Date: 4/22/2009 4:50:42 PM
Author: Octavia
Congratulations to your DD! Wharton is an awesome school. I live in Philly, so if you have specific questions about any of the areas she's considering living in, I can give my opinion. Generally, I second the Rittenhouse area -- it's pretty close to Penn's campus, so it's easy to bike, and there are both Penn buses and SEPTA (public transit) buses that go between them. Parts of West Philly are fine and housing there tends to be cheaper, but I wouldn't go much west of campus (probably 45th Street as a boundary). I also really like the Washington Square West and Society Hill areas of the city, which are basically the two neighborhoods as you go east of Rittenhouse. They're further away from Penn, but still bike-able and very close to buses and a subway line. Like Rittenhouse, they tend to be a bit pricey, though.
Aside from Craigslist, Philly Weekly (
http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com) is a good source for apartment listings. Good luck, and let us know if you have any other questions!