Tell me about living in Philadelphia

[Allenberg]

I just got hired on with a defense contractor in Philadelphia, and will be moving there next month. Where are some decent places with reasonable rent (1000 will probably be my limit)? Second, how is the public transportation around the Philly area? I know from living here in Pittsburgh, the state is trying to help fund the transportation systems, but I wasn't sure if Philly is as big of a money crunch as Pittsburgh is. I'll be by myself for awhile (wife is moving back in with her parents so she can stay here and finish a major project at work), so I can make do with a 1 bedroom for about six months.

[TK421]

1. Public transportation is plentiful, lots of places with reasonable rent

but I'm not sure exactly where you will be...how far is it from Center City? Do you know what section of the city? If so, I could do some research for you

[Skittles]

2. I lived in a hotel in downtown Philly for two weeks

for a business trip....I LOVED IT! Great people, wonderful place and OMG the best junk food EVER. I used the buses quite a bit and I LOVED the "Philly Flash", a purple bus that ran around the city for a buck a pop. Yes INDEED! :thumbsup:

[GoneOffShore]

3. Here are some links to help you out

For transport, click on Septa - (poor underfunded bastards)

http://www.septa.com/

For Accomodation -
http://classifieds.citypaper.net/

http://citypaper.net/

or

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/classifieds_online/

Look at Fishtown, or West Philadelphia. Northern Liberties (My neighborhood) might be an option - Check out Liberties Walk - http://www.rent.com/rentals/pennsylvania/philadelphia-and-vicinity/philadelphia/center-city/486355/?sp=1

If the link doesn't work, Google Liberties Walk

[JVS]

4. Leaving Pittsburgh is horrible!

[StrongBad]

5. My best friend went to school & lived in Philly for 5 years

He loved it, and though we both are SoCal residents now, he said that if he were to move back to the East Coast he would either live in NYC or Philly.

Some things he notes about the city regarding your question:

It is possible to walk absolutely everywhere if necessary, but public transportation is efficient

You can do pretty darn well for 1000 a month in rent. When he was in college I don't think he ever paid more than 700

You will have unlimited access to the best cheesesteaks around :)

[Ramsey]

6. I have lived in Philly for 12 years

I think you can find reasonable rents in the Museum Area near Center City, and in some of the high rises around University of Pennsylvania on both sides of the Schulkill River. There is plenty of public transportation- train, subway, buses. But if you live and work downtown, it's all walkable.

PM me if you want more info.