Where to live in Pennsylvania?(University of Penn)?

30 miles or so out is silly. I grew up 10 miles from here and still lived in Philly when I went to Drexel.

Truth be told, yes, University City can be a bad area at times, but for the most part, it's just about the same as any other part of the city...no worse. Your biggest issues may be the punks at University City High, but as long as you're not alone and not being stupid, you'll be fine.

University City as a college 'town' is OK...it's exactly what it sounds like--a mixture of Drexel and UPenn students living near campus.

I'd honestly say to look around in the city and see what you think you'd like. I've lived in UCity, Northern Liberties, The Art Museum Area and Fishtown.

UCity is younger, so if you're concerned about the kiddies puking on your steps at night, you may want to head out from there (it seems to be like 18-24 around there).

Fairmount (Art Museum) is great because it's close to UCity, close to downtown and easy to get into and out of on the trains, a bus, or a taxi. I think the area is cleaner than UCity, and I think it may be safer in some spots, but again, as long as you keep your head on straight, you'll be fine anywhere in the city. The restaurants and bars are better here in my opinion as well. This area can be anywhere from the 20s all the way up to lifers.

Northern Liberties is kind of an up and coming neighborhood, and it has a ton of stuff to do and see, as well as easy access. Plenty of bars, a ton of restaurants and I'd imagine that after the housing boom peaked, a couple of Northern Liberty-ites were left with some thick mortgages and no buyers, so rentals are prevalent. This is also a younger area...maybe 20s to late 30s.

Fishtown starts to get off the beaten path and isn't exactly easy to get into and out of, but it'll be the cheapest of the ones I mentioned, plus, it's a real down to earth kind of area.

In the end, it's up to you to decide, but I say, forget about 30 miles out. If you go east, it'll cost you $4 in toll every time you try to come across from NJ. If you go west, it'll take you hours to get back into the city by car (I-76...2 lanes out, 2 lanes into Philly...that's it). Skip 30 miles north and 30 miles south is Delaware, and unless your majoring in eye-gouging boredom, I'd stay away from there too.

Good luck. Shoot an email if you have more questions.

The guy above me must be a suburbaner. Most streets up to 49th are okay, but it depends on how far south.

Do not live in the suburbs. You will miss the whole experience. There is nothing to do there for singles. As far as the "several areas of Philadelphia that a woman should not be living in, especially alone" that is a pretty overblown stereotype. Almost all of the crime in Philly is gang related, so as long as you aren't in a gang and use common sense you'll do fine.

Stay in University City. Tons of students, young professionals, and young families. Perfect for a grad student. Center city is pricier and farther from where you want to be but check that out. Go to philly.com to get a feel for the rental rates. It may be smart to buy (if you can) in Uni city because the area is expected to expand rapidly for the next 15 years or so. More Penn, Drexel, and Lasalle kids are staying in Philly after Graduation.

You should live in University City, which is the area right around Penn. Unless you are very nervous about crime, you will enjoy living there. It's where most students live. You could also live across the river in center city. All it takes is a little common sense to be safe. You might be happier in an apartment building rather than a converted house because it's a bit safer.

If you really don't want to live in the city there are many suburban areas. How much can you afford to spend on rent? That might determine which town to go to. Some Penn students live in Drexel Hill. Just keep in mind that the 'burbs are mostly families and older people. Not much happening for singles.

Narberth is cute and safe. You can get right on the R5 train and be at Penn in 25 minutes.

Stay out of North Philly and Southwest Philly and West Philly beyond 48th St.

If you're going to Penn DEFINATELY live in University City..you can walk to school each day...its VERY safe and clean...

Do not live on a street near or with a number higher than 39. LIke if you hear about an apt on 42nd st, forget it.

Here this will help you out, Penn is a GREAT school...

http://www.ucityphila.org/