Are you a student in Philadelphia and thinking of being close to your university, but off-campus?
First, check out the map above to see where your university is located within Philadelphia, and the neighborhoods that are close by (distance wise).
In general, since most of the universities are located in West and Northwest portion of the city, most Philadelphia Students tend to live in University City, Center City, West Philadelphia, Fairmount/Art Museum Area, and East Falls.
Of course, in addition to just close proximity, you should consider the below.
Transportation
Will you have a car? or need to be near SEPTA transit stop?
Price
Some Philadelphia neighborhoods are more expensive than others…
Type of Housing Building
Do you prefer a high-rise, mid-rise, low-rise garden-style apartment.
Type of Entrance
Do you prefer private entrance (where you walk from the outside directly into your apartment), semi-private entrance (where you share an entrance with only a few others) or common hallway?
Living Situation
Do you want a co-living scenario where you are matched rather automatically with others and typically pay a per bed price, do you want to choose your roommate, or do you want to live alone?
In-Unit Amenities
Which in-unit amenities do you need – Central Air, Balcony, Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, Large Closets, Sound Control, etc.
Complex Amenities
Which complex amenities do you need – Swimming Pool, Parking, Clubhouse, Fitness Center, Dog Park
Pet-Friendliness
If you have a pet, does the apartment allow for pets. Check University policy as well on pets.
Landlord Reputation
What is the reputation of the landlord you are considering?
Area Crime Rates *
*No area is ever crime-free, but historical crime can be measured and should be researched. Check out this from Philadelphia Inquirer looking back 30 days it shows historical crime rates. Do your own research.
La Salle University
La Salle University is a private catholic university in Philadelphia. It is situated in the Northwest part of the city.
Some near-by Philadelphia neighborhoods include Mt Airy, East Falls, Chestnut Hill, Roxborough, and Manayunk.
Temple University
Temple University is a large public research university located in Philadelphia. The main campus is located just north of Center City and you will find a number of students who live in the immediate area around the university periphery, and others who choose to live in near-by neighborhoods and commute in (such as Chinatown, Old City, Center City, and even Callowhill area.
A number of students live around the periphery of campus. If you are able and willing to live off campus and commute, some near-by neighborhoods include Fairmount, Old City, Chinatown, Callowhill, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, or even Manayunk and Roxborough.
Saint Joseph’s University
Founded in Jesuit tradition, Saint Joseph’s is a private Catholic institution located in the Northwest of the city.
Among the closest Philadelphia neighborhoods are Wynnefield. Some neighborhoods to consider living in include Wynnefield, East Falls, and many choose to live in Manayunk or Roxborough (given close proximity). Other options, if you want suburbs, include near by Wynnewood and Bala Cynwyd.
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private urban research university located in an area known as University City. It is located close by to University of Pennsylvania (Upenn).
Many choose to stay in University City. Other students also choose to commute from Roxborough and Manayunk, or other parts of Center City such as Rittenhouse and Fitler Square.
University of Pennsylvania
Near by to Drexel, It is common for University of Pennsylvania students to look for housing in and around University City. Others may choose to commute from Center City, Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital, Rittenhouse, or other parts of Center City.
Holy Family University
If you go to Holy Family University, one of the top Catholic Universities in the City, you are probably at the Northeast Philadelphia campus or Newtown Campus.
If at the Northeast Philadelphia (or even for Newtown Campus), you may want to consider living in Northeast Philadelphia. Some of the best areas in Northeast Philly include Bustleton, Somerton, Fox Chase and Torresdale neighborhoods.
Looking for more? Check out our Exclusive Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide which goes into great detail on 20+ neighborhoods and shows exactly where each neighborhood is on a map.
Of course make sure to check your University’s policy, including whether or not you are allowed to live off-campus, as well as any suggestions or guidelines they have for off-campus living.
