PCOM students-- a couple of ???

[catwoman]

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Hey you all-

Greeting from snowy Chicago!

I have a couple of questions for current PCOMers out there-
My hubby and I will be moving to Philly this summer, and since we're coming back east (our parents live in PA and NJ) for the holidays, we will be going to Philly to scope out some potential places to live. Any suggestions? I've already heard about staying away from Presidential, but I'm wondering if anyone has any *positive* experiences where they live?? I am also wondering about the area around PCOM-- does it feel deserted? Is there anyplace to get groceries nearby? My husband will be doing a post-doc at Penn, so we could always live near there, but I think I'd rather live near PCOM....

Also, stupid question-- on my tour during interview day, I didn't see a coffee shop- since I'm completely addicted to caffeine, where do you all get your fixes? Is the cafeteria the only place to get java??? Stupid and trivial, I know, but I was just curious!!!


Thank you, guys-

 

[catwoman]

bump

😀

 

[jd star]

There is a coffee shop almost right across the street (I think you have to go down City Line past PCOM)....

About living by Penn... I don't know how you guys are financially, but living around Penn is pretty expensive, especially if you want a nice place to live. Around PCOM, a friend of mine lived in the Iriquois apartment building and I thought it was pretty nice (if you are looking for an apartment). And about the Presidential... there are a lot of Temple students there and I heard it's like living in dorms, so you're right - I would stay away from that. That's about all the insight I have... you could also call PCOM and see if they have a housing list for places in the area to call.

Good luck with your search! 🙂

 

[bullhorn]

Pathmark is right near PCOM so that takes care of groceries. I don't live over there or go to penn but my fiance's brother does live over there and there are plenty of places to shop.

 

[kcrd]

I'm not a PCOM student, but I live near Penn, and it is not expensive if you live a little further west where there are fewer undergrads and more grad students and familes. You should be able to find a very large 2 bedroom apartment for about $700/month here, and a 1 bedroom for $500-600. From here, it would be a fairly easy 15-20 minute drive to PCOM. The neighborhood is not for everyone, however.

 

[BklynWill]

kcrd, can you please list some of the names of those particular areas? I'm not sure what you mean by "here", but I am very interested in finding an affordable, peaceful place to live that is close to PCOM.
Thanks very much.

 

[kcrd]

The neighborhood I'm talking about is west of 43rd street, north of chester or springfield aves, and south of spruce street. Stay east of about 49th street. It is not exactly "peaceful" but it is affordable, and it would be about a 15 minute drive for you. Check out www.odonnellre.com for apartment listings. Closer to Penn (and easy walk or drive), we have a nice new gourmet supermarket, a great movie theater, and lots of ethnic restaurants.

I think the most popular neighborhood for all philly med students is East Falls, which is safe and cheap, but not located close to center city.

 

[aparikh1]

I am a 4th year PCOM student, and my wife is a grad student at Penn. We live in a nice area of suburban Philly called the Main Line, city of Ardmore. Narberth, Bala Cynwyd, Wynnewood are also in the same area. PCOM is 10-15 min away, and my wife goes straight down Lancaster Ave (Rt. 30) from Ardmore to Penn, staright drive, takes roughly 20-30 min depending on traffic/time of day. Some days she takes the train (walking distance), 3 stops and she's at 30th St. Station, then a 10 min walk to Penn...We love that area, it's pretty safe, and it's in Montgomery County, not Philadelphia County (cheaper taxes, car insurance cut in half, etc)...City Line Ave is the county line as well, one side is Phila, the other Montgomery...just an option for you if you don't mind driving a bit...there is an ACME near PCOM, and plenty of shopping/grocery stores, like Acme, Trader Joe's, Genardi's on the Main Line. I hope this helps.

EDIT: Welcome to PCOM!

 

[BklynWill]

The info you've all provided has been extremely informative. thanks 🙂

 

[agl108]

hey there...I'm a PCOM student as well. I definitely agree with aparikh1 - Ardmore, Wynnewood, and Narberth are great places to live. Nice neighborhoods. Check out mmcrent.com for some apartments.

Another place I recommend is Manayunk, where I live. Manayunk has a "happening" Main St. with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops if that is you kind of thing. It's slightly closer than the other places I've mentioned (only ~2 miles) - it takes me 10 minutes to drive to PCOM during rush hour traffic in the morning. If you have any specific questions just PM me.

Congratulations on your acceptance and welcome!

 

[catwoman]

thanks, agl108-

It feels so nice to be so welcomed by so many caring people!

Anyway, its funny, but I went to "mcrent.com" by accident (instead of mmcrent), and on very cursory glance, it seems to be a very cool website devoted to human rights issues (haven' REALLY looked at it closely, yet, but that's what it seems like)...
So, now I'll look at the apt site!
Thanks again,

 

[Tubman]

Both websites have been very helpful. Is there any apartment complex in general though that is very popular with PCOM students? I would like to live in a building that is filled mostly with other PCOM students. Thanks guys.

 

[aparikh1]

All the apartment buildings on Conshohocken Ave behind PCOM have many PCOM students in them, also Lincoln Green on Presidential Blvd, although a little more pricey...I would stay away from Presidential City, though...

 

[williestyle81]

I don't understand why ppl keep saying to stay away from Presidential. I live in the main building (Madison) and it's as bad as ppl make it out to be. At least I haven't had any terrible experiences. I can see how it might be loud in the other buildings, but that's because most of them house undergrads. But my building is a good mix of all ages.
-E

 

[williestyle81]

LOLOLOL!!

I meant its NOT as bad as people make it out to be

 

[indymed]

Quick question: What apartment complex are the white buildings behind the hotels and school? What type of apartments are these? Are their any good furnished apartments within walking distance of the school?

 

[nutmegs]

For some reason, PCOM people don't seem to know about East Falls- a relatively cute, safe neighborhood DIRECTLY across the river from PCOM. It's a nice mix of students, residents, families, and people who have lived there their whole lives. For whatever reason, housing is reasonably priced and it's a nice place to live. If you're into apartment complexes check out Alden Park on Wissahickon and School House Lane. You can also find private listings for apartments on www.craigslist.com (click philadelphia, then apartments). Good luck!

 

[indymed]

Are there any good websites to go online and check out any and all of the aforementioned apartments? I would appreciate those posted. Also, a question: Where do most PCOM students choose to live? Thanks.

 

[golfbetty]

Check out www.mainlinetimes.com
The classifieds there will list private apartments and houses for rent in the areas near PCOM. The west side of City Avenue is the way to go - but it is also a bit more expensive. Totally worth it though. I also have friends who live downtown, the art museum area. It is nice, but parking can be a real pain. Don't settle for less than you expected - you will regret it all year. I found my place only 3 weeks before school started, and I still had plenty of time to move in and explore the area. Good luck!

 

[indymed]

Does anyone know a website for Imperial towers? Or any of the other complexes on Conshohocken ave? Is this the Con ave that close to campus? Also, is this a good place to live, is the neighborhood safe?