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| *Travel Tips>>>Philadelphia Travel Tips |
What are some things commonly associated with West Philadelphia? |
Travel Info I am looking at the University of Pennsylvania for college, but I want to know more about the neighborhood since I've heard some bad things. Travel Tips I live outside of the city, so I tend to look at things a bit more cautiously than my friends who live there. That being said, I still think University City is pretty safe. It is officially part of West Philly, since it is West of the Schuylkill River, but it is vastly different than the part much further west. I have heard from students who were here 10 years ago that it really was bad back then (and the rest of Philly too), but Penn has invested a lot of money in the neighborhoods closest to campus, espcially in the schools. With desirable schools have come higher rent and families who can afford the higher rent. This sort of "gentrification" has tended to reduce the crime. The worst that has happened to anyone I know (including those living in West Philly) is that someone stole her bike. The best thing to do if you're going to get an apartment in West Philly (that's not on campus) is to ask about the neighborhoods because there is a difference sometimes in being just a couple more blocks in a particular direction. If you want to live in Center City, you might as well live in a more trendy area like Rittenhouse Square or Old City because the part of Center City closest to the university seems to be the same as the part of West Philly closest to the university, except perhaps more expensive. Of course, wherever you live in the area, it is still a city, so don't go walking around in the middle of the night by yourself! The university provides many options to prevent you from doing so (buses, shuttles, and walking escorts). When I have heard of incidents happening, they seem to happen to someone walking around alone in the pre-dawn hours. On the positive side, there are tons of shops, cafes, and cultural events that go on around campus. There is always plenty to do at Penn and in greater Philadelphia. West Philly sports at least one nice park that I'm aware of, which hosts a farmers' market one day a week (seasonal). Of course, there's tons of shopping, performing arts, restaurants, pubs, and clubs in the Center City area too. Others Hey. Upenn is a great school but it's not in West Philly, it's downtown in "University City." West Philadephia is really bad and extra shady (think Will Smith's Fresh Prince theme song). But where Upenn is, it's really nice because its near Center city where you have everything from museums, really nice restaraunts, the financial district, Chinatown and the 30th Street Train Station nearby. Also, since University City has other colleges nearby (Drexel, Community College, etc) there is lots of activities for students for cheap prices or free. Upenn's neighborhood is relatively safe. Of course, like any city you should be more careful at night. But I've been on campus a lot since I have a bunch of friends around there and I felt fine walking around at night time myself. University City (the location of UPenn and Drexl) is a lovely neighborhood...lots of good shopping, beautiful buildings, etc. Not all of West Philadelphia is "shady" or "bad." While there are some rough areas, much of the area is mid-gentrification, so it's really nice. If you do decide to attend UPenn, just ask around before you go headed out by yourself. Most anyone should be able to tell you which areas to avoid and which are fine. As is the case with ANY urban area, it's best not to go wandering around by yourself at night. You would have no problems in the UPenn area. It's a safe, hip part of town with lots to see and do and great public transportation. I lived there for 8 years and lived. Set about 45th Street as your western boundary for foot travel, Pine as the southern and Chestnut as the northern and you'll be okay. In the daytime. But seriously, you will be required to live in University housing for your freshman year anyhow, so this gives you plenty of time to figure out where to live in the following years. Koch's Deli above 43rd on Locust is THE BOMB. If you take your friends there early on, you will be a god/goddess. Autum its people like you that As a West Phila resident I can't stand. Go back to Jersey or East bumble Bleep. UC is part of West Phila. If you had studied your history you would know UPenn uprooted thousands to build many parts of that campus. Sorry, but your part of the problem. To your Question: Great and thriving place to be. Big building boom ongoing and for a young person a great place to be. Easy to commute from, Close to Center City. Well Policed at the expense of the rest of us. Franklin Field is home to many sporting events including the Penn Relays. Diverse resturants and stores. Lots of on and off campus housing. Take a campus visit, you'll find it much less snobby than say, Princeton. |
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