Ridgewood Plaza

Philadelphia has some awful budget apartments. With that in mind, this apartment has been great. Relatively close to center city, right on top of Chinatown, and close to the MFL and several bus routes. Walking distance to Old City and Franklin Park, with several grocery stores nearby. Prices in Chinatown are excellent if you shop around, and there's endless food. Bars are a little pricy and sparse. Roommates report nice gyms nearby, but expensive. The area itself looks a little rough and industrial, but I find it to be substantially safer and quieter than pricier places in town (this is my 4th apartment in Philadelphia). Working class, multigenerational neighborhood. No bug or mouse problems (rare at this price in my experience), a spacious kitchen with new appliances, large rooms with their own bathrooms (albeit small), and two bedrooms with rear facing windows with views of the city and the green neighborhood behind us. The third bedroom (and the kitchen/shared space) have very little light. We have a combination washer/dryer (the ones that don't really dry clothes). Management has been very responsive, fair, and responsible, solving issues within hours. There are limited paid parking spots ($150 for a year), and many residents are on a waiting list. Not enough space for 1 car per apartment, and most apartments are 3+ rooms. Free parking on the street is sparse, but doable if you're comfortable walking 2 blocks. Local lots offer $<100/month uncovered parking about a block away, as well. Electricity, water, and internet are not included, but garbage/recycling is. Electric central heating/cooling with a nonprogrammable thermostat. Apartments connect to the street by a shared staircase with indoor mailboxes and a code lock, which is a surprisingly rare amenity in town. Access to a shared outdoor space behind the apartment, though this space has been taken over by the long-term residents on the first floor.