It really depends on how good the windows are. There are two big clubs on Bank St. (FiveSpot and Lounge 27), but if the place you're looking at has soundproof, or even at least new, windows, you probably will not be affected by the crowd noise outside these places too much. Even better if the bedroom windows don't face Bank Street.

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Freixenet, Moët. Doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s not Great Western. -- Henri David

I can tell you that building does not have sound proof windows. I looked at some apts there when I moved.

I lived on the first block of N 3rd, with no bars on that block. Bedroom facing third with three HUGE windows. The first few weeks the noise got me but then I got used to it, never had a problem sleeping unless someone was having a drunken yelling contest or getting arrested directly below my apt.

If noise is an issue, don't get it. But for me and my boyfriend, we got used to it v. quickly.

lived on bank st for 2 years in bank street court apts. right across from club 27. If you take an apartment that over looks bank st. you will hear noise and a lot of it from wednesday night to saturday night. The biggest problem is the people in the street, especially on a Fri. or Sat. nite there could be 100 people just hanging out in the alley. and once the both clubs close it's even worse. you could have 300 people milling about, screaming, vomiting and pissing.

Don't get me wrong, we loved living there, and the pros out weigh the cons, just don't walk your dog after 11 on the weekends. our loft faced the courtyard which was a good 50 feet from bank street itself and on the 4th floor, we still heard the noise. but a friend of ours who lived over the street couldn't stand it.

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http://dgoakill.zenfolio.com

Will heavy curtains, earplugs, and a sound machine do the trick? I'm still riding the fence on this one because the apartment is great and I need to take the Market-Frankford Line everyday because I'm working at Pod in University City. Anyone know of other apartments in Old City with availability for mid August? THANKS!!!

Maybe you could get the landlord to let you in the apartment late one busy weekend night (bribe him/her with a couple of free drinks at Pod? ). That might be the only way you'd be able to know if the noise would be intolerable to you or not, with or without earplugs. But keep in mind what dgoak said--whatever amount of noise you hear at, say, 11 PM, is going to be much worse at 2-2:30 AM.

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Freixenet, Moët. Doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s not Great Western. -- Henri David

So my other option is the Wireworks building. What are your opinions about these apartments. The lady I'm talking to is saying $1500 for a studio. That seems really high to me for a 500 sq. foot space. Is it worth it? What's the usual going price for a place in that building. THANKS, you guys have saved my life (and my ears, i think bank street might be a big NO...)

There are two apartments available in my building (124 Market Street) going for about $1500/month for about 1200 square feet of space (Loft-style apartment) which is one bedroom. That should give you a better idea of what rental prices are like here. $1500/mo for 500 sq ft is way too high unless you're moving into a brand spanking new place.

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OldCityModDuo

www.phillyadz.com

Oldmodcityduo, what buildling do you live in and do you know of any available apartments? Thanks!

$1,500 for a studio is way too high, even in a nice building like the wireworks.

Do a search at apartments.com, 4wallsinphilly.com for managed buildings like The Chocolate Works and check the Inquirer, Philadelphia Weekly, and Craigslist for private listings.

The building that OldCityModDuo is really nice, as long as you don't mind a walk up.

For comparison: A 550 sq ft one bedroom is $1,195 at chocolate works:
http://www.historiclandmarks.com/cho...unit=0049-0403