Who this residence suits
The Chestnut at University City is a purpose-built student residence located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near the University of Pennsylvania campus. Given its pricing, facilities, and location, it is best suited for graduate students, PhD candidates, or upper-year undergraduates who prioritise proximity to campus, safety, and convenience over the lowest rent. The building is pet-friendly — a significant advantage for students who want to live with a cat or dog. Residents also have access to a gym and a game room, which can be useful for recreation without leaving the building. The minimum lease term of six months accommodates both academic-year stays and shorter graduate programmes.
Those comfortable with a higher monthly budget will likely find the location and building management worthwhile. The positive reviews consistently highlight the responsiveness of staff and the feeling of safety, which are important for students new to a city. The Chestnut is also suitable for students who want a quieter environment: the building appears to be well-maintained, and reviewers mention no maintenance issues during their stay.
Who it might not suit
The Chestnut’s monthly rent starts at USD 2,497 and can go as high as USD 10,802 — a range that places it well above the typical student housing budget in the greater Cherry Hill area (where the platform lists a city from‑price of USD 479 per month). Students on a tight budget or those paying their own tuition will likely find more affordable alternatives in shared houses or older apartments further from campus. Even the cheapest studio at The Chestnut may exceed the total monthly housing allowance for many students.
Additionally, the unit options are limited to studios, two-bedroom apartments, and generic “apartment” types. There are no three- or four-bedroom configurations, which means students who prefer a larger group living situation (or who want to split rent more ways) may not find a suitable unit. The minimum lease of six months also rules out very short-term stays such as a single semester exchange (typically 4–5 months), though some programmes may be able to negotiate.
Finally, the address is in Philadelphia, while the platform lists the city as Cherry Hill. This discrepancy may cause confusion for students looking specifically for Cherry Hill–based housing. It is advisable to confirm the exact location and its relation to your campus before committing.
What residents actually say
Three Google reviews are available, all rated 5 stars, and they offer consistent themes.
Reviewer A T wrote: “I wanted to thank you Alexis for the kindness and care you and your team extended to our daughter. From our first visit in May 2024 to view and choose the apartment through to yesterday’s farewell at the Chestnut with Amani, your warmth and support made a real difference to our family.” This highlights a high level of customer service that appears to persist from showing through move-out.
Dani Anderson stated: “I highly recommend The Chestnut. While rent may seem higher than other places, I can say for certain it’s worth it. Being able to be so close to Penn alleviated a lot of stress on me as a grad student. The building is very well taken care of. We never encountered any maintenance issues.” The reviewer explicitly acknowledges the higher price but considers the proximity to campus and low maintenance a fair trade-off.
Jovita Kartika lived there for 2.5 years: “I lived in The Chestnut for 2.5 years, from August 2023 to February 2026. I absolutely loved living in The Chestnut! Great location, very convenient to get to all parts of UPenn’s campus, and I always felt safe, even at night. There are many food options right around the building, so it was super convenient too.” This long-term stay suggests the property supports a stable residential experience.
The reviews do not mention any significant complaints about noise, pests, or management. The overall Google rating is 4.0 based on 92 reviews, indicating generally positive sentiment.
Price positioning vs the city’s from-price
The Cherry Hill market on this platform has a minimum listed price of USD 479 per month across 28 properties. The Chestnut’s cheapest unit starts at USD 2,497 per month — roughly five times that entry point. This gap underscores that The Chestnut sits at the premium end of student housing in the area. The upper range of USD 10,802 likely corresponds to larger two-bedroom units or longer lease terms (the price duration is monthly, so these are per‑month figures).
All prices quoted here are indicative — confirm with the operator. The actual rent you pay may vary based on unit availability, lease length, and any seasonal promotions. Given the property’s location steps from the University of Pennsylvania, the premium is largely driven by location and amenities. For comparison, non‑premium student apartments within a 10‑minute walk to campus in Philadelphia typically range from $1,200 to $2,000 per month for a studio. The Chestnut thus targets students who can afford (or are willing to borrow) a higher housing budget for the convenience and quality.
Room-type guidance
The property offers three unit types: studio, two-bedroom, and apartment. The “apartment” category likely refers to one-bedroom or convertible layouts not explicitly labelled. Here is a brief guide:
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Studio: A single room with a combined sleeping/living area and a separate bathroom. Best for students who want complete privacy and do not mind a compact layout. Starting price is at the lower end of the range (around $2,497). Confirm availability.
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Two-bedroom: Two separate bedrooms, shared bathroom and kitchen. Suitable for two roommates who each want a private sleeping space. The cost per person may be lower than a studio, but the total rent could be near the upper end.
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Apartment: Most likely a one-bedroom unit with a separate living room. Offers more space than a studio. Check with the operator for exact floor plans and rent.
When selecting a room, consider your tolerance for sharing common areas. All units are likely unfurnished or partially furnished — confirm during the enquiry. Pet owners should verify any additional deposits or restrictions.
Booking timing
The property’s available-from date is not provided in the data. However, for student housing near a major university, demand typically peaks between February and June for the following academic year (August move-in). If you plan to move in for the 2026–2027 academic year, it is prudent to start enquiring at least six months in advance. For a lease starting in August 2026, contact the operator around February or March 2026. For a January 2027 move-in, begin in the previous September or October.
Because the minimum lease is six months, flexible start dates may be possible; again, confirm with the operator. If you are a graduate student on a quarter system, verify that the lease can align with your actual move-in date.
FAQ
How far is The Chestnut from the University of Pennsylvania campus?
Reviewers describe the location as “very convenient to get to all parts of UPenn’s campus” and say it alleviated stress because of the short walk. The exact address is Philadelphia, PA 19104. Google Maps shows a distance of approximately 0.2–0.5 miles from the main Penn campus buildings, depending on the specific building entrance. Walking times are under 10 minutes. For an exact distance from your department, you can look up the address or ask the operator.
Are utilities included in the rent?
The available data does not specify whether electricity, water, gas, internet, or trash are included. Most premium student residences in Philadelphia typically include water and trash, while electricity and internet may be billed separately or included depending on the lease. You must confirm this directly with The Chestnut’s leasing office before signing. Ask for a full breakdown of monthly costs beyond rent.
Is parking available for residents?
The property tags and reviews do not mention parking. Given its central location in a dense urban area, on-site parking may be limited or available at an additional cost. If you have a car, enquire about parking options and fees. Street parking in University City generally requires a permit and may be difficult to find. Many students opt to go car-free because of the walkable neighbourhood and public transit.
Sources & data date: This article is based on platform data last updated in July 2026. Prices, availability, and reviews may have changed since then.
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