Carson07S2K

Hey Donald,

If you need some help navigating the city or just have questions, let me know. I live at 22nd & Pine and work in Old City (3rd & Chestnut)

Good luck with the search

kndonlee

Thanks a bunch. I'll have to hit you up. If you don't mind me asking, where and how much are you parking your car and are you in an apartment with other units available?

kndonlee

Here's my budgeting:

Commuting
120mi RT = 4gal/gas @ $3 = $12
Tolls: $2.25 x 2 = $4.50
Early bird parking: $12 (I know some deals exist for 8-10)
Daily commute cost: 28.50 or ~30
$30 x 5 days/wk x 4.3weeks = $645/mo
Also anywhere from 2-4 hours a day in driving and fighting traffic. This is very taxing on mind and body.
Also an A3 TDI new at around 35k with tax and options with say just a couple grand down is still about 600-700/mo. So commute with an a3 = 1300ish. I'd rather spend the same $$ w/out the commute.

Living in center city
1BR @ Museum Towers: $1200 OR Studio for $1050.
1 car parking: $130 (Can be Optional. I can take bus back to Allentown on weekends)
Electric & Water: $100
Cost: $1430 or ~1150ish on the lowend.
Commute: 10 minute walk, 5 minute bike ride.

Living in Lansdale
1BR: ~$700
Electric & Water: $100
Septa Monthly Pass: $350
Cost: $1150
Commute: Still 1hr each way

Living in the city outskirts: Manayunk, Cheltenham, etc
1BR: ~$700??
Electric & Water: $100
Septa Monthly Pass: $80
Cost: $880
Commute: Still 15-40mins depending on transfers.

It seems like the cheapest option is to live in the city outskirts, but IMO, it makes the most sense to just find a good deal in the city and minimize any commuting, esp if I can do it for just around 200-300 more. Also, the GF will be coming with and she needs to commute up to Kutztown and jazz, so......... that opens up a whole another can of worms.

kamui157

Where would the job be? I can give you more specifics. My girlfriend works at 20th and market and I used to work at 11th and market.

Mr. Francesco

You could always rent in NJ and take the train over the bridge. I know what its like to have to be at work by a specific time, my current job is like that.

HonCBRf2

I agree with this, save yourself the hassle of parking and someone damaging your car as you know it is going to happen

kndonlee

Job is on 19th and market. Any specifics I should look into would be greatly appreciated.

kndonlee

Mhmm...you mean like live in deptford or somethig like that. I suppose it's an option, but I'm
not really compelled as to its advantages compared to say the city outskirts such as manayunk, balacynwyd, etc.

Commute time depending on the stops and would still be a nontrivial 30mins+ and rents would still be 500-700+ while making the drive even farther away to Allentown for the weekends.

kndonlee

If I was by 69th st, what station would I be using? I'll look up schedules. I think the trick is to find a place nice And cheap enough but not so shady if you know what I mean.

kndonlee

Mhmm... I like the commute from the 69th st station. It's a straight shot right onto 15th and market. I guess I'll just have to see if I like the area.

In Millbourne, I see: http://www.presidentialcity.com These look like they will be pricey enough to justify a place in center city.

Close to the 69th St Station is: http://www.parklaneeast.com (which seems cheap enough. Starting at 600-700 for studios) So this isn't bad at all with a 15 minute train ride right into the city.

--Update--
http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/PA-Up...Apartments.html says these apartments in upper darby are not so clean.... =P