Philadelphia Apartments for Rent

Philadelphia is a city rich in American history. Independence Hall is here, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Liberty Bell is here too. German immigrants came to Philly as early as 100 years before American independence. And while it’s steeped in history – Elfreth’s Alley is a skinny street occupied continuously since the early 1700s – the city also has buildings like the 58 story shiny glass tower where Comcast makes its home.

Comcast isn’t the only big employer in town. There are lots of government jobs here – as you’d expect from a city so close to Washington DC. Aramark hospitality services is Philly based, Dow Chemical has a hub here, and Campbell’s Soup is across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey. Several big pharmaceutical companies have their headquarters in the region, and US Airways has a major hub in Philadelphia. Philadelphia has its own stock exchange, so there are a number of financial services companies here too.

The city has long prided itself on diversity. That continually occupied street, Elfreth’s Alley, was once home to Jewish merchants, former slaves, and immigrants from Germany, Ireland, and other parts of Europe. Now, Philly’s diversity is seen it its embracing of the “Gayborhood” with its rainbow street signs – while not far away, you can shop Amish farm products at the Reading Terminal Market.

Getting around Philly without a car is quite easy – which is good because car owners will find parking a real challenge in most of the city. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) runs an extensive network of busses, trolley lines, regional rail, and the city’s subway system. There is rail service to Philadelphia’s international airport. Amtrak runs the Acela Express, train service that connects Philly with Boston, New York, DC, and Baltimore. Megabus has express service to the major nearby northeastern cities as well. PATCO runs a regional rail line that connects downtown Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey and the nearby New Jersey suburbs.

Center City (East and West) wins for walkablity in Philadelphia, and there’s all kinds of housing here, from historic row houses to brand new highrises. In Old City, buildings that were once warehouses are being renovated and converted into stylish condos, and they’re walking distance from great restaurants, shopping, and the subway. Closer to Thomas Jefferson University, there are immaculate new buildings with lots of modern amenities like stainless steel appliances, onsite gyms, and roof gardens. There are also classic old apartment buildings with lofted lobby spaces and beautiful architectural detailing.

You’ll have to compromise a little bit on walkability, but if you want to live in a place that has historically embraced integration, check out West Mount Airy.

SEPTA rail lines do serve the neighborhood, so it’s possible to have a public transit commute if this is your choice. There are attractive modern townhouses here, some with hardwood floors and open floor plans, and some nice historic brick apartment buildings with attractively landscaped courtyards and details that include arched ceilings, leaded glass windows, and built in cabinets. Prices are a bit lower here than in more central neighborhoods.

Fairmount, bordered on one side by the Schuykill River and on the south end of Fairmount Park is known as a family friendly neighborhood. You can find larger apartments in gorgeously renovated factory buildings where the floor to ceiling windows are still intact.

You’ll also find single family homes walking distance from Fairmount’s neighborhood parks, and more of Philadelphia’s classic row houses for rent in their entirety or as apartments in divided buildings.

Search for Philadelphia apartments for rent with Walk Score and join the 35% of Philadelphia residents who rent their homes. You can find great homes for rent in one of Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods including a studio in Germantown, or a 2 bedroom rental in North Central. Sort by condo price, number of bedrooms, access to SEPTA, Philadelphia's public transportation, or by the city's best restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores.

Families moving to Philadelphia can find family friendly neighborhoods with great schools near parks with Walk Score. Search for places to live near Zipcar car share locations in Philadelphia.