Philadelphia's University City Neighborhood

The University City Philadelphia neighborhood is located West of Center City and named for six universities and colleges in the area including two of the city’s most significant academies, Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. The ever-expanding University City Philadelphia area is not only the leading collegiate command post of the entire northeast region, but also a hip and culturally-rich neighborhood booming with a diverse population of students and young professionals.



 University City Philadelphia

Public Transit

The University City Philadelphia neighborhood is an easily accessible area with several public transportation options available including the trolleys, buses, subways and campus shuttle services for Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students. The Loop Through University City shuttle, or LUCY® shuttle, is free to students and employees of University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, University City Science Center, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. University City Philadelphia is also home to 30th Street Station, which happens to be the second busiest train station in the entire region.





 Restaurants and Shopping in

University City Philadelphia


Since University City Philadelphia is such a culturally-diverse neighborhood, it should be no surprise it offers an outstanding selection of restaurants and shopping centers including The Gap, Macy’s, and the upscale Rittenhouse Row shopping center. University City Philadelphia is also home to more than 30 restaurants, which covers just about every imaginable ethnicity and style of cooking. There are also several small-town cafes and family-owned diners, such as local favorites Vientiane Café and Green Line Café. Pizza lovers have their choice of 10 or more spots to grab a slice, including Best House Pizzeria on Baltimore Avenue, Famiglia Pizza.





 University City Philadelphia Arts, Culture, Parks & Recreation

University City Philadelphia is a melting pot of artistic and cultural opportunities and organizations. The city boasts numerous museums, studios and galleries which host festivals, concerts, art shows and a wide range of other artistic and cultural venues and events, such as the weekly Movies in Clark Park and free library events. University City Philadelphia is an ever-changing neighborhood that stays current with the latest trends, fashions, and competitive art and entertainment industries – there is something for everyone.


The parks and recreation offered in University City Philadelphia ranks among the country’s best. Barkan Park and Cedar Park are smaller parks, ideal for families looking for quiet days spent basking in the sun and laying in the lush green grass that make up the grounds. The historic Clark Park is the largest space of green within the University City Philadelphia area and hosts weekly nighttime movies at their outdoor theatre. Clark Park is also popular with picnic goers and people who come to stroll through the Clark Park Farmer’s Market.


Other parks in University City Philadelphia include Drexel Park, which is located on 32nd Avenue and Powelton Avenue near the Drexel University campus. Penn Park is popular for sports

activities and Saunders Park Greene is a small park that has been growing in popularity in recent years.





 University City Philadelphia Neighborhood Safety



Drexel University’s Department of Public Safety ranks number 4 in the nation, according to Security magazine. As of 2015, Drexel University has ranked in the top 6 on the magazine’s Security 500 list for five consecutive years. Both Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania have their own police departments certified through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC). Both police departments communicate and work directly with Philadelphia Police Department, SEPTA Police, Amtrak Police, Philadelphia Housing Authority Police, and security partners throughout University City Philadelphia.



FAQ

Hi there! Have some questions about our company? Find the answers below. 

  • What type of leases do you offer?

    We typically offer 12-month leases with the option of renewal or 2 and 3-year leases at discounted rates.

  • How do I pay my rent and when is it due?

    Rent is paid online using our online tenant management software. Rent is due on the first of the month and there is a grace period of 4 days before late rent fees are applied.

  • Do you allow pets?

    Any pet request needs to be approved in writing by management and there is a $750.00 one-time deposit fee required of which $350.00 is non-refundable and $400.00 is refundable at the end of the lease term.

  • What is required to submit an application for my new appartment?

    In order to start the rental application, we require a $50 application fee from each tenant and each co-signer for the credit and background check. You can visit our rental application page on this website and select the unit you’d like to apply for, and click “apply now.” Please note our applications are not unit-specific and are completely flexible and non-binding. You will enter your information and be asked to submit payment. Once we receive your application and payments we will notify you within 5-7 business days if your application has been approved. 


  • Do I need a cosigner on my lease?

    Depending on your ability to show proof of income, you may be required to add a minimum of 1 co-signer per lease agreement.  Each cosigner will need to fill out a separate online application using the same link as the applicant. If you are able to show your own proof of income, we do not require a co-signer to be added. If you are an international student, we ask that in lieu of a co-signer you attach your i-20 or F-1 Visa to your application. 


  • What happens if I do not get approved?

    If your application is not approved, you will only lose your $50.00 application fee that is used for the credit and background check. 


  • What type of security is offered?

     Our buildings do have 24/7 camera surveillance and have reinforced steel exterior doors and deadbolts on every exterior door leading to a common area or to an apartment. Units equipped with security systems can be activated at the tenant's expense with a third-party company. 

  • Does my lease provide insurance coverage for my belongings?

    The lease does not provide any type of coverage for the tenant’s belongings. The tenant is responsible for obtaining their own coverage and we recommend they do so by getting renter’s insurance.

  • What if I need to break my lease?

    Our leases are joint and several and you are legally obligated to fulfill your lease for the term agreed once it’s signed. We do offer sublet and relet options if you decide to not live in the apartment any longer.


  • When do I get my security deposit back?

    Per your lease agreement and Pennsylvania law, you will receive your security deposit within 30 days of your move-out date. 


  • What furniture is provided?

    Our units are completely unfurnished, however we can put you in contact with a third-party furniture rental company if you are interested in adding furniture to your unit.


  • How do I receive my mail and packages?

    Every apartment building has a mailbox at its entrance and that’s where the mail and packages can be dropped off by the mail person. Some of our larger buildings also include the Luxer package lockers and a package room for oversized packages.

  • What type of parking is available?

    Some of our locations have secured underground private parking garages with limited availability. All of our properties have on street parking available, it can be either 2-hour parking or metered. Once you have a signed lease you can go to philapark.org/permits and you can show proof of residence in the area and request for a parking permit which will allow you to park beyond the 2-hour parking for free within your parking zone at your new apartment address.

EXCLUSIVE SERVICE

We pride ourselves on delivering a great living experience for students. Our #1 goal is finding the perfect residence that will meet your needs.

LOCATION IS EVERTHING

We represent residential properties throughout the University City Philadelphia area.

GUARANTEED SERVICE

With integrity and exceptional costumer service, we promise to give you luxury living at a reasonable price.