Good neighborhoods in Philly? Moving advice...

[buriedbeds]

I might be moving to Philadelphia in a couple of months, and I was wondering if anyone had some tips about good places to find moderately-cheap housing that isn't in the ghetto. I've lived in NJ for most of my life, so I know Philly to an extent (I've gone to shows at the Troc and the TLA since I was 13, etc.), so I know, for instance, to not live in North philly, but as to where good areas where younger/artsier people are living, I have no idea.

Anyone got any tips?

Thanks!

-bb.

[curtis012]

West Philly, Will Smith seemed to like it.

[Georgia Avenue]

I'm not sure where this is, but my sister just bought a place in University City and it seemed pretty cool when I visted.

[waxie]

University City is a nice area with a lot of young people. The further you move into West Philadelphia, the cheaper it will be.

You should also look at Bell Avista and other neighborhoods in South Philadelphia/Center City.

You'd be surprised at how nice some areas of North Philly. In particular, Brewerytown, Northern Liberties and a few other places are blowing up right now. Northern Liberties has a lot of young people and many cool coffee shops/bars/resturants.

[4_2_it]

Are you single or married? If you have kids, I wouldn't recommend sending them to Philly schools.

[buriedbeds]

[ QUOTE ]
Are you single or married? If you have kids, I wouldn't recommend sending them to Philly schools.

[/ QUOTE ]

Single, 28, 99% certain I'm going to be going back to school in a year (i.e. starting sept. 2007), hopefully in Philly. Partly I'm moving there to set up residency, partly because I've always loved the city when I've gone in to do stuff there.

Thanks for the responses so far, btw; very helpful...

-bb.