After countless sleepless nights and two grueling semesters, you made it through your first year of college! “You go Glenn Coco!” Finally, it’s time to leave the dorm days behind and start searching for your very first off-campus pad. With so much going on in your life, the last thing you want to do is spend countless hours searching for housing. Of course, your future roommates also happen to be the laziest people on the planet and the responsibility of finding a house has fallen on your shoulders. Looking for the perfect place can be stressful and draining, especially if it’s your first time. Well, never fear, Rent College Pads is here!
To help you out, we searched through hundreds of housing options and Google reviews to bring you the best off-campus housing options in Philadelphia for students attending Drexel and University of Pennsylvania. Happy hunting!
Want to see more properties near campuses in Philadelphia? Check out the complete list of houses and apartments near your campus.
The Lofts at 1835 Arch (4.6)
In the heart of Center City, located just minutes away from both Drexel and UPenn are the Lofts at 1835 Arch. Designed as contemporary loft-style apartments, tenants are able to choose from one and two-bedroom floorplans. Some units even have platform bedroom options, imagine those late night city views from your bed! Each apartment comes with modern kitchen appliances including a dishwasher and in-unit washer/dryer, making cleanup a breeze.
Always feel safe with a 24-hour attended lobby and if anything should go wrong call the 24-hour on-site maintenance team. Burn off the stresses of school at the fitness center equipped with cardio machines and free weights. The complex also offers tenants a concierge and dry cleaning service. When you need fuel for your studies, grab some grub at the deli/market, you don’t even have to leave the building!
Goldtex Apartments (4.6)
Designed with the environment in mind, The Goldtex Apartments brings their residents a luxury eco-chic living experience. Just minutes away from both universities, Goldtex offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments that were created to be an energy efficient green complex. Resident Lauren exclaims that Goldtex is an “Amazing apartment space, in an awesome location!” Perfect for foodies, the kitchens are one of the many highlights, Andre raves, “I love my apartment from top to bottom, the kitchen is bomb!”
Each kitchen has striking cabinetry and modern appliances and comes with large sinks, dishwashers, and dual convection ovens, just to name a few things. With wall to wall windows throughout the apartment, tenants can soak up views of downtown Philly and the Delaware River. The fully-equipped fitness center also gives residents a panorama of the skyline, hopefully making working out a little more enjoyable! Residents can also take advantage of the rooftop pool and year-round hot tub. Perfect spot to throw a party or relax after a long day!
Woodward Properties (4.5)
With decades of experience, Woodward Properties has risen to be one of the top property management companies in Philadelphia. At Woodward Properties, they both own and manage all of their properties while taking pride in providing a top-of-the-line living experience. This locally owned family company has a diverse variety of apartment communities sure to fit any student’s style and budget.
With so many apartment complexes to offer, students are able to find a place in the city that is a perfect fit. The apartment communities may vary in size and location, but many offer FREE heat, washer/dryers, on-site parking, and are pet-friendly, just to name a few of the many amenities. Utilities are also commonly roped into your rent making it less of a hassle for you because you’ll only have to write one check monthly.
Equinox Management & Construction (4.2)
Real estate development, property maintenance, and property management are just some of the things the guys over at Equinox Management & Construction do, they’ve been doing it for awhile, and they do it well! Being Philadelphia-based, they are well versed in the area and can help pair you up with the perfect pad. William stated that the Equinox staff was, “Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Definitely made the moving process easier.”
Just within the University City (where UPenn and Drexel are located) neighborhood of Philly, they manage over 850 units which are comprised of both apartments and houses that are specifically geared for student rentals.
3601 Market Apartments (4.1)
Conveniently located right across the street from Drexel University and just blocks away from UPenn students can experience luxury style living in this newly built urban oasis. Offering 16 different floor plans, tenants can choose between efficiencies, studios, one, and two-bedroom units. Each unit includes stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer, and floor to ceiling windows giving you a beautiful view of Philly.
Invite your friends over for a pool party! Each tenant has access to the heated rooftop saltwater pool. In addition, the rooftop also has a fire pit, grilling area, and private cabanas with flat screen TVs for you to party in style. Forget about school and relax your body and mind in the 24-hour fitness center with yoga studio. Other amenities for residents also include concierge service, pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi in common areas, and a business center equipped with computers. Whether you need that midnight snack or you’re trying to cure that hangover 3601 Market has on-site dining options like Dunkin Donuts, Jimmy John’s, and Danlu Restaurant.
EVO Philly Cira Centre South (4.0)
Located in the heart of University City sits the luxury sky rise apartment complex, Evo Philly Cira Centre South. Just a few minutes walk from campus, this student-focused community offers studio to four-bedroom units to choose from and if you don’t have a roommate they’ll match you up with one. Each student is responsible for their own lease so don’t freak out if your roommate spent too much money going out and now they are paying their rent late. That’s on them, not you!
At EVO, they provide students with complimentary 24-hour coffee to give you that boost you need at 2:00 am while you’re scrambling to finish your English paper. To help with classes, students can use the business center, printing center, and take advantage of the eleven 2-story study lounges. Hang out with your friends at the rooftop infinity pool or in the rooftop lounge. Stay in shape at the 24/7 fitness center and sign up for one of the free weekly studio classes like pilates or yoga!
Domus Apartments (4.0)
At the Domus Apartments, residents will be just blocks away from the Schuylkill River and the college campuses in University City. The bus, trolley, and SEPTA station are nearby so getting around the city is a breeze! Cary raved, “Domus was incredible. I lived here for 5 years and was completely satisfied. It has all the amenities you could ask for.
It’s in a great location for accessing all of University City, Center City, and West Philadelphia.” Each unit comes with an in-unit washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, and your own private balcony or patio. Tenants can enjoy the many community amenities like 24-hour concierge service, resort-style pool, bbq grilling area, and fitness center with spin studio. Pop some popcorn and order some pizzas and watch a movie on the big screen in the private theater. Domus is also pet-friendly so bring along your pup! They even hold several “Yappy Hour” events where dogs and owners can come together to hang out in the community.
University City Housing (3.9)
For a half a century now, University City Housing has been providing top-notch housing to residents in the University City neighborhood of Philly. Offering 85 different buildings to prospective residents, any student is sure to find something that fits their taste while fitting their budget. Whether you are interested in a studio, or one to five bedroom townhome, the guys over at University City Housing can help find you your perfect pad! Alexander boasts that University City Housing is, ‘Pretty outstanding as far as rental agencies go.
Maintenance is always on point and quick to fix any problems and the office staff is super friendly and always helpful with all questions. The properties are nice, affordable and all in great locations. I’d highly recommend renting from UCH to anyone looking for an apartment in the University City/West Philly area.” Since the majority of their properties are conveniently located within blocks of both Drexel and UPenn, students can just walk to classes. If you are in need of parking, they can set you up with that too. To make it easier on tenants they offer a monthly flat rate for utilities and internet is included in your rent.
The Axis (3.9)
Smack dab between Drexel and UPenn are The Axis apartments. Designed with students in mind, tenants can choose between a single or double occupancy unit. Each unit comes with a private bathroom, flat screen TV, and walk-in closets. Included in the rent are all of your utilities along with Direct TV and internet.
The Axis provides flexible lease terms starting as short as three month, which is convenient for anyone just staying in Philly for the months they are in school or maybe for a student who is working during the summer. Students at The Axis can come together with the Resident Advisors for game nights, movie showings, and other social events that are held. Whether you need some energy for a night of studies or you’ve got the munchies after a night out the Axis Pizza Cafe & Salad bar is on-site and open 24 hours!
The Left Bank (3.9)
Located adjacent from both UPenn and Drexel, The Left Bank apartments are the largest loft-style community in University City. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and the best nightlife there is always a lot to do. The Left Bank offers residents an array of living options from studio to three-bedroom units with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washer/dryer.
Residents also receive complimentary private storage. Some of the many amenities for tenants at Left Bank are a 24-hour fitness center, private conference/study rooms, 24-hour concierge service, and community clubroom. Head up to the Sky Deck and lounge in the outdoor area that overlooks all of Center City. The Left Bank does have covered parking, but they also provide bike storage and have a bike share program. In addition, residents receive a Lifestyle Access Card with provides you with VIP privileges and discounts are local businesses and services.