LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 To anyone who lives in Philly or knows Philly, what can you tell me about these streets and its surrounding neighborhood: South 18th, 19th, 21st St., Philadelphia? I am looking to rent a short-term apt. on this street this summer while my daughter attends SI at the Rock School. I would like to know about safety, parking, anything you want to tell me. Please be honest. You may PM me if you wish. I basically want to know if the neighborhood is a place where I want to stay or if I should just go to a hotel. If you would not stay there, I want to know. Also, could someone explain the parking situation. Most ads say no free parking. Where would I park? Also, anything I should ask the owner? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Those are long streets. If you don't mind being more specific, what are the cross streets? If you'll be in Center City or around Rittenhouse Square, the neighborhoods should be fine. You may find something nice near Chestnut St or Walnut Street, and I think you would like that area. If you want to to mention a specific building, I might be able to tell you more about it. Regarding parking, you can drive yourself insane looking for on-street parking, or you can rent a monthly parking space in a garage near your apartment? I would highly recommend renting a space. You'd have to call around a bit to find the best price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 How do I find garages? ETA: The circled area on the Google Map has cross streets such as South St., Lombard St., Christian St. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 If I were you, I would probably rent through an agency, rather than just from an ad on Craigslist or whatever. If you lived locally and were already familiar with the neighborhoods and the buildings, it might be different. I used to have a link to a website that described the different Philadelphia neighborhoods and the info was pretty accurate. If I can find it, I'll post it for you. IMO, you'll be pretty safe in Center City and Rittenhouse Square, as those are nice areas. If you want a less expensive rental that might also include parking, you could consider venturing out to the Art Museum area to a building like the Philadelphian or 2601 Condominiums. They both used to offer free shuttle buses in and out of Center City during the day, and I think the Philadelphian's shuttle even ran at night. I don't know if my info is still accurate, though, so don't quote me on it! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 I found these on airbnb.com through a recommendation on this board. How would I find an agency to rent through? Do I just call a realtor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Don't discount NJ as an option. The PATCO high speed line will get you into Center City....well...high speed. That opens you up to using one of the Residence Inn type places around Cherry Hill. We did that for a week in August. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 If you go the hotel route, the Home2Suites at 12th and Arch is delightful. Well thought out studio apartments, decorated in an upscale Euro style, free breakfast and wifi, right across from Reading Terminal Market. I paid about $140/night for a weekend. Parking there, however, is *very* expensive. On the other hand, all of center city is very walkable, and there is a lot of public transportation. The Rock School is on the Broad Street Subway Line. Unless you are doing major expeditions out of the city, you won't need a car. And the city also has ZipCars, so it may be cheaper to rent when you need one rather than paying to store your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 I can't afford $140 a night with the hotels. The tax rate is approximately 15% so I have to take that into account with parking. We are driving down and so I will have to have the car. I would like to find a realtor and find an apartment rental but all the online leads are not helpful. Airbnb.com was not much help. People want too much for their apartments or they have very strange house rules. If I am spending this kind of money, I want to decide my own house rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 You'll pay lower hotel tax in NJ, and have more DIY dining options & food stores, but add on a daily $5 bridge toll (inbound only). LAZ Parking garages in Philly are what I always use, and will run around $25 for a full day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 You'll pay lower hotel tax in NJ, and have more DIY dining options & food stores, but add on a daily $5 bridge toll (inbound only). LAZ Parking garages in Philly are what I always use, and will run around $25 for a full day. I'm not a great urban driver even thought I drive in Boston and I have driven in northern Virginia a lot. When we stayed in Philly on my husband's business trip, we stayed at the airport area but I couldn't find anything cheaper there. I was trying to find something nearby so I could just store the car and use public transportation. I don't want a long commute for my daughter either. The school recommends a 4-mile radius for a short commute. They claim the 4-mile commute could take up to 25 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 I'm not a great urban driver even thought I drive in Boston and I have driven in northern Virginia a lot. When we stayed in Philly on my husband's business trip, we stayed at the airport area but I couldn't find anything cheaper there. I was trying to find something nearby so I could just store the car and use public transportation. I don't want a long commute for my daughter either. The school recommends a 4-mile radius for a short commute. They claim the 4-mile commute could take up to 25 minutes. Where exactly is the event location? Airport area hotels probably aren't worth the trip down I-95, short as it may be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 The Rock School is at 1101 S. Broad St. I was looking at apartments to the northwest of Broad St. Most of these have bus stops on the next corner. The problem is parking. People I know who went to the school last year told me not to stay in South or Southwest Philly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Occasionally Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Would this map help? It shows crime rates by neighborhood. Also check out the SEPTA maps and see if public transportation will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 I finally found some real estate agents who are willing to help me find a short-term furnished rental. It took a lot of searching on the Internet to get some names. I'll post an update when I get a place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 Would this map help? It shows crime rates by neighborhood. Also check out the SEPTA maps and see if public transportation will work. I found these maps. They help. The problem now is to find a furnished short-term rental in a decent area that is close. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree Frog Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 What about looking for an executive apartment? When we moved to San Antonio, we needed a place to live for 6 weeks. We found an apartment finder who found us a 2 bdrm fully furnished including washer/dryer in the unit. For us, it was cheaper than staying in an extended stay motel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 4, 2014 Author Share Posted February 4, 2014 What about looking for an executive apartment? When we moved to San Antonio, we needed a place to live for 6 weeks. We found an apartment finder who found us a 2 bdrm fully furnished including washer/dryer in the unit. For us, it was cheaper than staying in an extended stay motel. I thought of this. How do you find an apartment finder? Is it the same as a real estate agent? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree Frog Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 It wasn't the same as a realtor. We started by going from apartment complex to apartment complex asking if they had executive apts available. Finally someone recommended someone else and it went from there. I did a quick Google search and came up with this. I didn't look too closely, but some of the results seem to have "rental specialists" or something similar. I googled apartment finder Philadelphia. One other thought I had: have you checked at City Data Forums? Here is the one for Philadelphia. Perhaps if you ask there (or search previous threads) you might find something useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 I wouldn't want to live there, but my favorite restaurant in the world is in that area. I think it's on 9th St between Catherine and Christian streets. Great Italian food. Love it. Also love the Italian Market and Fante's kitchen supply store. Parking can be challenging but not impossible for the restaurant but I can't imagine where I would park if I lived in that area. Ooh and the bread bakery right next door to Ralph's! Oh and the place around the corner that makes the raviolis! Great place! I just wouldn't want to live there. Oh and a nephew went to the Rock School and really enjoyed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 SNIP They claim the 4-mile commute could take up to 25 minutes. Believe it! I couldn't believe the traffic when I dropped ds off for college in the fall. Even at 7 or 8pm the traffic was horrendous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 OK, the Rock School. That's Little Italy -- decent neighborhood. I'm most familiar with a neighborhood just 1 mile north of that, near Jefferson Hospital and Medical School, where I've stayed many times (most recently two weeks ago). The Holiday Inn Express on Walnut is excellent, with adjacent parking at $25 a day flat rate. LOTS of restaurants in the area frequented by bleary-eyed but clean-cut medical students. I've also walked that one mile down Broad Street, and it's safe -- mostly residential. A few blocks east of the Rock School is Fantes, so if you cook, be sure to make a pilgrimage there. Yes, you could take the Metro subway a whopping two stops down Broad, but it's a mile, and the blocks are shorter in the north-south direction. 13th & Locust is the second-to-last PATCO stop. PATCO will take you into NJ, which may considerably lower your per-night cost, even when adding the $6 train and whatever the station lots charge at the other end. We did a week at the Hyatt House in Mt. Laurel, and there was a Whole foods, Wegmans, and Trader Joe's all in the area. There are other NJ long-term stay hotels on that same strip that cater to the Philly commuter. If you'd rather be mobile in the burbs and just hop into the city each day, I'd consider the NJ option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 Believe it! I couldn't believe the traffic when I dropped ds off for college in the fall. Even at 7 or 8pm the traffic was horrendous. I believe it. It's like driving in Boston. That's why I don't want to stay too far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 I've made notes of all the places. I can't wait to eat there! I am trying to find an apartment finder. The HIE wants over $200 a night. I like the Hilton Suites Place on Arch St., but the parking is $40/day. I am looking for an apartment near the hospital and Rittenhouse Square. It's peak time for Philly, but I am not so stressed about it today. I was so stressed about it a couple of days ago that I called about just boarding my daughter but I think she is just too young for that amount of time and we would be so far away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I believe it. It's like driving in Boston. That's why I don't want to stay too far. Interesting. My experience is the opposite for that part of Philly. Once you're off I-95 at the Callowohill exit, you're near Old City, by the Liberty Bell. Smaller streets, slower, tourist-y traffic. But then, I'm comparing it to driving in Manhattan, which is a whole 'nuther story. Philly seems infinitely more drive-able in that comparison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 Interesting. My experience is the opposite for that part of Philly. Once you're off I-95 at the Callowohill exit, you're near Old City, by the Liberty Bell. Smaller streets, slower, tourist-y traffic. But then, I'm comparing it to driving in Manhattan, which is a whole 'nuther story. Philly seems infinitely more drive-able in that comparison. The last time we went to Philly, my husband did all the driving, so I didn't pay that much attention to it but thought it was heavy traffic. Ideally, I would like to leave the car in its spot and use public transportation and walk around the city. It's not even the traffic. I do not parallel park my minivan very well and I hate to squeeze into tight spots. I'm just not a great urban driver. I can drive in Boston (because I have to) but it still makes me nervous. My husband likes driving in Manhattan. Nothing bothers him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 5, 2014 Author Share Posted February 5, 2014 OK, the Rock School. That's Little Italy -- decent neighborhood. I'm most familiar with a neighborhood just 1 mile north of that, near Jefferson Hospital and Medical School, where I've stayed many times (most recently two weeks ago). The Holiday Inn Express on Walnut is excellent, with adjacent parking at $25 a day flat rate. LOTS of restaurants in the area frequented by bleary-eyed but clean-cut medical students. I've also walked that one mile down Broad Street, and it's safe -- mostly residential. A few blocks east of the Rock School is Fantes, so if you cook, be sure to make a pilgrimage there. Yes, you could take the Metro subway a whopping two stops down Broad, but it's a mile, and the blocks are shorter in the north-south direction. 13th & Locust is the second-to-last PATCO stop. PATCO will take you into NJ, which may considerably lower your per-night cost, even when adding the $6 train and whatever the station lots charge at the other end. We did a week at the Hyatt House in Mt. Laurel, and there was a Whole foods, Wegmans, and Trader Joe's all in the area. There are other NJ long-term stay hotels on that same strip that cater to the Philly commuter. If you'd rather be mobile in the burbs and just hop into the city each day, I'd consider the NJ option. How long is the train ride into NJ? How often does it run? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 There are a ton of parking garages that offer monthly rates. Use this site to find them. It looks like you can find prices in the $250-$280 range by the Rock School, which is only $10/day. *Much* better than daily rates, or monthly rates in center city. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 How long is the train ride into NJ? How often does it run? From near Jefferson to the second-to-last NJ stop (Ashland), about 25 minutes. $6 round trip on a re-fillable swipe card. Schedule info HERE. If you're looking around Rittenhouse Square, just know that is the most desirable luxury neighborhoods in Philly and you'll pay accordingly. Hospital area is prob cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DianeW88 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 The Rock School offers boarding for students. Why would your dd need an apartment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 The Rock School offers boarding for students. Why would your dd need an apartment? The OP said the apartment is for her and her dd, because she feels her dd is too young to board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 You could always park your car at our house. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdrinca Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I lived in the Philadelphia suburbs (PA side) for a few years. I'd much rather stay in PA than NJ. If you're up for commuting to the site, I'd recommend checking for rentals on the SEPTA lines. You'd, at a minimum, save in parking fees and bridge toll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Interesting. My experience is the opposite for that part of Philly. Once you're off I-95 at the Callowohill exit, you're near Old City, by the Liberty Bell. Smaller streets, slower, tourist-y traffic. But then, I'm comparing it to driving in Manhattan, which is a whole 'nuther story. Philly seems infinitely more drive-able in that comparison. LOL! I was thinking the exact same thing! I don't mind Philadelphia traffic at all -- but I guess it's because I'm comparing it with Manhattan traffic, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 From near Jefferson to the second-to-last NJ stop (Ashland), about 25 minutes. $6 round trip on a re-fillable swipe card. Schedule info HERE. If you're looking around Rittenhouse Square, just know that is the most desirable luxury neighborhoods in Philly and you'll pay accordingly. Hospital area is prob cheaper. Rittenhouse Square is desirable, but I haven't found it to be that expensive. I remember when we were shopping for a weekend condo there, I was absolutely shocked at how low the prices were, compared with when we were buying a similar place in Manhattan. Rentals are a lot cheaper, too, so I think LMA might be able to find something if she shops around a little. Since it's just her and her dd, they might even be able to get away with a large studio apartment. It wouldn't be ideal, but it could be workable, and it should be quite a bit cheaper than a larger place with separate bedrooms. I don't know anything about reasonably priced hotels in the area, but it sounds like you have given her some great suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 There are a ton of parking garages that offer monthly rates. Use this site to find them. It looks like you can find prices in the $250-$280 range by the Rock School, which is only $10/day. *Much* better than daily rates, or monthly rates in center city. Thank you. This is what I am looking for. When I asked prospective landlords about parking, they tell me "I am on my own." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 The OP said the apartment is for her and her dd, because she feels her dd is too young to board. Yes, and I am bringing my third son, age 10, so a 1-bedroom is needed. I can work while they sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 Rittenhouse Square is desirable, but I haven't found it to be that expensive. I remember when we were shopping for a weekend condo there, I was absolutely shocked at how low the prices were, compared with when we were buying a similar place in Manhattan. Rentals are a lot cheaper, too, so I think LMA might be able to find something if she shops around a little. Since it's just her and her dd, they might even be able to get away with a large studio apartment. It wouldn't be ideal, but it could be workable, and it should be quite a bit cheaper than a larger place with separate bedrooms. I don't know anything about reasonably priced hotels in the area, but it sounds like you have given her some great suggestions. I found several nice apts. in the area that are in our price range, but all of them fell through, for reasons on the landlords' sides. So I know I can find a place. I just need to make the right connection. So the more information I get, the better chance I have of finding a place that will work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 You could always park your car at our house. :) Thank you! That's really sweet of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 From near Jefferson to the second-to-last NJ stop (Ashland), about 25 minutes. $6 round trip on a re-fillable swipe card. Schedule info HERE. If you're looking around Rittenhouse Square, just know that is the most desirable luxury neighborhoods in Philly and you'll pay accordingly. Hospital area is prob cheaper. Thanks for the info. I'll have my husband check it out. I found the hospital area and RS to be about the same in terms of short-term housing. Either will be fine. The hardest part is finding those apartments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 You might also want to ask local Philly homeschoolers. This Yahoo group (CPHG) has a bunch of center city folks,and this Yahoo group is for nearby Delaware County but has lots of folks from the broader area.They are both friendly groups, and there are some serious dance families on both groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 You might also want to ask local Philly homeschoolers. This Yahoo group (CPHG) has a bunch of center city folks, and this Yahoo group is for nearby Delaware County but has lots of folks from the broader area. They are both friendly groups, and there are some serious dance families on both groups. Thanks. I will check this out. A potential furnished apt. next to the Franklin Institute came up. Just trying to figure out what else to ask the owner. It's about 2 miles from the school and it seems really nice. And it's within the budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Rittenhouse Square is desirable, but I haven't found it to be that expensive. I remember when we were shopping for a weekend condo there, I was absolutely shocked at how low the prices were, compared with when we were buying a similar place in Manhattan. Rentals are a lot cheaper, too, so I think LMA might be able to find something if she shops around a little. You're right. I must amend my earlier assessment of The Square. $70 a night is a steal...unless of course the building is a dive, but there do seem to be some hidden studios about. All those hospital residents must live somewhere...I mean...when they're not on shift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiramisu Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 You're right. I must amend my earlier assessment of The Square. $70 a night is a steal...unless of course the building is a dive, but there do seem to be some hidden studios about. All those hospital residents must live somewhere...I mean...when they're not on shift. I agree. And it's not just residents. It's a medical college with all kinds of students, nursing students, therapy students, etc.. I'd be surprised if there aren't sublets available over the summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 6, 2014 Author Share Posted February 6, 2014 Looked into sublets, but most are found on Craigslist, which I will not use for housing. I will not rent someone's apartment with their personal possessions. Saw enough of those on airbnb.com. I am looking for a one-bedroom for the kids and I can use the living room while they are sleeping as I still have to work while being there. I think I found one, but we'll see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thanks. I will check this out. A potential furnished apt. next to the Franklin Institute came up. Just trying to figure out what else to ask the owner. It's about 2 miles from the school and it seems really nice. And it's within the budget. The main library branch is across the street from FI, and there is a Whole Foods a few blocks away in one direction, and a Trader Joe's a few blocks away in the other direction. There's a nice little used book store by the library too. And it's not terribly far from 30th Street station, where you can catch regional rail and Amtrak trains as well as the El. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share Posted February 7, 2014 The main library branch is across the street from FI, and there is a Whole Foods a few blocks away in one direction, and a Trader Joe's a few blocks away in the other direction. There's a nice little used book store by the library too. And it's not terribly far from 30th Street station, where you can catch regional rail and Amtrak trains as well as the El. Thanks for the tips, esp. grocery stores. I hadn't been thinking that far ahead. Is there anything else we shouldn't miss while in the area? We're going to go the zoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Eat at the Bourse, do the liberty bell and constitution hall, run up the art museum steps like Rocky, and maybe actually go to the art museum while there. Camden aquarium is supposed to be super. Ditto Franklin Institute. With a dancer, make a pilgrimage to Baums, right across fron the hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, the Italian Market, all the historical stuff, the Barnes (I've only been to the old one), the Art Museum, the Wagner Free Institute of science, and just walking in center city and university city.Good brown rice, beans and veg at Animo at 17th and Arch - very healthy, filling food. World vegetarian cuisine, including a daily vegan cookie choice, from the Magic Carpet lunch truck in University City. Vegan whoopie pies from Flying Monkey in Reading Terminal Market. Line dancing Friday mornings at 10am at the West Philly YMCA - beginners welcome. Excellent, serious summer classes for kids in art and design at Moore College of Art, right between the Franklin Institute and the Natural History Museum - perhaps your son would enjoy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMA Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share Posted February 7, 2014 Can anyone who knows the Franklin Institute area, tell me about that part of the city? My husband is concerned about the building being by the highway ramps and that the building doesn't seem to be in a neighborhood with other residential buildings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justasque Posted February 8, 2014 Share Posted February 8, 2014 I have found it useful to look on Google maps and choose the streetview option. I can "walk" the streets and get a sense of the neighborhood that way. In another area, (not PA) I contacted the local police who for a small fee gave me a crime report of the local area, which was very useful - more useful, in fact, than people's vague sense of "good neighborhood" or "not good neighborhood", you know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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