Off-campus housing in other areas of Philadelphia

Off-campus Housing in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has many neighborhoods, as well as nearby suburbs, or areas outside the city’s borders. Learn more about how to explore different neighborhoods via public transportation. Find out more about Philadelphia’s neighborhoods below.

Center City

Center City is Philadelphia’s downtown area. It is home to many office buildings, museums and cultural institutions, tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. In Center City includes several historic neighborhoods: Bella Vista, Center City West (or Graduate Hospital), Chinatown, Logan Square, Old City, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill and Washington Square West.

The apartments in these areas are usually more expensive than in other neighborhoods, though you can sometimes find a bargain. Center City neighborhoods are relatively close to Temple University and provide many public transportation options.
Distance from Temple: approximately 3–5 km
Public transportation to Temple: subway, bus and train

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is a historic neighborhood with a country village atmosphere. Located northwest of the city, Chestnut Hill's tree-lined streets are home to a busy shopping area with many restaurants and is one of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in Philadelphia. It is accessible to Center City and Temple University via Septa's regional rail line.
Distance from Temple: 12–13 km
Public Transporation to Temple: train and bus

East Falls

East Falls is only about 10 minutes from Center City, and its proximity to the city’s downtown area makes it an inexpensive alternative to Center City. East Falls is connected to Center City by Kelly Drive, a scenic road that winds along the Schuylkill River. East Falls is also convenient to Temple University via Septa's regional rail line.
Distance from Temple: 6–7 km
Public transportation to Temple: train and bus

Fairmount/Art Museum

Fairmount is a neighborhood in near Philadelphia Museum of Art and Center City. It borders the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped urban park in the U.S. Fairmount also has many restaurants, and it is close to both Center City and Temple University. Apartment rental rates are reasonable.
Distance from Temple: 2–3 km
Public transportation to Temple: subway and bus

Northeast Philadelphia

The Northeast feels more like a suburb. It is made up of many different, small neighborhoods, more modern houses, streets wider than those in other parts of the city and many shopping malls. Apartments in the Northeast are reasonably priced, but it can take up to one hour to reach Center City or Temple University from some places in this area. The elevated train goes to the Northeast. In addition, there are many bus lines in this area.
Distance from Temple: 18–19 km
Public transportation to Temple: bus and subway

Roxborough/Manayunk

Roxborough and Manayunk are two of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Once thriving industrial centers, they feature big, old houses that often contain several apartments. Center City and Temple University are accessible by public transportation. Manayunk’s Main Street is a popular eating and shopping destination that hosts many festivals throughout the year.
Distance from Temple: 8–13 km
Public transportation to Temple: train and bus

South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia is well-connected to the rest of the city by a subway line and bus routes. It is not far from Temple University and contains many shopping areas and restaurants, and numerous immigrant communities. Rental fees in South Philadelphia are reasonable.
Distance from Temple: 8–9 km
Public transportation to Temple: subway and bus

University City

University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, many cultural institutions, and a large number of restaurants and shops. This area also features affordable prices, large apartments, a lot of green space, street parking, and good public transportation to Center City and other areas of Philadelphia. For short- and long-term international student housing in this neighborhood, we recommend International House.
Distance from Temple: 7–8 km
Public transportation to Temple: subway, bus, train and trolley

West Mt. Airy

West Mt. Airy is a community of tree-lined streets and a mixture of large homes, row homes and apartment complexes. It is recognized as a model of a community where people from various backgrounds live together peacefully. Mt. Airy is in the northwest part of the city and is connected to Center City and Temple University by regional rail service. Apartments in this neighborhood are moderately priced.
Distance from Temple: 9–10 km
Public transportation to Temple: train and bus

West Germantown

Germantown is a historic neighborhood located northwest of Center City. It borders Fairmount Park and is connected to Center City and Temple Universityby the regional rail system. Apartments in this neighborhood are moderately priced.
Distance from Temple: 7–8 km
Public transportation to Temple: train and bus