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 the main universities in Philadelphia are located geographically, and neighborhoods that are close by (distance wise).
Of course, in addition to just close proximity, you should consider:
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.
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.
La Salle University
La Salle University is another 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 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 around the university periphery, and others who choose to live in other neighborhoods and commute in.
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, Callowhill, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, or even Manayunk and Roxborough. The SEPTA train can make it pretty easy to commute from Manayunk/Roxborough to Temple.
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.
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, although you will find some willing to commute from the Roxborough and Manayunk areas, Chestnuthill, or Fitler Square, Rittenhouse or Center City.
As you can see, Philadelphia is peppered with some world-class universities worth checking out. Accommodation should be easy enough to sort out once you are aware of which areas are most ideal to live in.
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.
