Philadelphia is a major business, education, and healthcare hub. Two of the major local employers are the University of Pennsylvania and CHOP, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Amazon has praised Philly as a great base for tech innovation, and the market for Philly homes is off the charts. The restaurants are outstanding and there are always dance and theatrical productions you don’t want to miss.
New Yorkers think of Philly as a next-door borough—because the New York to Philly Amtrak ride takes barely more than an hour.
No wonder so many people are following their current careers here, or starting up new ones.
So, what’s the best advice for Philadelphia apartment shopping?
First, breathe! Compared with other cities of its size, Philly offers fair and reasonable rental costs, with monthly utilities typically running about $150 and a monthly public transit pass priced under $100. Owners, not renters, customarily cover the broker fees. In short, renting is a user-friendly proposition here in Philly.
While You Shop for Your New Philly Apartment Home, Consider Parking
Apartment shoppers tend to be looking for parking spaces along a number of streets. Soon the picture is clear: parking is no easy feat here, and the enforcement staff is not playing around.
We suggest putting resident parking high on your list of priorities. Look for your apartment—and live in it—free from the hassles of parking tickets.
Read More: Steps to Take Before Renewing Your Lease
Whether You Live in Old City or Not, Experience It
Walking through tiny alleyways and quaint cobblestone streets, you can still imagine life in the founders’ day. Old City is a unique blend of the historic and the innovative.
Besides, it offers everything Philly is known for around the world: revolutionary history sites, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House. Have lunch in Reading Terminal Market, an enclosed food court. See Chinatown’s Friendship Wall.
Visit it all as you look for your new home. You just might stay.
Don’t Overlook the Northern Liberties and Fishtown Neighborhoods
These are Philly’s most sought-after neighborhoods. They’re just northeast of central Philly, and they are drawing young professionals and families with their exciting, international restaurant scene, and easy access downtown on the El (elevated train).
Eco-friendly businesses and the arts flourish here. And this is the area where you’ll find the hippest brunch spots and craft beer halls in the Mid-Atlantic.
Go for a Walk
Check out Fairmount Park. It’s the largest city-owned green space in the country, with seemingly endless bike paths, hiking trails, and river views. Have a beer in Chestnut Hill before you go, too. Tavern on the Hill or McNally’s are wonderful, old-style pubs on Germantown Avenue.
Make Sure Your Basics Get Covered
Basic tenant rights dictate that any apartment you might choose has a working bathroom and kitchen, proper windows and ventilation, two electrical outlets in every habitable room, lighting in all public hallways, a building structure in good repair, functional doors and windows, and a lead-free atmosphere.
Bring a checklist with you and be sure the basics are all in place.
And, speaking of covering the basics, do add renter’s insurance to your car policy for your new rental home. This is the cheapest way: a bundled insurance package only costs a little extra over what you already pay to cover your car. It will cover all the personal gear in your apartment home, for as long as you keep the policy current.
Go Well Beyond the Basics: Old City and Northern Liberties Apartments for Rent
You’ll find 3-story rowhome apartments at 124 Market Street in Old City near the Market-Frankford subway and Penn’s Landing, with easy access to I-95. Amenities include breakfast nooks and updated kitchen appliances. Cats and small dogs are welcome.
Or find your pet-friendly space in Northern Liberties, with stylish new construction and the stunning city views at 622 N 2nd Street Apartments. With all your appliances in the apartment, beautiful hardwood floors and granite countertops, this is Philly apartment home living at its sweetest!
Check out more Philadelphia neighborhoods here! Or call 215.545.1039 to see what’s new with Carlyle Property Management. We’d love to welcome you to the city and answer any questions you might have.
