, but--do start your search as early as possible

As for buses--I'm not sure what kind of commute you're looking at trying to get from this area to Wynnefield Heights. The 48, 7, and 33 all run through this area, with varying degrees of efficiency, but they may not help you much.

i live in a spacious 2bedroom, bi-level apartment. our rent is $850. we're moving out july 31st. i can get you in touch with my realtor if youre interested