Hello everyone! I am looking to move to Philly in the next few months. I've been looking in the Old City vicinity for an apartment. I've found reasonable rent, but swing alittle out of range when I add in parking costs.

I was wondering if anyone could give me some parking info for this area (eg. avg. cost, how many parking facilities there are, etc, etc..). Unfortunately I am stuck in a car lease and cannot get rid of it before I move. I've been told the cost for a parking spot is around $150, but is there anything avail. cheaper than that?

Another question while I am here....I have been looking for apartments on Philadelphia Weekly.com....haven't actually phisically seen any of the places yet. Are the studios ranging from $600-$800 typically run down, or just small and affordable? I don't want to get my hopes up and then go see the place and it is a dungeon. I'm new to all this, so sorry if I have any stupid questions. Hope to hear from you soon! :lol:

Shannon

Shannon, welcome to phillyblog, how'd ya find out about us?

Well on to your questions...I pay for parking in the Manayunk section (on the outskirts of the city) and I pay 125 for a garage.

I would say $150 is about right. As for an apartment in Old City for 600-800, if it is nice, I would think it is going to be a studio. Apartments around there are usually very expensive. If you have a friend in the area have them snap some shots with a digital camera, or have the landlord take some photos, that should quell some of your anxiety.

A buddy of mine just got a one bedroom in a so-so part of town for 500. that what makes me think that 600 is pretty low for a hopping area like old city.

Well let us know how we can help, and we'll see what we can do.

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you can get an studio on Clinton St. for $600...gorgeous little street. parking in old city is limited and expensive. expect to pay that much your best bet for parking is a highrise that has parking (probably not going to find this in old city.) sometimes its cheaper than the market rate.

For those who live in the general Old City area, is there any permitted street parking anywhere nearby? I don't think I've seen any, but I just wondered. Out in Fairmount most of the street parking is not regulated, but there is a bit where you have to have a permit. The permit would be a great deal less expensive than a garage, but I don't imagine it's an option in Old City.

And Shannon, for when that lease runs out.... www.phillycarshare.org !

(Alright, I'll stop doing that.)

There are meters with limits. If you have a permit, you can park without paying the meter and you don't have to obey the time limits, but that doesn't make finding a spot any easier.

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Jason
Lynn Swann 06'

"Individualism is absent when other peoples' standards, not reality and reason, are ones primary guide."

Shannon,

It's great to hear that you'll be moving to the city!

Parking in Old City ranges from $140 to $190 per month. But it also can be a challenge to find a monthly space. The more affordable lots either have a two-year waiting list (literally) or do not keep a waiting list, in which case you have to check back every day. Some apartment buildings, like Brass Works, Chocolate Works, etc., provide parking with your apartment. But the rents tend to be high. Below is a partial list that I compiled recently. Hope this helps!

Good luck!
Clayton

1. 2nd & Church, 636-0100. William Penn Realty Group. $145.
2. Park America (Arden Theater/Christ Church). $150.
3. E-Z Park, 3rd & Filbert, open lot, valet. Keeps no waiting list. $175.
4. St. Charles Court, 3rd & Arch, 477-6814. $125. Only way to get parking is for resident to lease it.
5. Patriot Parking, 304 Race. 1st level valet/self-park available, 2nd level self-park. $190. Donna, 215-772-1511, M-F, 9:30a-5:30p. Call office 1 week before parking to begin.
6. April Associates, 200 Block of Race, Open Lot, 610-667-1494, 2-year waiting list.
7. Patriot Parking. Open Lot, 200 block of Race, 215-772-1511, $155. Long waiting list of 15 for small lot.
8. The Brass Works, open lot, 200 block of Race, 215-351-9193, www.apts-now.com
9. PPA. 2nd & Samson, run by Central. 215-922-1520, 24-hr. Self-access, $130.
10. Park America, 37-39 S. 2nd Street. 1st floor easy valet, 2nd floor self-park, $165.
11. 10 North Front Street, self-park/valet, small lot. $165. Purchase day that wish to start parking.
12. Bourse, 4th & Chestnut. 12-story garage, $300/month. Speak with Trace, 215-592-8320.
13. Open lot, 225 Arch Street, 636-0100. William Penn Realty Group. Gated, remote control. $175.

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Clayton Lane, AICP
Deputy Executive Director
PhillyCarShare
215-730-0988
www.phillycarshare.org

I used to park in the lot at Market and Front--not bad most days but getting in and out on a Friday or Saturday night was brutal--price was $165 a month. Some of the buildings in the area have their own parking lots, although you might end up on a wait list. I'm in a building with a parking lot and I pay $125 a month. If you're not using your car much, you might want to do the permit thing, which I've never done.

The price range you mentioned for apartments is doable, on the high end anyway. You can get a loft in a brandywine-managed building for between $750 and $900, last time I checked anyway. One bedrooms are not too much more. Bear in mind, though, that Old City rents have been trending upward even as the economy has been in doldrums.

When you're ready to start exploring Old City, please sure to check out OldCityReviewed! (http://www.oldcityreviewed.com/).

Good luck!

OCR

Clayton, quite the extensive list. Welcome to the blog!

Shannon, as for getting a spot, if have a remotely nice car that you don't want to see get tapped from time to time, or you just hate driving around after coming home from work, then get a garage, the peace of mind is worth it.

I have a garage in manayunk and it is $125 a month (for new people the owner is charging $150.)

Once I move downtown, I'm not going to have a garage anymore, my car is getting old, and if it gets tapped once in a while I won't go ballistic.

I guess a lot of it depends on the neighborhood. In manayunk parking is such madness that it is worth it for me just to have a space to pull into, and not worry about finding a space within a block or two.

Compared to manayunk, how is parking in NoLibs, South philly, and pennsport?

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Shannon, did you ever find decent parking?

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I found this place by accident, but am moving to Olde City next week. And, I managed to find a parking place at a reasonable price in about five minutes. Thanks SO MUCH!