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[deleted] t1_jb6x8t2 wrote

Hi! We’re curious about living in Philadelphia but don’t know the area as well. I would hear to hear everyone’s thoughts.

We’re looking for somewhere safe, good transit, affordable (we’re coming from Queens and would like somewhere a little cheaper), very walkable without a car, and with things to do (parks, cafes, bookstore, a library, etc.; an arts scene would be lovely). Where would you recommend? Washington Square West and Queens Village look nice, but we’ve just poked around on the map.

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Fourlec t1_jb6y6v7 wrote

How much is your current rent/mortgage?

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[deleted] t1_jb6yi7q wrote

We live in Queens (1675/month) but our rent is not the norm; we have a cheap place, lol—we’d just love 2k or less if possible. From what I can tell, major parts of PA will be OK except like center city and some of the most expensive parts. And of course less would be great, but we are open—we just want a nice place we can stay in for a long while.

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Fourlec t1_jb7jqpc wrote

You can find a rental for <2k in Port Richmond. You wanna be east of Aramingo. The farther east the better.

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UndercoverPhilly t1_jb7e1m5 wrote

If you want less than 2K for more than 1 bedroom you need to consider S. Philly, North and West Philly, East Falls, Mount Airy, maybe Manayunk. $1675 might get you a 1 bedroom with a private landlord in Washington Sq. or Queen Village. You'll need a car for East Falls, Mount Airy or Manayunk.

Would you be getting jobs in Philly or WFH with NYC jobs?

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[deleted] t1_jb7jx2h wrote

Thank you!! And we’re both working remotely.

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philly-spud t1_jb6yl1j wrote

WSW and Queen Village are great neighborhoods. Both are in the thick of city living with enough greenery and quiet blocks that you don't feel overwhelmed. Similar vibes based on what you're looking for: East Passyunk (but be mindful that the further east and south you go in this area, the less trees and parks), Graduate Hospital, Fairmount/Art Museum, Bella Vista, Fitler Square, and if you want even more greenery and quiet, you can look at East Falls, Mount Airy, or Chestnut Hill.

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[deleted] t1_jb71jc8 wrote

Thanks so much!! And all of these (including East Falls, Mount Airy, or Chestnut Hill) would
be doable without a car?

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UndercoverPhilly t1_jbd4luc wrote

No. You need a car for East Falls, Mount Airy or Chestnut Hill. I have friends who live in East Falls and you can’t walk to the grocery store, although I guess you could get delivery. The three of these are like the burbs from a NYC perspective—or maybe Staten Island.

walk score for Chestnut Hill is 69. https://www.walkscore.com/score/Chestnut-Hill-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania/lat=40.0715789794922/lng=-75.2105865478516/?utm_source=searchpoint.net&utm_medium=ws_api&utm_campaign=ws_api

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WhyNotKenGaburo t1_jb96h6k wrote

Like everything else, there is some give and take. My wife and I settled in Newbold/East Point Breeze (the name of the neighborhood seems to be a contentious issue) after living in Queens (Woodside) for 15 years. One advantage that this area has is that all of our daily needs are within easy walking distance, and it has good access to transit. We're just West of Broad, so it's basically like living in East Passyunk.

Depending on where you lived in Queens, it will probably be similar in terms of safety.

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[deleted] t1_jb9aeca wrote

Thanks! This is really helpful. :) We actually live in Astoria, just bordering Woodside.

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WhyNotKenGaburo t1_jbby3wf wrote

One thing to know is that Philly isn't as densely populated, and basic amenities within walking distance can be few and far between in certain areas, which is one of the reasons why we settled where we did. You aren't going to have a bodega, wine store, pizza place, and grocery store all right around the corner, and on the same block, like you do in NYC. There's nothing comparable to Steinway Street, for example. We actually spent a year checking out different neighborhoods and either staying with friends or renting Air B&Bs until we zeroed in on where we are, just to find out if a neighborhood would meet our needs. In the end, I'm happy we took the time to do that.

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[deleted] t1_jbcui1z wrote

Thank you! I really appreciate it; this is super helpful. x

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