Philadelphia is America’s most underrated student city. Three powerhouse universities (UPenn/Ivy League, Drexel, Temple), walkable historic streets, world-class food, and rent that’s half of New York or DC. The city’s row house architecture means students get genuine neighborhood living — not sterile apartment towers.
UPenn & Drexel (University City)
University City: The area immediately surrounding Penn and Drexel. Clark Park, Baltimore Avenue’s Ethiopian restaurants, and a mix of historic row houses and new apartment buildings. Penn students cluster around Locust Walk, Drexel students around Market Street. Rooms USD 700–1,300/month.
Cedar Park & Spruce Hill: West of campus, quieter streets, Victorian twin houses. The Gold Standard Cafe and Cedar Park Jazz Series. 10–15 min walk. Rooms USD 600–1,100/month.
Poweltown Village: West of 38th Street. Historically the city’s Black cultural and intellectual centre. Beautiful architecture, increasing student presence. Rooms USD 600–1,000/month.
Temple University (North Philadelphia)
Off-Campus Housing Zone: Temple students live between campus and the Broad Street Line. Rows of student houses on Norris, Diamond, and Oxford Streets. Rooms USD 500–900/month — some of the cheapest urban university housing in America.
Fishtown & Northern Liberties: South of Temple, two of Philly’s hottest neighborhoods. Fishtown has the best pizza in America (Pizzeria Beddia), craft breweries, and a creative class that’s transformed former factories. 10–15 min bike or subway. Rooms USD 700–1,300/month.
The Philly Advantage: Row Houses
Philadelphia’s signature housing type is the row house — 2–3 story brick houses sharing walls. A group of 4–5 students renting a whole row house can bring individual rent down to USD 500–700/month in University City and USD 400–600/month near Temple. This is why Philly is genuinely affordable by Northeast US standards.
Center City
For students at Jefferson, the University of the Arts, or anyone wanting to be in the middle of things. Rittenhouse Square, Old City, and Chinatown are all within 10–15 min subway of the universities. Studios USD 1,000–1,700/month.
FAQ
Is Philly safe? University City and Center City are very safe. Temple’s neighborhood requires more awareness, especially at night — the university operates an extensive shuttle and walking escort service. Do I need a car? No. SEPTA’s Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, and extensive bus network cover the city. Philly is also extremely walkable and bikeable in the central area. How does Philly compare to NYC? 90 minutes by train, half the rent, and a less intense but equally rich cultural life. Many students take day trips to NYC via Amtrak or Megabus.