Dorchester

LOCATION : Fantastic.  Right on Rittenhouse Square, 2 blocks from the 21 & 42 bus lines, 4 blocks from the trolley. UNITS : Good.  Everything functions very well.  The floors are hardwood.  Tons of closet space.  The rooms don't have the newest fittings (i.e. there is no air vent above the stoves, there is no overhead lighting), but most things work without problem. MANAGEMENT : Great.  There is a lot of management, so somebody is always in the lobby.  And if something in your apartment breaks, the repairmen are very responsive. AMENITIES : Adequate.  Gym is okay for a casual user (about 4 treadmills and a handful of weight machines).  There is a pool, which is exciting, but it is only open from Memorial to Labor Day. 

Conveniently located right next to the Penn Bus stop for easy commute home in the evenings. Plenty of students in the building with whom to split cabs.  Location is very central to Center City venues for social activities and group work assignments, but also very walkable to school (25 min. on foot vs. 15-20 min. on bus depending on waittime and traffic) compared to other buildings further east.  One of the best values for studios, but you'll have to sign early before supply runs out!  Brownstone apartments will be much larger for the same rent (750-800 sq. ft. vs. ~600 sq. ft.) but with less amenities and excludes utilities.  02 and 03 studio lines have less natural light.  Be wary of older appliances and fixtures in some of the units since this is a condo building. Most outlets are only 2-prong b/c this is an old building, which can be annoying to upgrade out of pocket depending on where you want your electronic appliances.  Noise travels because of the concrete structure; I can hear the person who lives above me when she walks around in heels but it's not that loud.  Most apartment doors slam if you aren't mindful b/c of the older design, which can carry down the hall.  Neighbors can be finicky - the ones on my floor have complained about door slamming, even though it is not unique to my apartment door!  There is no common activities room in the Dorchester in contrast to what is noted under the Building Info, but most apartments are spacious enough to host learning team meetings and small social gatherings.

Good: location is fantastic, it is right on the square.  Cheap for being on the square.  Includes gym and pool in summer (M-Thr).  Internet is $20 a month (building package) and you get free cable/HBO. 7-11 downstairs is amazingly convinient to get stuff because it is open 24/7.   Bad: Move in fee of $300 (coming from NYC, I've never heard of this), many senior citizens who live here complain often so they are very strict about move in/move out policy.  Rooms themselves are owner owned and can vary considerably so you need to see the specific location before renting.  Walls are thin so sound travels easily.  Laundry is not always in unit, must check before renting. 

Affordable apartment given its awesome location. Step outside and you are right on the Rittenhouse Square. Good weather always calls for some bench time at the park.  I heard management was bad but I haven't had to deal with them since moving in (yes, they have strict move-in regulations). Very cool mail room staff who are super prompt about calling you and leaving a message about your package.  Doormen all seem pretty cool except they have never stopped any of my friends that were visiting.  They just recently remodeled the entire lobby and hallways. The 7/11 downstairs is so clutch!