Look at Fishtown and South Philly. Both have a neighborhood feel but are still close to Center City. I live in Fishtown because it is safe and really affordable, even compared to most of South Philly. However, some will tell you that both of these areas are dangerous. If you re moving here from the suburbs you will probably feel the same way, but remember that this is a city and if you don t look for problems they won t happen. I have never had any issues, and the only problem any of my friends and neighbors have is the occasional car break-in. If you re curious the Philly PD has a great crime statistics map on their website (http://www.ppdonline.org/). Many will recommend Northern Liberties and Fairmount (the Art Museum Area). These are both great neighborhoods but prices are only slightly lower than Center City, if at all. Fairmount also has no public transit besides buses. If price is not a factor look at a Center City neighborhood called Society Hill. It s in the southeast portion of Center City and many of the streets are peaceful enough to make you feel like you re nowhere close to a huge metropolis.If you want something further away and don t mind a 15-20 minute train ride look at East Falls, Manayunk, and Mt. Airy. All great neighborhoods, each of which has a different atmosphere and group of people.
center city has great apartments and some houses but it s very expensive. definitely stay away from west/north Philly. South center city would be your best bets. they re very pretty and the people are extremely nice. once you get past the restaurant school it s basically ghetto. just stay away from north west and you ll be good : )
move to center city its right by the mall.