Philadelphia has many neighborhoods, or areas, that have different names. There are also Philadelphia suburbs, which are areas that are outside the city borders. Some students choose to live within the city, while others choose the suburbs.
Some suburb neighborhoods include Bensalem, Elkins Park, Jenkintown, Glenside and Cheltenham. Parts of New Jersey are also considered suburbs of Philadelphia. Cherry Hill and Collingswood, although located in New Jersey, are close to Philadelphia and are considered to be suburbs. To explore public transportation options to different neighborhoods visit septa.org.
The following are descriptions of Philadelphia neighborhoods in which to search for housing:
Center City
University City
Fairmount/Art Museum Area
South Philadelphia
East Falls
Roxborough/Manayunk
West Mt. Airy
West Germantown
Chestnut Hill
Northeast Philadelphia
Center City
Center City is the name of Philadelphia's downtown area. It is home to many office towers, museums and cultural institutions, tourist attractions, restaurants and shopping areas. Center City has several historic neighborhoods, including Logan Square, Chinatown, Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Society Hill, Bella Vista, Queen Village and Center City West (or Graduate Hospital area). The apartments in this area are usually more expensive than in other neighborhoods although you can occasionally find a bargain. There are many public transportation options in this area as well. These neighborhoods are convenient to Temple University.
Distance from Temple: approximately 3-5 km
Public Transportation to Temple: subway, bus, and train
University City
University City is situated within the area known as West Philadelphia. University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, many cultural institutions, cultural events, and a large number of restaurants. University City has many advantages when you are trying to decide on a place to rent: affordable prices, large apartments, wonderful restaurants, lots of green space, street parking, walking distance to school/work, good public transportation to/from Center City and other areas of Greater Philadelphia.
Distance from Temple: 7-8 km
Public Transporation to Temple: subway, bus, train, and trolley
Fairmount/Art Museum Area
Fairmount is a neighborhood in the Art Museum area of the city. It is located just northwest of Center City. It borders the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Fairmount Park, which is the largest urban park in the world. Many people choose to live in this neighborhood as an alternative to Center City. It has many restaurants, and it is convenient to Center City and Temple University. Apartment rental rates are reasonable.
Distance from Temple: 2-3 km
Public Transporation to Temple: subway and bus
South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia is the area south of Center City along Broad Street. Composed of many working class neighborhoods, South Philly is well connected to the rest of Philadelphia via the subway and bus routes. It is convenient to Temple as well as to many shopping area. Rentals fees in South Philadelphia are very reasonable.
Distance from Temple: 8-9 km
Public Transporation to Temple: subway and bus
East Falls
East Falls is only about 10 minutes from Center City. Its close proximity to the downtown area makes it an inexpensive alternative to Center City living. East Falls is connected to Center City by Kelly Drive, a scenic road that winds beside the Schuylkill River. East Falls is also convenient to Temple University via Septa's regional rail line.
Distance from Temple: 6-7 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus
Roxborough/Manayunk
The Roxborough and Manayunk neighborhoods are two of the oldest in the city. Once thriving industrial centers, these neighborhoods have big, old houses that often contain several apartments. Center City, as well as Temple University, are close by and easily accessible by public transportation. Manayunk's Main Street is a popular eating and shopping destination that hosts several festivals during the year.
Distance from Temple: 8-13 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus
West Mt. Airy
West Mt. Airy is a unique community of tree-lined streets, close to parks, with a mixture of large homes, row houses and apartment complexes. West Mt. Airy is recognized as a model of a successfully integrated community where people from various backgrounds live together peacefully. Mt. Airy is in the Northwest part of the city, and is connected to Center City and Temple University by Septa's regional rail lines. Apartments in this neighborhood are moderately priced.
Distance from Temple: 9-10 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus
West Germantown
Germantown is a historic neighborhood located Northwest of Center City. West Germantown borders Fairmount Park and is connected to Center City and Temple University by the Septa regional rail system. Apartments in this neighborhood are moderately priced.
Distance from Temple: 7-8 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus
Chestnut Hill
Chestnut Hill is a historic neighborhood with a country village atmosphere. Located northwest of the city, Chestnut Hill's tree-lined streets are home to a busy shopping area with many restaurants. Chestnut Hill is one of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It is accessible to Center City and Temple University via Septa's regional rail line.
Distance from Temple: 12-13 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus
Northeast Philadelphia
The Northeast is almost a city by itself, but it feels more like a suburb. It is comprised of many different, small neighborhoods. The Northeast is a new part of the city: the houses are more modern and the streets are wider than those found in other parts of the city. There are many shopping malls and stores in this area also. Apartments in the Northeast are reasonably priced. However, from some points in this area it can take as long as one hour to get to Center City or Temple University. The Elevated train, or blue line, goes to this part of the city. In addition, there are many bus lines in this area.
Distance from Temple: 18-19 km
Public Transporation to Temple: bus and subway
Useful links:
www.istudentcity.com (For international student housing)
