Most Affordable, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Home | Blog | Most Affordable, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Philadelphia
philadelphia neighborhood affordable

Reading Time: ( Word Count: )

The most affordable and desirable neighborhoods in Philadelphia are Bustleton, Somerton, Fox Chase, and Mt Airy. The first three Philadelphia neighborhoods are in an area known as Northeast Philadelphia. The latter is in Northwest Philadelphia. Other affordable, though a little bit pricier neighborhoods, include Roxborough, East Falls, and Brewerytown.

See the benefits of living in Northeast Philadelphia (Bustleton, Somerton, Fox Chase).

How much do I need to make to live in these neighborhoods?

To afford rent in these Philadelphia neighborhoods (with average prices mentioned in this article), using rent affordability rules of thumb, you’d need to earn a salary of between approximately $45,000 to $48,000 for an average 2-bedroom apartment in Bustleton, Somerton, Fox Chase, or Mt Airy.

Keep in mind rents can go up and the specific apartment you are interested in may be higher than the average, so it’s best to do your own calculation of how much you can afford in rent.

Where can I live on a budget in Philadelphia?

Smallbones / Public domain

If you are on a budget and looking for a place to live in Philadelphia, you should check out among other options, Bustleton, Somerton, Fox Chase, and Mt Airy. These neighborhoods are affordable, near major parks, and offer good access to public transportation. Other neighborhoods that are affordable include East Falls and Roxborough.

Most Affordable (first tier)

Bustleton

The average rent for a 1-bedroom unit in Bustleton is about $1090 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,281 per month. Bustleton is known to be among the greenest neighborhoods in the Northeast part of the city fringing Pennypack Park, which spans across 1,600 acres. There are plenty of entertainment activities and eateries on offer in the area and it is located in close proximity to Center City. It was also ranked among top 10 hottest affordable neighborhood in the entire United States.

Somerton

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in Somerton is $1064 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,275 per month. Somerton is in the Northeast (next to Bustleton) and has a good suburban-urban mix with a multitude of parks, eateries and cafes throughout various shopping centers.

Fox Chase

fox chase train

Beautiful Fox Chase in Northeast Philadelphia Hshuvaeva, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in Fox Chase is $1,010 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,208 per month. This family-friendly area in Northeast Philly, offers a quiet lifestyle with Fox Chase farm, Burholme Park, and Burholme Family Fun Center. It is also situated near Pennypack Park, and has a central commercial corridor. There are several apartment rental options in the Fox Chase Neighborhood.

Mt Airy

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in Mt Airy is $1112 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,322 per month. Just a 20-minute drive to Center City, Mt Airy boasts large leafy parklands, quiet streets and plenty of local businesses. Offering an urban-suburban lifestyle. Germantown Avenue has a nice mix of restaurants, businesses, and several pocket parks. It is also near by to many of the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods such as Chestnut Hill, East Falls, and Manayunk.

Affordable (second tier)

East Falls

Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide | East Falls | Phillyaptrentals.com

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in East Falls is $1,510 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,695 per month. East Falls sits in the Northwest part of the city and is outfitted with green open spaces with a mix of houses and apartments. Here, you will find bars, restaurants and shops, and it is very close to Center City.

Roxborough

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in Roxborough is $1,329 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,600 per month. Roxborough is just 10 miles from Center City and has green open spaces making it popular with many families who like the idea of biking and walking in the local area without being too far from the city. Near by to Manayunk which has a central Main Street.

Brewerytown

The average rent of a 1-bedroom unit in Brewerytown is $1,575 per month while the average rent of a 2-bedroom unit is $1,935 per month. It was previously home to over 20 breweries many of which have been converted into condos and apartments for everyone from families to professionals.

There are a lot of benefits to living in these wonderful and affordable neighborhoods giving you the opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled family-friendly lifestyle without being too far from the bustle of downtown Philadelphia. Of course, there is more to consider than just affordability.

Want More Neighborhoods to Choose From?

Check out our Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide. Find something within your budget and you’re well on your way to a great family life in this beautiful city.

*these neighborhoods take into account both rent and parking affordability

**No area is ever crime-free and no one can guarantee safety. Historical crime rates can be measured and should be researched as part of the area you want to live in. You can check out the Philadelphia Inquirer. It publishes crime data looking back 30 days.

Rent Data Last Updated: January 2022

Subscribe

* indicates required

Don't Forget to Share this post! If you like it!

Fidelity Management – Our content has been featured or mentioned nationally by some of the industry’s best websites including:
ApartmentGuide | Rent.com | MyFirstAmartment | RENTCafe | The Balance …and many more

Tags

Categories

Editor’s Picks

Ben Franklin Bridge leading into Philadelphia at sunset

Subscribe

Stay a Smart Renter. Join the Group!

* indicates required

Related Articles

Is Rent Expensive in Philadelphia?

Is Rent Expensive in Philadelphia?

Rent in Philadelphia is surprisingly reasonable compared to other large major metropolitan cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. In fact, New York City is more than twice as expensive as Philadelphia. Average rent for 1 bedroom in Philadelphia...

read more
1 Share
Skip to main content
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap