HOUSING GUIDE 2021 WHARTON MBA - HOUSING DATA NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED APARTMENT RATINGS - VeryApt
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
REVIEWS AND ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS WHARTON MBA HOUSING GUIDE 2021 HOUSING DATA TOP PROPERTIES NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED LANDLORD INFO APARTMENT RATINGS RENTER RESOURCES Intelligent Apartment Search
TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE GUIDE Start with the Housing Facts section. This section should help you determine the type of apartment you'd 5 HOUSING FACTS like to live in and how much you should expect to pay Our data on housing in rent. Read about different neighborhoods and narrow down your search to parts of the city that you like most. 6 NEIGHBORHOODS OVERVIEW Most popular neighborhoods for Use the Apartment Ratings section to identify the Wharton students best apartment buildings across the categories (e.g. 7 Rittenhouse Square best amenities, highest rated) that matter most to you. 8 Fitler Square Visit VeryApt.com to read reviews, get pricing, and set 9 Logan Square up appointments for the apartments you like most. 10 Midtown Village 11 DATA TABLE ABOUT THE DATA IN THIS GUIDE Compiled from Wharton student reviews All of the data in this guide are based on feedback from real renters in Philadelphia. We asked students to rate their 13 APARTMENT RATINGS apartments on a scale of 1-10 across six categories: Top apartments, based on the feedback of Wharton students 13 Most Popular 14 Highest Rated 15 Best for Families 16 Best for Amenities 17 Best for Value Overall Value Management 18 Best for Property Service 19 Best for Pet Owners 21 LANDLORDS Ratings for landlords and management companies Amenities Location Safety Based on their feedback, we compiled a list of the best apartment buildings for Wharton students. If you are interested in additional data that is not in the guide or have a housing question, you can reach us at contact@veryapt.com. DISCLAIMER: The reviews and ratings presented throughout the guide and the VeryApt website do not reflect the opinions, position, or endorsement of VeryApt. The responses and reviews presented are solely those of the survey respondents. VeryApt assumes no responsibility for readers' or users' interpretation of the data. The results do not in any way constitute a warranty or representation by VeryApt as to the quality, safety, or other features of a property. We encourage you to check all available sources of information about properties prior to renting.
Start your apartment search today! Visit VeryApt.com to read reviews, get pricing, and set up appointments for the apartments you like the most. Julia Rizio Head Concierge, Philadelphia Call/Text us at (215) 234-1719 and get connected directly with a juliar@veryapt.com concierge that will guide you through the rental process. 1 60-90 days 2 before move-in-date Use our personalized search Read renter reviews and our VeryApt’s apartment search algorithm makes neighborhood guides finding the perfect apartment seamless and Narrow your search by reading apartment easy. Want to live in a building with a fitness reviews from real renters and exploring our center, located in a happening neighborhood, neighborhood guides. Take a look at our which is a 20-minute bike ride from your curated “Signature Spots” to get a feel for your office? No problem! VeryApt’s personalized next apartment and its surrounding search will sift through thousands of available neighborhood. rentals to find you that perfect place to call home. 45-60 days before move-in-date 3 Connect with the VeryApt 4 Concierge Team 30-45 days Submit inquiries for your favorite apartments, before move-in-date and you’ll quickly get connected with VeryApt’s Sign your lease concierge team. They’ll send you exact Once you’ve found your perfect place, apply for availability, answer your questions, and even your next apartment and sign your lease online, make additional recommendations. Once you all with the guidance of your VeryApt have a short-list, we’ll take care of scheduling concierge. your tour and providing transportation from first stop to last! 5 15-30 days VeryApt makes finding before move-in-date Prepare to move the perfect apartment Your VeryApt concierge will make sure you’re prepped for your move. We’ve researched a breeze. Best of all, everything, including renter’s insurance, it’s always free for the parking permits, movers, furniture rentals, and more! renter! 3
Renters Excellent Service! LOVE They made my apartment search very easy. One website with every apartment. I selected the places I was interested in and they scheduled all my walkthroughs. They made it very easy. - MATTHEW A. VeryApt The most user-friendly application Real testimonials from our users The most user-friendly application and also the most VeryApt is ranked #1 for customer service in personable team behind the product. I had very the real estate category on TrustPilot 9.8/10 (162 reviews) specific requirements and Rebecca was able to help me find something that accommodated my needs in record time. Best. Thing. Ever. - LUIS P. Honestly, if there were 6 stars, I would have rated VeryApt 6 stars. I cannot express how easy VeryApt made the apartment hunting process for me. The level of service that VeryApt provides is excellent. The Excellent experience from start to finish website provides a wealth of information and the tools that you can use to help narrow down your search were Upon first contact, Julia talked me through all the basic fantastic. Additionally, you get to speak with someone requirements I had for a place, and put together a list of that helps you narrow it down even further, then sets places that were a great fit based on my preferences. up your viewings and accompanies you as you see the Julia (and VeryApt as a whole) were extremely flexible apartments. It is very helpful to have someone with you based on my schedule restrictions and change in that is knowledgeable about the renting process preferences, and planned out all the tours so all I had to because he or she knows what questions to ask on do was show up and focus on my future home. Julia your behalf. If I ever move again, I will definitely use helped immensely in answering (and asking) pertinent VeryApt and will absolutely recommend it to anyone questions during each tour, and kept tabs on me looking for an apartment. throughout the whole process. Even after I submitted my application, VeryApt checked in with me to make - JEREMY T. sure I was ok (and also provided a handy moving guide). Would definitely use again! - JEFF H. I recommend this website 100% The attention that was given was always on point. They answered all of my doubts at any hour, even if it was Let us help you find an apartment! very late, and always treated me as a friend, in a very professional way. My agent even showed me VISIT apartments via Facetime when I couldn’t be there in person to take a look. Also they respected me and VERYAPT.COM made it easy for my first experience moving out of my house! I will always be thankful. CALL/TEXT YOUR CONCIERGE TEAM - MICHELLE G. (215) 234-1719 4
Where Wharton students live Who Wharton students live with 50% Rittenhouse Square 45% Alone 25% Fitler Square 25% Spouse/partner 20% Logan Square 30% Roommate 3% Midtown Village (excluding spouse/ 2% Other partner) 9% of Wharton students live with pets What type of properties What size residences Wharton Wharton students live in students live in 80% Large property (50+ 20% Studios or efficiences units) 40% One bedrooms 15% Small property (2-9 units) 25% Two bedrooms 5% Mid-size property 15% Three or more (20-49 units) bedrooms Distribution of property ratings Average rent by apartment size $1,695 Studio $2,000 1BR $2,740 2BR 15% 15% 30% 40% $3,840 3BR 0 - 6.9 7 - 7.9 8 - 8.9 9+ Rent versus own Commute methods 99% Rent 1% Own 60% 25% 10% 5% Walking Public Rideshare Biking Transit 5
NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED An overview of the most popular neighborhoods for Wharton MBA students 1 Rittenhouse Square 2 Fitler Square Other Neighborhoods 50% of Wharton MBA students 25% of Wharton MBA students Under 5% each Rittenhouse Square is located in Center Situated right along the Schuylkill River, City and is home to some of the city's Fitler Square is a quaint neighborhood 5 Fairmount best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. full of old-school Philadelphia charm. It's The neighborhood has luxury high-rises part of a larger area more commonly with beautiful views of the the park and referred to as 'Schuylkill' that's also 6 University City has quick access to popular transit. comprised of Devil's Pocket and Grays Ferry. 7 Bella Vista 3 Logan Square 4 Wash Sq West/Midtown 8 Point Breeze Village 20% of Wharton MBA students 3% of Wharton MBA students Corporate offices and historic buildings, This is Center City living at its finest. including City Hall, span across Logan High-rise apartments, restaurants, and Square. While this neighborhood is a walkability comprise a few of this corporate hub, its wide streets also neighborhood's top assets. It's a little attract city events such as the farther from Wharton, but it's a great Philadelphia Marathon or Fourth of July option for those looking to live east of concert. Broad St. 6
Rittenhouse Square Luxury Properties in the Heart of Center City ABOUT RITTENHOUSE SQUARE Rittenhouse Square is located in Center City and is home to some of the city's best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. The neighborhood has luxury high-rises with beautiful views of the the park as well as quick access to transit. Amazing Charm Independent Restaurants Central Location Higher Prices Great Public Transit Access MEDIAN RENTS IN RITTENHOUSE SQUARE $1,500 $1,900 $2,550 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT RITTENHOUSE SQUARE Review by MBA Student 2116 CHESTNUT Review by MBA Student THE WELLINGTON The location is very close to both fast casual and sit- Rittenhouse Square is the center of the action. As down restaurants as well as shopping and workout someone who has never lived right in a city center studios. We are a 36-40 minute walk to Huntsman. It's before, I really enjoyed being able to walk to everything, a little farther from school than 2116, but the SEPTA bus especially Target and the variety of restaurants within stops right outside the building and runs directly to just a couple of blocks. Huntsman in under 15 minutes. The downside is that it is very noisy, and there is a lot of loitering nearby. However, the building feels very secure. 7
Fitler Square Quaint Neighborhood Full of Philadelphia Charm ABOUT FITLER SQUARE Situated right along the Schuylkill River, Fitler Square is a quaint neighborhood full of Philadelphia charm. It's part of a larger area more commonly referred to as 'Schuylkill' that's also comprised of Devil's Pocket and Grays Ferry. Renters rave about this area for the nearby parks and fantastic restaurants. Great Parks Walkable Quaint Trader Joe's Prime Location Public Transit Very Safe MEDIAN RENTS IN FITLER SQUARE $1,700 $2,200 $3,050 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT FITLER SQUARE Review by MBA Student RIVERLOFT APTS. Review by MBA Student 2131 SPRUCE ST Great area. Close to the river which has a running / Much more of a community, and additional privacy walking / biking trail, dog parks very close by. Plenty of compared to some of the high-rises in Rittenhouse. The restaurants, grocery store options ~10 mins north and walk down to Fitler Square and Spruce Street Park is south. filled with coffee shops and ornate brownstones. Good for runners because of the connection to the Schuylkill River Boardwalk. 8
Logan Square Luxury High Rises and Corporate Office Buildings in Center City ABOUT LOGAN SQUARE Corporate offices and historic buildings, including City Hall, span across Logan Square. While this neighborhood is a corporate hub, its wide streets also attract city events such as the Philadelphia Marathon and the Fourth of July concert. Great Location Plenty of Restaurants and Bars Safe Clean Schuylkill River Trail Trolley Walkable MEDIAN RENTS IN LOGAN SQUARE $1,450 $1,950 $2,750 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT LOGAN SQUARE Review by MBA Student 2121 MARKET STREET Review by MBA Student STERLING APTS + Proximity to city centre Mostly corporate area with several fast casual options. + Trader's Joe Very close to Whole Foods in Fairmount, Schuykill River + Armoury for Pub Trail, and 30th St train station which are a huge bonus. + Close to 2401 Get's quiet at night. + Close to 30th St Station + Trolley (
Midtown Village A Lively Business District and Restaurant Hub ABOUT MIDTOWN VILLAGE Working professionals abound in the heart of Center City, populating the many restaurants and cafes during their lunch breaks. Day or night, Midtown Village is bustling with activity. It's a bit farther from class for Wharton students, but if you're looking to live outside of the Wharton bubble then Midtown Village is a great option. Central Location Plethora of Restaurants and Bars Center City Busy MEDIAN RENTS IN MIDTOWN VILLAGE $1,150 $2,050 $2,700 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT MIDTOWN VILLAGE Review by Local Resident VICTORY CONDOS Review by Local Resident ARTS CONDOS Best neighborhood in Center City - can't beat the price Honestly, the best part of living in this place is being for what you get. Amazing location, just a short walk to able to have access to the whole city. Everything is close Rittenhouse or Old City. Can't beat living in the heart of by and I love it. Broad St is right up the street and close Center City. to the subway and bus transportation is right out the door. 10
APARTMENT KEY Excellent for a category RATINGS •••• $$$$ $2070+ per renter ••• Great $$$ $1830- $2069 •• Average $$ $1590- $1829 • Below average $ < $1590 * Prices subject to change and may vary significantly by room type s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa 1210 Chestnut Apt 8.3 $$$ •• ••• •••• •••• •••• 1213 Walnut Apt 9.4 $$ •••• •••• •••• •••• ••• 1500 Locust Apt 8.0 $$$ •••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 1600 Chestnut Apt 8.3 $$ •••• •• •••• • •• 1613 Spruce Street Apt 8.0 $ ••• ••• •••• • ••• 1700 Chestnut Apt 8.6 $$$$ •••• •••• ••• •••• •••• 1900 Arch Street Apt 8.3 $$ ••• •••• ••• ••• ••• 1919 Market Apt 8.9 $$$$ ••• •••• ••• •••• •••• 1920 Pine Street Condo 7.5 $$$ • • •••• •••• • 2040 Market Apartments Apt 8.4 $$ •• •• ••• ••• •••• 2116 Chestnut Apt 8.0 $$$$ •• ••• • •••• •• 2121 Market Street Apt 7.8 $ ••• •• ••• •• ••• 2400 Chestnut Apartments Apt 8.2 $$$ •••• ••• ••• ••• ••• 2400 South Apt 8.4 $$$$ •• •• • •••• •••• AKA University City Apt 8.0 $$$$ ••• •••• •• •• •••• Arrive University City Apt 8.3 $$$ ••• ••• •••• ••• •••• Avenir Apt 8.2 $ ••• •••• ••• •• ••• Edgewater Apt 9.0 $$$$ •••• ••• •• •• ••• Griffin Center City Apt 8.7 $$$ •••• •••• ••• •••• ••• Icon Apt 8.3 $$$ ••• •••• ••• ••• ••• Lippincott Mansion Apt 7.7 $ • •• •••• •••• • Locust on the Park Apt 8.0 $$$ •• ••• •• •• ••• Naval Square Condo 9.8 $$$ •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• NorthXNorthwest Apt 7.4 $$ ••• ••• ••• •••• ••• Parc Rittenhouse Condo 8.8 $$$ •••• •••• •••• •• •••• Park Towne Place Premier Apt 7.9 $ •• •••• • •• •• Rittenhouse Claridge Apt 7.8 $$ •• ••• •• ••• ••• Riverwest Condominiums Condo 6.5 $ • •• ••• •• •• Sanctuary Lofts Apt 8.0 $ •• • ••• • •••• Southstar Lofts Apt 8.2 $$ ••• ••• •• •••• •• ** Buildings with fewer than 3 reviews or ratings below 5.0 are not listed in this guide but reviews can be found online at VeryApt.com. *** Some buildings with fewer than 3 reviews are included above because of high ratings but do not appear in the top 10 lists. 11
APARTMENT RATINGS s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa The Atlantic Condo 9.5 $$$$ •••• •••• •• •• ••• The Beacon Apt 9.0 $$$$ •••• •••• ••• ••• ••• The Belgravia Condos Condo 8.8 $$$ ••• ••• •••• •• •••• The Carlyle Apt 7.5 $ • • •• •• ••• The Chatham Apt 7.5 $ ••• • ••• • •• The Chestnut Apt 8.5 $$$ ••• ••• ••• ••• •••• The Dorchester Condo 7.5 $$ •• •• • ••• •••• The Ellington Condo 8.3 $$ •••• •• •••• • • The Harper Apt 10.0 $$$$ •••• •••• • ••• •••• The Hutton Condo 7.7 $$$$ • •• •• ••• • The Irvine Apt 8.8 $$$$ •••• ••• •• ••• ••• The Latham Apt 8.5 $$ ••• ••• ••• ••• •••• The Lofts at 1835 Arch Street Apt 7.3 $ ••• •• ••• ••• ••• The Murano Condo 9.4 $$$$ •••• •••• •• •• •• The Pepper Building Apt 7.2 $ ••• ••• • • • The Point at Rittenhouse Row Apt 7.3 $ •• •• •••• •• •• The Republic Apt 8.1 $$$ ••• ••• ••• ••• •••• The Rittenhouse Savoy Condo 7.4 $$$$ •• •• ••• • •• The Riverloft Apartments Apt 8.1 $$$ •• ••• ••• ••• ••• The Sansom Apt 8.7 $$ •• •• •• •• • The Sterling Apartments Apt 8.1 $$ ••• •••• ••• ••• •• The Townhouse Apartments Apt 8.6 $$ ••• • ••• •• ••• The Wanamaker House Condo 7.9 $$$ ••• ••• •• ••• •• The Warwick Condos Condo 9.1 $$$ ••• •••• •••• ••• •••• The Wellington Condo 8.1 $$ •• • •• • •• Van Pelt on the Square Apt 8.0 $ •••• • •••• •• •••• ABOUT OUR CATEGORIES Living Situation Ratings Property Type Families How students with partners and/or children rated the building. Pet Owners How students with pets rated the building. Apartment (Apt) Properties with one building manager. Often have consistent pricing/features. Building Quality Ratings Condo Properties with multiple owners. Lease terms and features can vary significantly by unit. Management Maintenance and service quality. Amenities In-room and building features beyond the basics. Key Building Factor Ratings Value Building quality given cost of rent. Overall Rating Overall feedback on building quality. Social Building community and social scene. Popularity Estimated # of students in the building. Safety Building neighborhood safety. 12
MOST 1 st 2116 CHESTNUT Fitler Square $$$$ 50+ PEOPLE POPULAR Buildings with the most Wharton students READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Wharton MBA Student What Wharton students typically look for: “I would highly recommend 2116 to any incoming student. While it's a bit pricier than other housing options in the area, I think the price is totally worth the added security and convenience. There are a lot of Wharton students in the building which makes it easy to get Ubers to class in the AM. The building is in great Excellent location shape and has a very responsive management team." Reasonably-priced apartments 2 nd Solid amenities 1919 MARKET $$$$ 40+ PEOPLE Logan Square Review by Wharton MBA Student “1919 is a great property just north of Rittenhouse Square, with easy access to Center City. Amenities are top-notch, with a rooftop pool, outdoor grill area, club room, and outstanding gym with free classes. Steps from the trolley, it’s 12 minutes door to door to Wharton, and an easy walk too. It’s certainly one of the pricier options, but the units are very new and well-appointed." Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 3 rd RITTENHOUSE CLARIDGE $$ 30+ $1,700 $2,000 $2,800 $3,800 Rittenhouse Square PEOPLE TOP 5 1st 2116 CHESTNUT 50+ PEOPLE Review by Wharton MBA Student 2nd 1919 MARKET 40+ PEOPLE “I have a great view facing the Rittenhouse Square. Management and the staffs are very responsible and friendly. It's an old RITTENHOUSE apartment and perhaps not as fancy as some of the new high 3rd CLARIDGE 30+ PEOPLE rises, but the friendly atmosphere of the building and the location is incomparable.” 2040 MARKET 4th APARTMENTS 20+ PEOPLE THE WANAMAKER 5th HOUSE 15+ PEOPLE 13
HIGHEST 1 st THE HARPER Rittenhouse Square, 112 S 19th St $$$$ 10.0 OVERALL RATED RATING Buildings with the best overall ratings READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Wharton MBA Student What the highest-rated properties typically offer: "The apartments are very new with gas stove tops and electronic door locks (can enter building and unlock door using phone). Room sizes aren't as big as other apartments but are well designed really well with a lot of closet space. Facilities: Really big gym with half of a basketball court. Dog park is great for High-end amenities letting pets do their business and playing with other pups. The garden area is also very large with one large grill. There's also a Close proximity to work/ swimming pool that's great for lounging (not a lap pool)." school Nearby stores/grocery 2 nd Excellent management NAVAL SQUARE $$$ 9.8 OVERALL Devil's Pocket, 1 Academy Cir RATING Review by Wharton MBA Student “The description says it all. 10 minute bike ride or 25 minute walk to campus, a large grass field for kids and dogs to run on, a pool, gym, and vibrant community of young families and couples makes this - bar none- the best place in Philly for Wharton or Penn Med/Law students to live in.” Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 3 rd $1,800 $2,100 $2,900 $3,900 THE ATLANTIC $$$$ 9.5 OVERALL Rittenhouse Square, 1401 Spruce St RATING TOP 5 1st THE HARPER 10.0 OVERALL RATING 2nd NAVAL SQUARE 9.8 OVERALL RATING Review by Wharton MBA Student “The building is phenomenal. The staff are incredibly nice and helpful. The amenities are incredible in every way. The building is 3rd THE ATLANTIC 9.5 OVERALL RATING brand new as of a couple years ago, so pretty much everything is new. Gym is basically an Equinox. Co-working space is really nice. Rooftop is amazing. Apartment finishes are above any other rental building I have seen.” 4th 1213 WALNUT 9.2 OVERALL RATING THE WARWICK 5th CONDOS 9.4 OVERALL RATING 14
BEST FOR 1 st 2116 CHESTNUT Fitler Square $$$$ FAMILIES Highest-rated properties for families READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Wharton MBA Student What the best properties for families typically offer: “2116 is amazing. Clean, friendly staff, tons of Wharton students great gym. Easy walking distance to campus and to Rittenhouse. Close to everything. Great views. Just amazing.” Safe and secure properties 2 nd Outdoor areas THE BEACON $$$$ Rittenhouse Square Responsive to maintenance requests Quiet buildings Review by Wharton MBA Student “The Beacon is an underrated Pearl Properties building. Me and my partner lived in a 1 bedroom + Den (which was a proper room with a door and closet). We had a lot of space for 2 people and the Den was so valuable during quarantine because we had a separate office space. It is a well-managed building with a small, but great gym (dead lifting equipment available which made my boyfriend really happy). It is great location for access to all the restaurants, bars, shopping, and Rittenhouse park." 3 rd Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR NAVAL SQUARE $$$$ Devil's Pocket, 1 Academy Cir $1,650 $2,050 $2,850 $3,950 TOP 5 1st 2116 CHESTNUT Review by Wharton MBA Student 2nd THE BEACON “If you have children or pets but still want to live in the city, Naval Square should be your choice. Units come with assigned parking, there's a nice big lawn up front where kids play and dogs are walked. The concierge receives packages for you. You're 3rd NAVAL SQUARE walking distance to great brunch options. And you're still in the city.” 4th THE RIVERLOFT APARTMENTS 5th 2400 CHESTNUT APARTMENTS 15
BEST FOR 1 st PRESIDENTIAL CITY APARTMENTS West Philadelphia, 3900 City Ave $$$$ 10.0 AMENITY AMENITIES RATING Highest-rated properties for amenities READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Chantee, Wharton MBA Student What top amenity properties typically offer: “For the unconventional who want to live outside of Rittenhouse, Presidential offers great amenities such as Infinity Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Steam Rooms, work out facilities and free classes, study rooms, and front door attendants.” Great common spaces Convenient location 2 nd 1213 WALNUT $$ 9.7 Excellent management Midtown Village AMENITY RATING Newer construction Review by Wharton MBA Student “I literally love living in this building! The management is amazing. I haven't had a single issue with them. The building is very well maintained, the staff is super nice, and its a very secure building. It's a few blocks out of the "Wharton bubble" but literally right near where everyone goes to go out or have social events. There are four bus options right outside and the trolley is about two blocks away. Wharton students can literally take a straight shot to class.” Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 2 nd HAMILTON COURT $$$ 9.7 $2,000 $2,300 3,100 $4,100 University City, 101 S 39th St AMENITY RATING TOP 5 PRESIDENTIAL CITY 1st APARTMENTS 10.0 AMENITY RATING Review by Arwa, University Of Pennsylvania Student 2nd 1213 WALNUT 9.7 AMENITY RATING “My friends and I were referred to Hamco from a few current residents and it has been a great living experience. We have a three-bedroom apartment and it is plenty spacious and we each 2nd HAMILTON COURT 9.7 AMENITY RATING have our own good sized bedrooms for our own private space. The building has a ton of amenities - pool, hot tub, grilling area, study lounge, nice courtyard & deck. They host events almost every week with plenty of free food which is great for us college 4th THE ATLANTIC 9.5 AMENITY RATING students." 5th 1919 MARKET 9.2 AMENITY RATING 16
BEST FOR 1 st THE ELLINGTON Rittenhouse Square, 1500 Chestnut St $ 10.0 VALUE VALUE RATING Highest-rated properties for value READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Wharton MBA Student What top value properties typically offer: “Great building. Very safe with 24hr doorman who knows everyone. Small gym with just the basics. Property manager can be a little neurotic but still an amazing place to live. Convenient to the trolley and bus stops. Hard wood floors throughout.” Great price-to-space trade off 2 nd Good location 1920 PINE STREET $$$ 9.7 VALUE Rittenhouse Square RATING Solid amenities and basic features Review by Wharton MBA Student “Best deal in Rittenhouse on a sq ft/ price basis and great location - building is old and not recently renovated though, so have to deal with things breaking, non-secure front door, etc.” 3 rd THE POINT AT RITTENHOUSE ROW 9.6 Rittenhouse Square, 1601 Sansom St $$ VALUE RATING Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR $1,500 $1,800 $2,600 $3,600 TOP 5 Review by Wharton MBA Student “Well located apartment close to all of the buses / trolley / 1st THE ELLINGTON 10.0 VALUE RATING subway and regional rail at Suburban Station and City Hall a few blocks away, tons of restaurants, and lots of gyms (e.g., Rumble Boxing, Soul Cycle, Bar Method). The apartment itself is nice for 2nd 1920 PINE STREET 9.7 VALUE RATING the price, but not super luxurious (carpet, slightly cheap looking counters, part-time doorman, etc.). If you don't mind the noise that comes along with living more in the heart of Center City (as THE POINT AT opposed to further in the 20s / Chestnut + Walnut + Locust) 3rd RITTENHOUSE ROW 9.6 VALUE RATING this is a great, convenient spot.” 4th 1600 CHESTNUT 9.4 VALUE RATING 5th PARC RITTENHOUSE 9.3 VALUE RATING 17
BEST FOR 1 st THE ATLANTIC Rittenhouse Square, 1401 Spruce St $$$$ 10.0 SERVICE PROPERTY RATING SERVICE Properties with the highest management ratings Review by Wharton MBA Student READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM “The building is phenomenal. The staff are incredibly nice and helpful. The amenities are incredible in every way. The building is What well-managed properties typically offer: brand new as of a couple years ago, so pretty much everything is new. Gym is basically an Equinox. Co-working space is really nice. Rooftop is amazing. Apartment finishes are above any Responsive to other rental building I have seen.” maintenance requests Friendly and 2 nd accommodating staff THE HARPER 9.5 Rittenhouse Square $$$$ SERVICE Proactive about building RATING issues Seamless leasing process Review by Wharton MBA Student “The Harper is the best building I’ve ever lived in hands down. From the common area to the gym (with basketball court) to park, no other Philadelphia building can match the amenities. The rooms are spacious and modern as well.” 3 rd 1213 WALNUT $$ 9.3 Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR Midtown Village SERVICE RATING $1,700 $2,000 $2,800 $3,800 TOP 5 1st THE ATLANTIC 10.0 SERVICE RATING Review by Wharton MBA Student “I absolutely love living at 1213 Walnut. The facilities are 2nd THE HARPER 9.5 SERVICE RATING meticulously maintained, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and the amenities are beautiful." 3rd 1213 WALNUT 9.3 SERVICE RATING 4th THE BEACON 9.2 SERVICE RATING 5th NAVAL SQUARE 9.0 SERVICE RATING 18
BEST FOR 1 st 2116 CHESTNUT Fitler Square, 2116 Chestnut St $$$$ PET OWNERS Highest-rated properties for pet owners READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by Wharton MBA Student See below for an insider's note: “Fantastic for Wharton MBA students. Good amenities, gym not too crowded, very well-located near Rittenhouse, Schuylkill, and Wharton. Generally speaking, if you're looking for the best social experience and are willing to pay, 2116 is the best place to live (1919 market other competition but on louder Market Street). Top Dog Parks in Philly Dog run is fantastic on the first floor. Close walk to Rittenhouse / Schuykill dog park.” Take Your Fury Friend on a Stroll People with dogs know how difficult it can be to 2 nd find a safe, clean, pet-friendly park. We've taken THE RIVERLOFT APARTMENTS $$$$ the liberty of researching and finding the top Fitler Square, 2300 Walnut St dog parks in Philadelphia for you. Schuylkill River Park Dog Run: Located in Fitler Square, this dog park is known as the fanciest in Philadelphia. It's a synthetic grass courtyard on the river that has a $14,000 Review by Wharton MBA Student drinking fountain. “I like our apartment a lot. The location is great, it's plenty of space, great having 3 bathrooms, and the kitchen is really nice. Overall SRS is a good, responsive management company." Seger Park Dog Run: Seger Park is located in Washington Square 3 rd West and is well-kept with a fenced-in dog run 2040 MARKET APARTMENTS $$$ Logan Square, 2040 Market St that takes up nearly 10,000 square feet. It's a pretty low-key park and all dogs are welcome. Chester Avenue Dog Park: Found right near Wharton in University City, this park runs on a membership basis. When you sign up, you'll have access to a kiddie pool Review by Wharton MBA Student + free balls and toys. “The apartment is big, modern and very comfortable, and the building overall is well-maintained and, as of recently, well- managed (it used to be terrible). Very pet-friendly.” Columbus Square Dog Park: This park, situated by 12th and Reed Streets, is a bit farther from the typical Wharton neighborhoods but it's well worth the trip. It's a large fenced-in gravel square with tree stumps for climbing and picnic tables for owners. 19
Brownstones Smaller properties and how to find them ABOUT BROWNSTONES Brownstones are apartments in older buildings, typically a few stories tall. They Finding a brownstone usually do not have a doorman, an elevator, Brownstones can be challenging to find because they tend to be or many amenities, but can be cheaper and individually owned and do not have full time leasing managers. more spacious than the apartment and Brownstone listings are typically available ~60 days in advance. condo units in high-rises. You can find a brownstone by searching online listings, contacting WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A BROWNSTONE a landlord directly, or by working with VeryApt's Concierge Team who can help identify some options. CHEAPER LARGER FLOOR PLANS 3+ BEDROOMS AVAILABLE MORE PRIVACY Preparing for a brownstone search Most Wharton students opt for larger properties in order to live WHY YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID A BROWNSTONE closer to other students and simplify the housing search. That said, there are plenty of wonderful brownstones - be prepared to visit NO DOORMAN LESS CONVENIENT LOCATIONS more properties to find that perfect home, carefully examine the OLDER CONSTRUCTION LIMITED AMENITIES pros/cons, and move quickly if you find a unit you love. MORE MAINTENANCE ISSUES TIPS AND ADVICE Reliable Landlords Noise and Neighbors Lease Terms Check online reviews and talk to Sounds often travel well through Leases with independent landlords previous tenants to find out about brownstones and you can easily be are negotiable. Check your lease for your landlord. Look for one that disturbed by barking dogs, music, or restrictions on sub-letters and visitor responds quickly to maintenance construction. Check out the policies. You may be able to avoid a requests and has a history of surrounding area to get a sense for rent increase by locking in a longer returning deposits. what it may be like. lease.
LANDLORD GRADES and the Renting Process GRADE LANDLORD Understanding A+ 2400 Chestnut Associates THE RENTING PROCESS A- AIMCO If this is your first time renting, here is a heads up on what the process is like: A+ Addison Real Estate A+ Allan Domb Application process You will be asked to fill out an application for an B Alterra Property Group apartment. Likely this will include an application fee A+ Bozzuto Management ($30-50) and potentially a deposit (up to one month’s rent). If you’re an international student, you B+ Brookfield Asset Management may have to provide alternate information - in the absence of a social security number, bank accounts, B+ Campus Apartments etc., often landlords will accept your visa documents B Forest City and acceptance letter. Landlords will use your information to approve you based only on your credit A Greystar history and income. In the event where there are issues, a landlord may grant the application on the B+ Kaiserman Company condition that a guarantor cosigns the lease. A+ Korman Communities A LCOR Inc. After you're approved A landlord will often ask for a security deposit and A- Michael Singer Real Estate prepaid rent. A landlord typically charges up to two months' rent as a security deposit and will ask for up A- PMC Property Group to two months in prepaid rent. Anything beyond this B PRDC Properties is more than normal. At the end of your lease and after you give proper notification that you are B Panco Management moving out (typically 60-90 days), the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit at the end of A+ Pearl Properties the lease. The landlord may not return the deposit in A+ Post Brothers Real Estate full if there are claimed damages to the property or other charges outstanding. A+ Red Door Residential A+ Rittenhouse Management Company What to look out for Check for additional charges or obligations that could A SRS Real Estate cost you more than the listed price of a property. This could include move-in/move-out fees, renters B- Scully Company insurance requirements, condo fees, common A+ Van Pelt on the Square electrical fees, etc. Definitely ask about what previous electrical/utility bills have been to get a feel for any additional monthly costs there may be. Be sure to research the landlord and management company Landlord Grades before placing any sort of deposit. If you have any Grades were assigned to landlords by using a specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at combination of management ratings and overall contact@veryapt.com. ratings for the properties they manage. 21
FOR DETAILED REVIEWS AND PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS VISIT WWW.VERYAPT.COM
You can also read