Moving to Philadelphia... Where to live?

[slipstream808]

Yup I'm thinking of heading there in a month or so. And I'm trying to figure out good places to live apartment-wise. I don't really know much of the area or costs of living at all so you can see I have some apprehensions about this.

Anyways I'm looking to be able to keep my DSM without it being destroyed or stolen (obviously) and I dunno... not get shot, mugged, stabbed, or generally killed?

I'll take any suggestions. Hell I'd be willing to be someone's roommate! Thanks guys!

:EDIT:
And I'm single. I figure that might help.

 

[snowborder714]

All depends on how close to center city you want to live, what type of lifestyle you want the area around you to have, what you'll be doing around Philly.

I've lived near Manayunk (a hip, trendy, 20-30 year old town) and currently live in Downingtown. Most apartments around here are pretty pricey for what it is (sadly). I have yet to see much below $700-$800 for a single bedroom without living in a ghetto part of the city.

I personally haven't felt comfortable bringing my car here, but that's me. Thankfully I have another place I can leave it. I know some of the area north of Philly is pretty nice, as I have a friend that lives up there. I also enjoy the Downingtown/Thorndale/Exton area - laid back, nicer area, not really busy like center city.

 

[slipstream808]

Well then...

Film jobs. I'm looking to find more work in filming. That is the main reason for moving to the area. (Though I will need to get another job to start living there). I don't mind a commute as long as it is under 1/2 an hour. Public trans would be preferred I'm guessing. Yeah sadly I'm not sure what to do with my Dizzum. Cars are at the end of the day a BIG part of who I am.

 

[snowborder714]

My train ride from the Manayunk area to center city was 25 minutes and cost about $6 each way (I think - it's been a while). My train ride now is 60-90 minutes, which sounds too far. Just for some reference time wise.

 

[slipstream808]

My train ride now is 60-90 minutes, which sounds too far. Just for some reference time wise.

WOW. That is a long commute. I guess something bothers me about 2-3 hours of my day being spent commuting. I think... I could go to the gym instead!

But I guess this is a reality I might have to face. Another thing I was thinking was of living and working on the outskirts except for film work which would have to be commuted to at least get the jobs initially. Are there any decent suburbs 1/2 hour outside of the city you can think of?

And I should say again, thank you for your time.

 

[snowborder714]

I don't do that commute daily, or even monthly My normal commute involves going to the airport each week and back, which is still an hour. I travel a good bit for work, but that train ride is to get to the local office if need be.

I'll have to think some more and get back to you.

 

[slipstream808]

Ahhhh. I see. Well usually jobs where you travel a lot for work pay well too! So that's good.