Philly is one of the most exciting cities to live in. Here’s what you need to know before you start looking for rooms for rent in Philadelphia!
What’s there to say about Philly that hasn’t already been said before. It’s an iconic city after all. You probably can’t wait to start renting an apartment in Philadelphia and just start your life in an awesome new city! But there’s so much you need to know before moving to a new city, including where to look for the best apartments for rent in Philadelphia. And that is where team Roomi comes in. From finding the best Philly cheesesteak, to finding the cheapest rooms for rent in Philadelphia, we’re going to help you every step of the way. So, whether you’re a student about to embark on your college journey or relocating here to get a fresh start, here’s everything you need to know before moving to Philadelphia!
Getting to know Philadelphia
Known as the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia is a city that is steeped in history and culture. From the Liberty Bell, to Philadelphia Museum of Art, to the world famous Philly cheesesteak, there’s a whole lot that the city offers. It’s one of those rare big cities that still has a small college-town charm to it. No matter where you end up renting an apartment in Philadelphia, you’ll be surrounded by scenic beauty and heritage. The city is also a two-hour drive away from New York, which means you can enjoy a quick getaway whenever you get time. And while the weather here is generally pleasant, it’s not always sunny in Philadelphia. The winter here is really cold, so be prepared with your snow boots and winter coat. So, now that you know the basics, let’s move on to finding apartments for rent in Philadelphia!
Finding rooms for rent in Philadelphia
So, you’re looking for rooms for rent in Philadelphia, but don’t yet know which neighborhoods you should look at. Well, don’t worry because Philly is one of the most diverse cities in America. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, this city will deliver. Whether you’re a student thinking of renting a cheap apartment in downtown Philadelphia, or a family of four looking for a quaint neighborhood, the city’s got you covered! So, when you’re looking for apartments for rent in Philadelphia, here’s some of the top neighborhoods you should check out!
Top neighborhoods in Philadelphia
Washington Square West: One of the most coveted neighborhoods in Philly, Washington Square West is historically known for being home to the LGBT community. With apartments for rent available at every price point, this Philadelphia neighborhood has something for everyone!
Bella Vista: Unofficially known as the Little Italy of Philadelphia, this is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. With a gorgeous view, a lively-yet-laid-back vibe and the italian market, this is a great neighborhood for anyone who wants to look at rooms for rent away from the chaos of downtown Philadelphia.
University City: Home to two of the largest universities in the city, this neighborhood is everything you’d want as a college student. Great restaurants, access to arts and culture and most importantly, an irresistible energy, we highly recommend renting an apartment in this neighborhood of Philadelphia!
Average rent in Philadelphia
| Rooms for Rent in Philadelphia | Average Rent |
| Studio Apartment | $1,218 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | $901 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | $2,010 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment | $2,340 |
University life in Philadelphia
Known for being one of the greatest college cities in America, Philadelphia is a great choice for college students and youngsters in general. Philadelphia is a major city, so it may not have some of the features of a typical college town but that’s part of the charm! You get to experience parts of college town culture (thanks to University City) and big city life all at once! From arts, to culture, to nightlife, Philly has everything you would hope for and more!
And if you’re worried about high costs, don’t be. It is possible to live in Philly on a budget. In fact, the average cost of living for students in Philadelphia is between $800 to $1300. You just have to make sure to seek out cheap rooms for rent when you’re apartment hunting in Philadelphia.
As you may already know, Philly is home to an Ivy League University. But there’s also so many other fantastic options! According to USNews, these are the top universities in Philadelphia:
- University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Saint Joseph’s University
How transit friendly is Philadelphia
Getting around Philadelphia is actually pretty easy. In fact, if you’ve got enough time (and stamina), you can walk to pretty much anywhere in the city. But for those who don’t have that kind of time and energy (which is most of us), there are other reasonable options as well. So, here are all the ways to travel around the city!
1. Walkability:
Philadelphia is a delight for anyone who likes walking. As we already mentioned, you can pretty much walk wherever you want to go. With a walkable score of 79, philly is pretty damn walkable!
2. Roads/traffic:
Navigation in Philly is pretty easy since the city is laid out in a rectangular grid pattern. So, even if you get lost, you’ll find your way back pretty easily. The traffic, however, is a different issue. Like any other major city, the traffic here can be brutal. So, beware of the rush hour.
3. Taxis:
Taxis are pretty easy to find here in the city. You can pretty much just hail one at any street, and you’re good to go. In addition to taxi cabs, Uber and Lyft are extremely popular options. Just download the app, and you’ll never have to worry!
4. Public transportation:
For a lot of people in Philly, especially college students, public transportation is a life-saver. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is in-charge of a system of buses, subways, commuter rails and trolleys that’ll get you wherever you want to go. On a budget!
5. Airports:
Located seven miles from Philadelphia, the Philadelphia International Airport is the largest airport in Pennsylvania. Being a hub for the American airway system, you can find a flight going to any destination you want!
6. Cycle Friendly
If you like biking, Philadelphia is a great city for you! There’s an extensive network of trials for bikers in the city. And if you don’t own a bike, just check out Indego bike share!
Restaurants in Philadelphia
Okay, we cannot talk about Philadelphia, and not talk about food. Food here in the city is, simply put, amazing. And we’re not just talking about the Philly cheesesteak, even though that’s also to-die-for. This city is a culinary dreamland with little gems on every corner. But for convenience, here’s some places you have to check out!
Historical Spots in Philadelphia
Given that Philadelphia was the first heritage city of the United states, there’s a lot to see around here. You probably already know that. But just in case you don’t, here’s some spots that you absolutely cannot miss when you’re in Philly!
- The Liberty Bell Center
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Independence Hall and Congress Hall
- The Betsy Ross House
- Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
- The African American Museum in Philadelphia
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