Submitted by AutoModerator t3_10v4uwx in philadelphia
Thinking of Moving to Philly or recently moved to the area? Ask your Questions Here!
Comments
thefrozendivide t1_j7hivii wrote
I've seen a bunch, but the prices were stratospherically high, like laughably absurd. 2000 for studio/1brs, 2200 for outdated rowhomes in deep south Philly, etc. I'm starting to look around again to buy after a disappointing year of losing out on a cash offer 30k over asking, or the other case of 25k over asking with no inspections. Hopefully sellers start gently removing their heads from their asses.
m0nsteramash t1_j7hyx0v wrote
It sucks and the burbs are just as/more expensive
Chimpskibot t1_j7h7v5t wrote
Simple supply vs demand. There are just not enough units coming online and vast swaths of the city are underdeveloped. Blame bad land use policy by the city and lack of housing foresight.
TheBSQ t1_j7j3lvr wrote
The city is still about 500k people below its peak population. In theory, there should be lots of room! (Much has been lost to blight though.)
The main issue is that a lot of people write off large swaths of the city because of crime. They tends to have a very short list of areas they’re actually willing to live in. Much of that is some of the densest residential areas in the country, so it’s hard to argue that land use is that bad. In fact, many places with bad land use often point to parts of Philly as a rare example where it’s not terrible in this country.
Like, there’s lots of areas along the MFL and BSL that, in theory, have good density, Walkability, transit access, good mix of commercial and residential. The land use is actually pretty solid, but it’s a shit show in terms of crime and opioids and it’s that that really limits living options.
Chimpskibot t1_j7kdkmb wrote
While Philly hasn’t rebounded in population. It has exceeded the amount of households during its peak. That’s why most units constructed are studio/1bd. That is to say, land use is bad in the city, due to backward zoning and overlays the amount and density of housing built will not meet demand in the near or medium term.
momentums t1_j7haftd wrote
Combo of time of year/bad market I think. I was poking through listings this morning and it seems like April is when a lot of places are going to have their leases up?
UndercoverPhilly t1_j7hdecq wrote
June and July in Center City have the most turn around due to the universities, but probably more should start to be vacant (for a day or so) starting in May.
UndercoverPhilly t1_j7hbbrw wrote
There are rentals but they are expensive -- all these new constructions have studios and 1 bedrooms for $2000 +
If that's your budget it shouldn't be a problem--I just looked on trullia.com and there are 5393 rentals in Philadelphia.
m0nsteramash t1_j7i3eub wrote
Im on trulia all dayyy. 2k is a lot for 1br
courageous_liquid t1_j7ld8za wrote
I see some decent stuff on craigslist - if you look by maps it gets rid of a lot of the stuff from temple and it's pretty easy to filter out garbage/spam posts from there.
UndercoverPhilly t1_j7i3nos wrote
I agree. But unfortunately, that's what is being constructed.
BigStatus8740 t1_j7ko1he wrote
It's impossible if you have a dog. You need to contact the listing in the first week its up or you're too late.
[deleted] t1_j7ka86z wrote
[deleted]
Mental-Winner7358 t1_j7hbetd wrote
Was offered a job with the city. I currently live outside Harrisburg with my wife, 5-year-old, and < 1-year-old. Although I'm from Los Angeles, this small-town vibe is all my family knows, so moving to a more dense location will be a big change. I'm currently looking to purchase in a more suburban type area where I know they will be safe while I'm at work. Was thinking of the Roxborough and Far Northeast areas, however, I just saw the article about a father and son getting shot literally around the same neighborhoods I was eyeballing, so wondering if that's now off the list.
Does anyone else have some thoughts as to which areas I could be looking at? Somewhere with places that they can walk (are there any?), playgrounds, etc. I really hate that residency requirement lol. As I said, it really is too great an opportunity to pass up, but my family and their safety will always be priority #1.
Or do you guys think I should just stay out of Philly LOL
pretzel_enjoyer t1_j7httny wrote
Safety is relative. What I consider safe might not be what you consider safe, but it works for me. I've lived in south philly, Fishtown, and center city over the past decade-plus and only once ever had an incident I thought warranted the cops (found out they can't do much for a purse-snatch, of course). Neighborhoods like the far northeast or Roxborough are actually pretty big and can be very different places from block to block.
decentchinesefood t1_j7hs5py wrote
Realtor here! Many of my buyers from elsewhere (with families) who want some type of suburban/urban hybrid land on Manayunk/Mt. Airy/East Falls. Good local stuff to walk to, tree-lined streets, hopefully a driveway/garage. More space and quiet than most Philly neighborhoods.
Roxborough and the Far Northeast I wouldn't necessarily recommend (your safety concerns aside). They are just a bit too culture-less feeling for most folks. Think more chain stores, less corner businesses to enjoy, and lack of public transit.
There are great suburbs to consider, too! But first, I'd decide if you want Philly proper.
TheBSQ t1_j7iyqbd wrote
Are you planning on sending the 5 year old to public school?
If so, the elementary school catchment should probably be the basis of your search.
Here’s the Philly School finder:
https://webapps1.philasd.org/school_finder/
And here’s some school ranking sites:
https://www.publicschoolreview.com/pennsylvania/philadelphia/elementary#
And, generally speaking, the good catchments are in safe parts of town, although many might be too dense if you’re looking for something with a bit of a suburban vibe.
If school isn’t an issue (eg, paying for private), then ignore it.
From the sound of it, I’d say maybe West Mt. Airy. Chestnut Hill and “up the hill” East Falls have more a more suburb type feel that you want and are safe, but you can’t always assume the “nicer” neighbors have decent schools.
Honestly…it’s tough. I used to work for the city and many of my co-workers left purely to escape the residency requirements as you get such an increase in school quality, safety, and “bang for your buck” with housing if you can cross that county line, especially if you want a house with more space, a yard, etc.
The other option is the far north east. It has a totally different vibe than the rest of the city. The stereotype is that it’s more of a Blue Lives Matter / Trumpy area, although many here may argue that’s not accurate (or perhaps that appeals to you). It’s a little disconnected from the rest of the city. There’s people for whom it’s the right spot, but there’s also a lot of people who just don’t vibe with it.
And finally, here’s the city’s interactive map of shootings. I’d recommend switching it to 2022 since 2023 is so new (and summer is worse for crime). That’ll at least give you some sense of the geography of where crime tends to be.
Mental-Winner7358 t1_j7jfg0r wrote
Thank you so much for the well thought out response. This is all very valuable information for us. That gun violence map is very demoralizing tbh. It looks like there’s really no part of the map that doesn’t see some sort of a shooting.
As I mentioned we are coming from a town where you can literally leave the doors unlocked, car running when going to a store, etc. I’m use to all of it coming from Southern California, but my family sure aren’t.
It looks like according to that data that the Far Northeast sees the least amount of shootings. That said, without getting too political, we certainly would rather choose to not be near “in your face” trumpers and those with similar ideology. I’m not seeing too many options for us tbh.
Schooling, we are looking for a little more atypical options like Montessori, Philly Free (type), etc. so the public school system isn’t a deal breaker for us.
It’s a 6 figure job with full city benefits. It opens the door for future opportunities elsewhere. Passing on it would be very disheartening for me. I’d want to make it work but so many signs are pointing in the opposite direction. Gah
courageous_liquid t1_j7le6az wrote
Mt. Airy and Chestnut hill are definitely more suburban and overall very safe. They're also full of 'crunchier' parents from my personal experience.
You should go check it out to do due diligence, at least, as I think it'll be different from what you're thinking. I have a few friends who live around the Upsal station on the chesnut hill west line and they seem to be quite pleased. I tried linking you a google maps link, but automod deleted it. Check that area out on street view.
[deleted] t1_j7lcmbr wrote
[removed]
demography_llama t1_j7hv825 wrote
Perhaps along the Mainline? For example, Ardmore and Narberth have nice main street areas.
thefrozendivide t1_j7ikk1e wrote
If budget isn't an issue, try the main line. Lower, Merion, Narberth, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Bryn Mawr
Mental-Winner7358 t1_j7io9sa wrote
I would, but doesn't that fall outside the confines of Philadelphia county? I believe to work in the city you are restricted to within the county lines, right? I haven't looked into it as much as I should've, so correct me if I'm wrong. Otherwise, I absolutely would check out those areas.
TheBSQ t1_j7izgmb wrote
I believe cops and firefighters are only subject to residency requirements for a limited number of years.
Otherwise, I believe all other municipal jobs are subject to it, and that means all the suggestions for the Mainline and all those areas Iike Lower Marion, Ardmore, Narberth, Wynnewood, etc. are totally off limits.
thefrozendivide t1_j7it88y wrote
That's definitely something you're going to want to check on within the particular organization you're going to be working with. If I remember correctly not every department requires you to be within city limits or you might have to be in the city for a few years before moving out with the same organization, I believe it all depends. Definitely worth looking into.
TheBSQ t1_j7iyzcu wrote
I think it’s just cops and firefighters who have the ability to move out after a certain number of years.
ca0621 t1_j7g4eed wrote
Moving company recommendations?
Would like to do a pack and move from a 2BR loft in Logan Square to a 3BR townhouse in Francisville (1 mi).
Plomo_Lobo t1_j7gb9we wrote
Anyone know a good place to get your car detailed? Thanks in advance
KissMeImMonday t1_j7gf3z3 wrote
I had an awesome experience with Shine Bright Auto up in the Northeast when I got my late father's car detailed last summer. Gary, the owner, is a super nice dude and a consummate professional. Would recommend.
Plomo_Lobo t1_j7gflwb wrote
Looks like I'm only about 15 mins from there. Will def check them out soon. Thanks for the rec!
LightGraves t1_j7iiuf7 wrote
Anyone know any good affordable barbershops? Seems like $50-$60 is the normal rate around central Philly.
jnachod t1_j7qghc4 wrote
You have to explore in Northeast Philly. I’ve gotten great haircuts at places along Bustleton Avenue in the $15-20 range ( and occasionally even lower ! )
WhyNotKenGaburo t1_j7nh5b0 wrote
Meister's is the only place that I've been to that is somewhat reasonable and does a decent job. You need to get the right person, and catch them in the right mood. Jaime and Adrian have been the best for me, although they are both somewhat inconsistent. I've added haircuts to my list of things that are oddly, and inexplicably, more expensive in Philly than in NYC.
SgtKetchup t1_j7jmoxb wrote
You aren't going to get much below 40. Burke & Payne was always my go-to.
Philifier t1_j7k4zkj wrote
Meisters on Passyunk is $30
Buragh t1_j7lfkft wrote
Does anyone here work at Vanguard, or commute to work at Malvern? How is the commute from Philly to Malvern, and do you need a car, or is everything pretty accessible in Philly? What are the best places in Philly to live? Looking for places with young people but also a place that is affordable.
courageous_liquid t1_j7qxppg wrote
It's a pretty long commute from the city by either train or car. If they have a shuttle from the Malvern or Paoli stop on the Paoli-Thorndale regional rail, that may be your best bet.
You don't need a car to live in Philly. I work in Ardmore (a few stops closer to the city on that line) and live in south philly and do just fine without one. Transit and walking and biking works well here. I actually used to drive to work, then the annoyance of that commute caused me to start taking the train and eventually selling my car entirely.
[deleted] t1_j7n3omj wrote
[deleted]
PretenderSyndrome t1_j7h0vok wrote
Does anyone here have experience with living at 4125/4233 Solo on Chestnut? Narrowing down buildings to live in while I complete grad studies. If not Solo, does anyone have recommendations for studio/1 bedroom units (budget of about 1,700 to 2,000/month) near UPenn?
anomalyofnature t1_j7ho04b wrote
In the process of looking for a new place right now and came across a super cute one with heating described as "baseboard: hot water." Looks like the place is heated with gas. Any input on what I might be looking at with regard to efficiency? I know lots of folks consider steam radiators to be fairly efficient, but I've never come across hot water baseboard heaters before. Just want to know what I'm getting into before I sign myself up for being at PGW's mercy.
smug_masshole t1_j7i5wbc wrote
As far as I know a gas-powered forced hot water baseboard system is at least as efficient as a comparable furnace system. The most annoying thing about them is that the location along the bottom of the wall of every room is exactly where you want to shove your furniture. Avoid electric baseboard head like the plague.
When it comes to checking for efficiency, it's pretty simple: you want the covers and fins to be in good shape. Other than that, I think the biggest things would be the same as any other system-- how efficient is the thing heating that water up?
boof_the_warlock t1_j7hzdcp wrote
Not new but for the love of christ can anyone help me because I cannot get a hold of a human being at PGW: How do you turn off service? The login prompt says "failed" every time, even though I have my username and password saved. I emailed support because I couldn't talk to a human being, and all they did was email the password reset form. I can log in to my PGW account just fine but the turn off service prompt is FUCKING BROKEN.
Loud-Policy t1_j7i0gre wrote
Are you sure you’re on the right service address? PGW sometimes lists old apartments even after you move and shut off service, and you have to switch to your new one for anything to work
OddConfidence0 t1_j7j1zgz wrote
Where to compost kitchen scraps preferably near south Philly?
wudderr t1_j7kx685 wrote
I grew up in the burbs and lived in West Philly for 3 years and then moved out of state. Planning on moving back, but now have a dog and would love to have a backyard and more space. I'm thinking about Germantown because of the proximity to the Wiss and generally loving that area, but I'm a single 27 y/o and part of my move back is motivated by the social aspects of the city (and plenitude of jobs).
Can someone who lives in Germantown weigh in on what it's like in terms of age demographic and activities around the neighborhood? Should I just suck it up and move to South Philly?
zempf t1_j7r3suc wrote
I live in Germantown (fairly close to Mt. Airy) and I would definitely not recommend it as far as social activities. Proximity to the park is awesome, I love the neighborhood, but the restaurant/bar scene is very very limited and if I was single and 27 I would probably be bored out of my mind here. You can definitely drive/transit to other, more active places but the walkability of stuff around here is not great, unfortunately.
[deleted] t1_j7n3ti5 wrote
[deleted]
This-Is-Not-A-Drill t1_j7tf7e5 wrote
This isn’t exactly what you asked but river run dog park in the city is amazing, obviously a backyard there is gonna be crazy expensive but I drive down there from north philly and have never had an issue with parking, or if your dog is bag trained and you’re close enough to a train it’s not too awful of a commute.
Flamen04 t1_j7rtpyt wrote
What are the good blocks in fishtown or nor libs?
Efficient_Sea_3324 t1_j7gv44q wrote
Hey all, I’m likely moving here to work in Radnor mid March. I am a 23 year old guy who just finished college at CU Boulder. Ideally I’d like to find some roomates around my age (still in school or recent grads). If anyone is looking to rent out a room or knows someone who is, please let me know.
Thanks!
SubjectMindless t1_j7haxea wrote
Idk if Philly has it, but in NYC people use the app Roomi. May be worth checking to see.
Muser69 t1_j7kpr50 wrote
My husband bought me tickets for a concert at Wells Fargo center in March. He has no clue where tickets are and no one answers any phone at Wells Fargo Center. I have tried calling all hours and during Flyers games. Does anyone know how I can contact a person there? I have even tried saying I am looking for group sales and no one ever responds. Go Eagles!!
sugr_magnolia t1_j7kw3ql wrote
Did he order for them to come via electronic delivery or by mail? Do you know whether he booked through WFC or used a third party app?
Muser69 t1_j7ldhto wrote
Was through the wells Fargo center.
maythelordopen_26 t1_j7m3e8x wrote
Looking to move to south Philly. Me (F25 single) and best friend (M24 single) want to move to south Philly area. I work from home, he’s a drag queen. What areas are best for 20 somethings?
ColdJay64 t1_j7pihyp wrote
Bella Vista, Passyunk Square, East Passyunk Crossing, Hawthorne
Michael7123 t1_j7nkb75 wrote
I’m moving to Philly on Thursday from Pittsburgh. I’m on Medicaid and need it to keep going to PT. Unfortunately, I’m on the UPMC for you plan and it’s looking like they have no coverage at all in East PA. I cannot afford paying out of pocket, does anyone know if there are physical therapists in Philly who take the UPMC for You plan, or how I could switch plans?
[deleted] t1_j7rl46b wrote
[removed]
[deleted] t1_j7v6o2x wrote
[removed]
[deleted] t1_j8042w4 wrote
[removed]
sapphicpisces t1_j7fvq1i wrote
Hello! My partner and I are looking at Philly as a potential city to relocate to later this year. What can you tell me about your beautiful city? We plan on renting for a few more years and do plan to have kids, so a safe, family friendly neighborhood with good schools is a must! But tell me all there is to know!
demography_llama t1_j7fxzmg wrote
You'll get responses if you give us more information. Budget? Job location? Good schools usually means you'll be looking outside of the city.
sapphicpisces t1_j7fyzy0 wrote
Unsure of job location at this time and budget is flexible. We are just trying to get more information on neighborhoods to see if it would even be a good place for us to move to.
UndercoverPhilly t1_j7g0tgs wrote
Public schools in general are terrible in Philly, with a few exceptions. I would not recommend families with children moving into the city itself unless they can afford private school tuition on top of housing costs which can be high in the safest neighborhoods. (Although cheaper than other cities like DC, NYC, SF, Boston)
sapphicpisces t1_j7g108z wrote
Very good to know! Are there any areas outside of the city that you would recommend I look into?
99centstalepretzel t1_j7g40re wrote
Unlike other cities, there is no such thing as a "bad" neighborhood in Philly; rather, it's more on a block-by-block basis. Like other commenters said, you'll need to give more concrete information like job, budget, introvert/extrovert, etc?
Motor-Juice-6648 t1_j7kjqse wrote
You wouldn’t consider Nicetown or Strawberry Mansion “bad”neighborhoods? I’m not saying tall the people who live there are bad, that’s not true but they are considered dangerous.
sapphicpisces t1_j7gkldq wrote
Oh, interesting! That’s good to know, thank you. Still flexible on budget but thinking around 1600 for rent. We work in tech/education/social services type of careers. Extroverted and would love to be close to an area where there are other people in their 20s/early 30s. Or at least find out the best way to meet new people in the area
SubjectMindless t1_j7hbhva wrote
I recently signed a lease to move to Philly so have done a lot of research as an outsider. Go to google and search best neighborhoods in Philly. A lot of lists will rate affordability, night life, parks, crime, etc.
Philly is MUCH more affordable than DC or NYC, so if your budget is flexible, you can find a good spot. My partner and I are moving to Fishtown. You can get three bedroom/2 bathrooms there for $2,700+. Parking sucks thought.
Based on Google people also like northern liberties, queens village, fitler square, Fairmount. I’m sure I’m missing stuff, but google and then cross reference here for the local’s view
Glystopher t1_j7i21pz wrote
$2700 is $900 per person, that’s not really affordable… or do I need to just make more? (Easier said than done)
SubjectMindless t1_j7i3drl wrote
Was replying to the person who said their budget was flexible. Certainly wasn’t meaning that $2,700 was cheap…but it is much more affordable than NYC and DC.
Glystopher t1_j7j4w4u wrote
…and I can’t afford another city, but if I’m going to another city, then it’s coming with another job anyways I guess
[deleted] t1_j7g5p0e wrote
[deleted]
Arkhikernc t1_j7g1vzr wrote
Search the old posts. There are dozens giving info on neighborhood's rent, lifestyle, public transit, parking, etc. I also followed a lot of local businesses on Instagram and facebook for a few months before moving here. Gave me great information on local happenings.
sapphicpisces t1_j7gjg83 wrote
Great advice. Thank you!
TheBSQ t1_j7j4doj wrote
There’s some variables. Do you mean in the city proper? Or are you considering suburbs too? Are you open to private schools? Do you want a walkable dense city environment, or space/yard?
[deleted] t1_j7ftde2 wrote
[removed]
m0nsteramash t1_j7h18v8 wrote
WHY IS THE RENTAL MARKET SO BAD?! Am i being too picky or is it basically impossible to rent an apartment right now? I’ve lived here for a decade & have never struggled so much to find a nice place.