A Guide to UPenn Off Campus Housing

Are you a junior or senior moving off campus this year? There are a couple of things to consider before making this important step such as, 

• Do you want to stay near the University of Pennsylvania? 

• What is your budget for rent?

• Do you plan on living solo or having roommates? 

• Are utilities like Wifi and water included with your rent?

• Is maintenance around for 24 hours?   

But the main thing to figure out is where you are going live. Will you get an apartment? Or look into houses near campus? In this blog we’ll give you a list of off campus housing options to look into, the list will range from studio apartments to old Victorian-style townhomes. We’ll also give you information on how to start your search for off campus housing in Philadelphia. 

Realtor Sources for Off Campus Housing at Penn

Not sure where to start looking for an apartment? Unless you already have a housing connection then you might need some help on where to look. Read on to learn about three different resources junior and senior students can use when starting their search. 

Campus Apartments

Campus Apartments is an excellent resource for Penn students looking for housing and also manages the properties for University City Associates. From apartments to townhomes, there’s a wide variety of properties for rent. The types of properties available through Campus Apartments to rent are studios, multi-bedroom apartments, and houses with up to 17 bedrooms located on the west side of the university campus. 

The amenities vary by property so you’ll need to speak with the property manager for full details of what your rent will look like each month. Most of the properties are pet friendly and offer 24-hour maintenance services, onsite laundry, and outdoor space. The best perk is being in close proximity to the Penn campus so you don’t have to worry about a crazy commute. 

See what housing options they have to offer near campus and reach out to them with any questions. 

University City Housing

University City Housing rents over 80 properties near the University of Pennsylvania’s campus. The occupancy for university city has slowed down a bit because Penn now requires sophomore students to live on campus for their second year but rental rates have remained low for the properties. Rent starts at $550 per month per bedroom for housing between 41st and 45th street and is affordable for junior and senior students looking for housing off campus. 

University City also leases studio apartments, along with one to four-bedroom apartments, and Victorian townhouses with five to 13 bedrooms. Each property at University City has hardwood floors, high-speed internet, and onsite laundry services. You’ll also be in close proximity to restaurants, parks, and laundromats.   

Their property list can seem overwhelming so we suggest making a list of what you’re looking for to narrow down your choices. 

University Realty

Universal Realty is another option to use for off campus housing for Penn in Philadelphia. This realty office manages four different properties near the University of Pennsylvania, which now includes a new five-story apartment complex on 42nd and Ludlow streets. 

They rent one to three-bedroom apartments offering great amenities. Each property under University Realty has modern-full size kitchens, a fitness center, 24-hour video surveillance, garages, and some properties may give you free flat screen tv when you sign your lease. You can take a look at all of their available properties on their website to see if anything catches your eye. 

Apartment Properties in Philadelphia 

There are a variety of apartment complexes in Philadelphia for junior and senior students looking to stay off campus. Here are a couple of properties in the area along with some of the amenities. Feel free to reach out to each property manager for more details on each apartment complex. 

The Axis

The Axis in Philadelphia is a smaller option for students. They don’t come with kitchens, just a bedroom, and a private bathroom. Each apartment has a refrigerator and microwave but students do have access to a full kitchen and campus meal plans. There’s a shared laundry room and gym. It’s also right between the Penn and Drexel campuses making it an easy commute for classes. 

Amenities Include

• Full utilities included in rent

• Cable TV and Wifi 

• Walk-in closets 

• Flat Screen TV

• Onsite Cafe

• Movie Theater 

• Social Events 

• Game room 

• Housekeeping services 

• Tanning Beds

• Resident advisors are onsite

Contact the office with any questions you might have. 

Chestnut Hall

Chestnut Hall in Philadelphia has wood plank flooring, and some of the units have walk-in closets but this depends on your preferences. This apartment is great if you have a cat or dog as it’s pet friendly but there is a monthly pet fee added to your rent. 

Amenities 

• Full concierge service 

• Bike storage

• Shared laundry facility 

• Close to public transportation 

• Reserved parking 

• Smart home technology 

• Package lockers 

• Wifi in common areas 

• Business center

There are also two great restaurants in the building. Stop by Beiler’s Doughnuts for fresh daily baked pastries in the lobby and Thai Singa House has an assortment of delicious Thai food like vegetable spring rolls and chicken pad thai. Schedule your tour of Chestnut Hall to see if it’s the right fit for you. 

The Simon

The Simon on Founder’s Row has 23 apartments located four minutes away from campus. The apartments vary with three to five bedrooms with rent starting at $1200 per person. Pets of any kind aren’t allowed to stay at this complex, this may seem to be a deal breaker if you have a pet. 

Amenities 

• Fully furnished apartments 

• Washer and dryer set in every unit 

• Keyless entry 

• Programmable thermostat 

• Stainless steel kitchen appliances 

• High-tech video entry system 

• Fitness center 

• Amazon hub 

• Reserved parking 

Schedule a tour to get a closer look at The Simon.  

The Radian

The Radian in Philadelphia is a very popular apartment complex among junior and senior students. It features one to four-bedroom apartments and comes fully furnished with full-sized beds. They also have a roommate matching feature to pair you up with people you vine well with and feature great views of the city. 

Amenities 

• Washer and dryer set in every unit 

• Electricity, water, and high-speed internet are included with the monthly rent

• 24-hour fitness center

• Game room 

• Two-story clubroom with a walkout terrace 

• Outdoor dining terrace and courtyard 

• Ground floor restaurants and stores 

Find out more about The Radian and schedule a tour for a closer look at the building. 

3737 Chestnut

3737 Chestnut in Philadelphia is just six minutes away from campus, making it another great housing option. This luxury apartment is pet-friendly, has a washer and dryer set in every unit, and unlimited black and white printing services making it perfect to print out any last minute papers.  

Amenities 

• 24-hour concierge 

• Fitness center with a yoga studio inside 

• Floor-to-ceiling windows 

• Stainless steel kitchen appliances 

• 24-hour emergency maintenance 

• Community kitchen with stainless steel appliances and wine fridge

• Bike storage room 

• Bike share program 

View their full amenities and schedule an apartment tour to see if this is a fit for you. 

Domus

Domus is located across from Penn Law at the edge of the campus. This complex is pet friendly with a monthly pet fee, has stainless appliances, and a washer and dryer set in every unit. 

Amenities  

• Dry cleaning services 

• Clubhouse 

• Concierge service 

• Furnished units (this varies)

• Billiards 

• Quartz countertops 

• Stainless steel appliances 

• Built-in bookcase

• High ceilings 

• Patio/balcony 

• Community pool 

• Package lockers

Take a virtual apartment tour at Domus today.

The Chestnut

The Chestnut in Philadelphia is a 29-story complex with 405 units in the building. It’s also a six-minute walk to campus making it ideal for students without a car. 

Amenities  

• Co-working space

• Game room 

• Fitness center 

• 24/7 concierge 

• Pet friendly 

• In-unit washer and dryer 

• Floor-to-ceiling windows 

• Open kitchens with islands 

• Stainless steel appliances 

• Sky Lounge 

• Rooftop pool 

• Parking garage 

• Wood floors

• Window treatment shades

Book your apartment tour at The Chestnut to see if it’s the perfect fit for you. 

We hope this blog has answered some of your questions about UPenn off campus housing for junior and senior students. Remember to consider rent costs, utilities, and monthly pet fees if you’re considering getting a cat or dog.