Top 3 Philadelphia Neighborhoods for Students

With two world-class universities in the city; it is no wonder Philadelphia is a top destination for students from far and wide. The University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked institute in the US and is located in good old Philly. Drexel University is a prominent research institution. There are many more universities and colleges in the city. Many students love the vibe of staying on the campus itself. However, campus life is not for everyone. 

If dorm accommodation is not something you are keen on then you can utilize the many good options for students available in the city. There are many neighborhoods in Philadelphia suitable for students; each with a different vibe and attractions. 

Here are the top three Philadelphia neighborhoods for students. 

University City

University City is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods. It is in the west of the city and dotted with museums, theatres, and parks. Its vicinity to the Schuylkill River adds to the area’s appeal. Drexel and UPenn Campuses are in the eastern part of the neighborhood. 

Franklin Field and Hamlin Tennis Center are places for football and tennis respectively. If you love to spend time with and amidst books then the Fisher Fine Arts Library may become your favorite place in the University City area. 

There are both upscale and trendy cafés and restaurants in University City. Some of the best restaurants in University City are Accu Pizza, Kpod, Terakawa Ramen, Loco Pez, Aksum etc. The Greek Lady, Koreana, Abner’s Cheesesteaks, and Saxbys Coffee are good options for inexpensive meals. Kabobeesh serves Indian cuisine along with other south Asian delicacies. 

Apartments of all sizes and budgets are available here. You can also find professionally-managed apartments in University City easily. Choose it for the history and easier access to colleges. 

Fairmount

If you love all things art and visiting museums is your preferred weekend activity then Fairmount is the best Philadelphia neighborhood for you. All the world-famous museums such as the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and Rodin Museum are in this area. For this reason, Fairmount is also known as as ‘Art Museum Area’. The Franklin Institute is not only one of the best museums in Philadelphia, it is a world-renowned learning center and hosts several exhibits and events. If you are a student of science then living in the Fairmount area can be useful and even more enjoyable for you. 

This is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods in terms of connectivity as well. There are several buses that run from here to all other city areas. Fairmount is also known for the ‘Bastille Day Festival’; held in July. Other attractions in the area are the Fairmount Park, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fairmount Water Works, and the fascinating Mural Arts. Fairmount is also near Center City, which is another nice Philly neighborhood. 

The area is lined up with the best cafés and restaurants in the city. The Belgium Café is well-known for its beers and comforting food options. Green Soul, Zorba’s Tavern, A Mano, Fare, Sabrina’s, and iPHO are some of the popular places to eat in Fairmount. 

This Philly neighborhood surprisingly presents a contrast – some areas are a flurry of activities and others offer a serene environ. As a student, you may love the quietness here. Easy access to the best places to see and eat in the city also makes Fairmount a nice neighborhood for young people. 

You can rent different sizes of apartments here for any student budget. Choose this Philly neighborhood for its vibrant vibe and easy access to the city. 

Northern Liberties

If you want to live away from the universities and also their nearby areas then Northern Liberties is one of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods for you. 

It is a hub for entertainment and dining options with exciting shopping spots. Also popularly known as NoLib; residents here take good advantage of The Piazza. It is kind of the centerpiece of the area with numerous shopping and dining places around it. Many budding artists call this area home. In the 1990s, NoLib was an inexpensive area compared to other nearby neighborhoods. So, it was ideal for struggling artists and professionals. Now, it is one of the most sought-after Philadelphia neighborhoods for students and also for young professionals. 

There are plenty of open and green spaces here; what with a community garden and playground available for the residents. Renting apartments here is the ideal option for students. But if your budget is high, you can also find good condos here. Choose it for its art scene and a different culture than university area neighborhoods. 

All three afore-mentioned Philadelphia neighborhoods are considered safe. These areas are also popular with young professionals and families. 

Philadelphia is an excellent city for students and not only because of its universities, colleges, museums, and libraries. It is also in close proximity to NYC and other cities. So, you can plan interesting day trips around Philadelphia easily (on any given weekend) and in a jiffy.

If you are a foreign student on a budget in Philly and looking for cheap flights back home then use Indian Eagle flight-booking services. For instance, you can find flights from Philadelphia to New Delhi at low costs even if you book your ticket at the last minute. 

Which are some of the best Philadelphia neighborhoods? 

1. University City
2. Fairmount
3. Manayunk
4. Northern Liberties
5. Old City
6. Queen Village

Is Philadelphia a good place for students?

Yes, Philadelphia is one of the best US cities for students. University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Drexel University are here. The city has numerous world-class museums such as the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There are many prominent libraries here, which students can easily visit. The city has safe neighborhoods to stay. The art scene is vibrant in Philly and there are trendy cafés and restaurants here. Philadelphia is a historic US city but with all the modern amenities.