Whereto live in Philly?

[dsturbridge92]

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Hey guys I am going to Temple MD.

Where should I live? I am conflicted for two reasons:

1. I don't know where in the city fits my interests and specifications.
2. I don't know what my specifications are...

This second bullet point may weird, but the reality is I don't know what to expect from medical school. Unlike college, where there was a plethora of internet, friends, old alumni and resources from the school, medical school is sort of a more mysterious phenomenon. When I went to college, I knew roughly how much free time I was gonna have, where I could live to be close to the parties and as I got older the bars etc. With medical school I have no idea what to expect.

How often am I going to be able to go out? I would say I am average in terms of the desire to go out? What are the perks of living in center city versus right next to my school? Do Temple students actually show up to their lectures? What need is there to actually be on campus as a medical student? Does the convenience of living close to your program trump the fun of being at the bars.

Let us make this simpler. I would like to be able to go out on average two or three times a month. I would also like to work out at the gym every day (doesn't Temple offer students a gym?) I also want to be close to any research that I may do. Would most research happen near the Temple MD campus?

The more I think about it, the more actually living in the Temple housing appeals to me, if such housing exists (or is still available).

I would say my main concerns are

Convenience for my daily life as someone who takes school seriously, working out seriously, and easy dining
Ability to go out at least a couple times a month
Cheapness is also a factor. I would prioritize the top two, if I could have those and only spend an extra 3-6 k a year versus private housing.

 

[WingedOx]

This was 7 years ago, but most of the Temple students I knew were split between Washington Square West and Manayunk (though I'm guessing the former is a lot more expensive than it once was).

Assuming you aren't bringing a car, find a place along the BSL that's not too far north.

 

[beachbum353353]

Not a temple student, but I live in chestnut hill, it's great. East falls is nice as well. Center city is nice, but expensive for what you get.

 

[Kid A]

Well I graduated from temple in 2015, so my info should be fairly accurate.

The first question where you live. I'd recommend center city if you don't have a car. I lived there 3 of my years. Was really easy to get to and from school with the subway. You'll also find most of the class gathering's tend to be in center city as well for social reasons. I would not live near the school, it's just so unsafe I think it's crazy to actually live there. I could answer the rest, but I'm tired right now.

 

[Tappinfool66]

A nice, reasonably priced option might be the Fairmount / Art Museum area. I lived there last year and my roommate went to Temple. She would just hop on the subway and be at school in 10 minutes or so. It's a quieter neighborhood and generally costs a little less than center city to live there, but it's also very close to center city if you want to go out for dinner/drinks/whatever.

But yeah, from what I understand, no one who goes to Temple actually lives by the school. It's not a very nice area.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Center City, hands down. The commute might be mildly annoying, but your ease of mind and access to fun things will more than make up for it.

 

[WingedOx]

Center City, hands down. The commute might be mildly annoying, but your ease of mind and access to fun things will more than make up for it.

Actually the express line makes the commute to Temple pretty damn easy. "Center City" is a pretty broad place though. Your rent drops quite a bit if you go south of South.

/proximity to Chapter House was more important than proximity to campus.

 

[terra330]

Assuming you aren't bringing a car, find a place along the BSL that's not too far north.

If you can, does that change things? My car has been paid off for some time and has pretty cheap insurance, but I haven't decided whether or not I'll take it with me.

 

[WingedOx]

If you can, does that change things? My car has been paid off for some time and has pretty cheap insurance, but I haven't decided whether or not I'll take it with me.

I didn't have one the first two years and never felt like I needed one. Philly is insanely walkable. I had one the last two and was glad to have it, particularly for 3rd year rotations in the 'burbs and places like Reading.

My 4th year I really only ever used my car because I had Philadelphia Union season tickets out in Chester. I was paying 150 a month to garage park a car I'd drive once every two weeks. I know that some people made street parking work in some of the neighborhoods, but I lived a couple blocks from Independence Hall so I didn't even bother trying.

 

[dsturbridge92]

did you live with other temple students? Is it worth finding roomates who are classmates?

 

[WingedOx]

Went to one of the other med schools in the city (hint: my username), but I've had a job on the temple med campus so I know the commute well.

 

[756034]

Rent is considerably cheaper in Manayunk compared to Center City, especially if you can find roommates. Temple's campus is easily accessible via public transportation (five stops on the train. I cannot comment on buses but I am sure many run to campus). There is a LOT to do in the area too. You have a variety of options in the way of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, etc. SO many gyms too, ranging from yoga and bootcamp style group classes and more traditional, globo-like gyms. I would also look into the East Falls area too. Good luck, and congratulations!

 

[TBV]

Center city absolutely

 

[AMEHigh]

Center city absolutely

Center city (graduate hospital area) or art museum/fair mount/brewery town.

 

[Crayola227]

whenever premeds worry about time for going out to the bar

lolz

#priorities

 

[MediCane2006]

Center City or Art Museum. DO NOT live near Temple.
(Source: did residency at WingedOx's school)