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University City, 3900 Chestnut St | Philadelphia
Overview
Photos
Amenities
Floorplans

Top Amenities

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  •  24-Hour Front Desk
  •  Building Laundry Room
  •  Central A/C
  •  Elevators
  •  Fitness Center
  •  Granite Countertops
  •  Pet Friendly
  •  Stainless Steel Appliances
  •  Surface Parking Lot

User Rating

5.9
Average
54 Reviews

About this Location

CVS Pharmacy
4 min walk
Clark Park
19 min walk
MFL (metro) - 7 min
21 (bus) - 3 min
Lots of bars and
restaurants nearby

Pricing 
updated 22 hrs ago

Studio, 1 Bath
$1,156+
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
$1,401+
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath
$1,894+
Schedule Appointment At
(786) 403-0330
  • Building Related

    •  Elevators
  • Kitchen

    •  Dishwasher
    •  Garbage Disposal
    •  Granite Countertops
    •  Microwave
    •  Stainless Steel Appliances
  • Laundry

    •  Building Laundry Room
  • Living Room

    •  Central A/C
  • Parking & Transportation

    •  Surface Parking Lot
  • Security & Maintenance

    •  24-Hour Front Desk
X

Overall rating 5.9/10, based on 54 renter reviews Write a review

9.0
Location
4.2
Amenities
5.7
Management
6.3
Value
5.0
Social
7.9
Safety
Excellent
7
Great
13
Good
20
Average
10
Terrible
4

Chestnut Hall reviews and highlights

  • Filled with graduate and professional students from Penn
  • Good location
  • Front desk quickly responds to noise complaints
  • Building feels very safe
  • Kitchen is small
  • Expensive for an older building
  • Good living experience for students in University City
  • Management staff is great
  • Chestnut hall is a safe, clean building that is kept well
  • Leasing office staff is unhelpful
  • Complex is very quiet
  • Strict no pet policy
Filter reviews for
9
Excellent
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Chestnut Hall

I appreciate how Chestnut Hall is spacious, quiet, hassle free, and close to the Penn Law School.

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  • Studio / 1 bath
1
Terrible
Overall score

Refuse to return Security Deposit

DO NOT RENT FROM THEM! My daughter just moved out and they are withholding our security deposit for "Full Paint Studio". She lived there for 2 years and they said there are "marks on the walls" but haven't provided ANY documentation or pictures, in violation of Philadelphia tenant law. I asked for a walkthrough and they stated that they did not conduct them with their tenants. These are our pictures of the way we left the apartment, and for that they are withholding $469! This is the FOURTH apartment we have rented in Philadelphia Center City / University City and we've NEVER had a security deposit withheld!

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  • 1 bed / 1 bath
6
Good
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Two thumbs up

We had looked into several buildings for apartment rental. Chestnut Hall It was the good value, spacious units and excellent building services. The building is high in character and design. It is located right at campus the University of Pennsylvania. All shops, restaurants, and grocery are within 2 blocks of the location.

From the beginning, the building manager directly helped our move and selection beyond-the-call-of-duty. He was our best experience and continuing supports beyond-the-call-of-duty.

This started with the quick application approval, lease agreement. After our move, the building maintenance was quick to respond to ensure the unit was fully ready and working.

We are satisfied with our rental choice at Chestnut Hall, 3900 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

We give our highest recommendation for best value for money and comfort for residential apartment.

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  • 1 bed / 1 bath
7
Good
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Chestnut Hall

It's a good experience, but not the best. The building is old, so I find myself calling maintenance about once a month to fix something, but the maintenance does respond in a timely manner. The walls are made of concrete, so noise doesn't carry, which is great for hosting small gatherings. There's a security desk which makes me feel safe.

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  • Pet owner
  • Studio / 1 bath
5
Average
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Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Regret

Terrible management absurd utilities and very warm in the apartments

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Reviewed by
 
  • Couple
  • Studio / 1 bath
5
Average
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

price is too high

the building has a long history so the facilities are a little bit old, especially the drainage system in the bathroom. We have to call the maintenance guy to clear the blockage every week. and the rental price is too high for students without any income. The good thing is close to the campus, I don't need to worry about the safety issue.

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  • Couple
  • 1 bed / 1 bath
5
Average
Overall score
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Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Chestnut Hall Review

Chestnut Hall

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Reviewed by
 
  • 1 bed / 1 bath
5
Average
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Close to campus, old, gets the job done

Close to campus, old, gets the job done

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  • Couple
  • 1 bed / 1 bath
8
Great
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Location and convenience is great

Lived here all 3 years. Location is the best part. Bus stop is right outside. Tons of closet space for my 380 sq ft studio. Older amenities/building though. Heat/AC is central so the unit in your apartment, which the building controls, will switch off heat/AC capability depending on the season. Not a huge issue but annoying. Somewhat slow on maintenance calls. Lobby and package area is nice.

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  • Studio / 1 bath
8
Great
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Fine, close to school, and inexpensive

Close to school!

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  • 1 bed / 1 bath

The Neighborhood

Signature Spots

dining 31 Recs

Zesto Pizza & Grill
Enjay’s Pizza
Bobby’s Burger Palace
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grocery 4 Recs

Aldi
Trader Joe’s
Mariposa Food Co-op
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convenience 2 Recs

CVS Pharmacy
Wawa
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fitness 28 Recs

Fit Gym University City
Penn Campus Recreation
Bikram Yoga West Philly
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parks 10 Recs

James G. Kaskey Memorial Garden
James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
Dilworth Park
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coffee 16 Recs

Capogiro Gelato
Beiler’s Donuts
Winterfell Dessert
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About University City

Sitting west of the Schuylkill River, University City is the scholastic center of West Philadelphia. University City combines the diversity of a college town with the energy of a large metropolitan area. Public parks, farmers markets, restaurants, and theaters, this neighborhood has it all.
Fresh Grocer
College Feel
Very Walkable
Heart of UPenn
Lots of Students
Cheaper than Center City
Solid Restaurants and Bars
Median rents in University City
Studio
$
1,300
1 Bedroom
$
2,200
2 Bedroom
$
2,950

Getting around University City


Parking at Chestnut Hall

Surface Parking Lot

Parking Near Chestnut Hall

Parking rates are for informational purposes only and may vary — for most up to date pricing, please reach out to the garage directly.

University City Reviews

158 reviews
Close enough to campus to walk, but far enough away that you don't feel surrounded by just students. Clark Park is lovely, there's something for everybody - farmers market on Saturdays, regular flea markets, off-leash area for dogs, playground, etc. Several coffee shops within 2 blocks and some good places to eat within 5 blocks. Grocery shopping isn't super convenient if you buy a lot at once, but doable if you're just carrying one or two bags. Street parking isn't too bad but gets competitive on the weekends.
I chose the neighborhood for proximity to the school. If I could choose otherwise, I would be over by Rittenhouse or further West around the Clark Park area. It feels a bit commercial in U City (not so charming or friendly). BUT everything you need is here and it is very convenient. The only real downside is an aesthetic one.
Gentrifying area of West Philly, given Penn's presence and expansion into the neighborhood. Easily walkable. Within several blocks of Clark Park, where there are lots of community events and family-friendly activities in addition to walking paths and dog park. Lots of cute shops and restaurants along Baltimore Ave plus great hole-in-the-wall spots if you want to explore a bit more.
I enjoy living in University City. It is perfect if you want to live in a low key area very close to school. Most people in the area are affiliated with Penn, so the community is generally pretty young and active. You are in walking distance from everything you might need. You do not need a car to get around. Even if you plan on spending a good deal of time in Center City, you can get there easily by rail or by Uber. I wouldn't have chosen to live anywhere else during 1L.
I have developed a sincere appreciation for the lifestyle and restaurants in University City over the last few months. UC is excellent for student budgets: for about $12 per person you get an entire feast at The Greek Lady, a giant cold-banishing soup at the Ramen Bar, or a 15-vegetable salad at Axis Pizza. There's a full grocery store (Fresh Grocer), several nice coffeehouses, and did I mention the 3 block walk to class? In terms of safety it's about the same as Rittenhouse or Center City.
Pros:
- Close to campus (~20 min walk, ~8 min trolley ride)
- Generally safe because University City in general has been highly gentrified.
- Charming and diverse community
- CLARK PARK! (and the Farmers' Market!!!)

Cons:
- No nearby grocery stores (except Fresh Grocer which is gross)
- Can be sketchy after dark
It's hard to pinpoint exactly where University City is right now as a neighborhood, because it's changing so rapidly. It's gone from one of the most dangerous campuses in the country ~5 years ago to incredibly safe. With the new FMC Tower going up at 30th/Walnut, it's hard to say exactly what this area will be like next year... but it's only getting better. It's a nice way to avoid Rittenhouse prices while still being only a stone's throw away from Rittenhouse (and yet at the same time not sacrifice on proximity to campus).
I am right by Clark park which is on the border or UC and West Philly. It is much quieter and more residential. The food scene is incredible with lots of smaller, family-owned restaurants serving food from many different cultures. There have been no major crime issues as well.

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