Moving to Philly
January 20, 2007 8:26 AM   Subscribe

In a few months I will be moving to (West) Philly. However, I've lived all my life in the suburbs, and I've only been exposed to the city a few times, so it will be a somewhat new experience. In order to facilitate the transition, can anyone lend advice or any tips on living in Philly or in cities in general? Places to check out, places to avoid, city etiquette, how to stay safe, and more.
posted by god particle to Society & Culture (42 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: I spent a year in Philly recently; it's really becoming a wonderful city. Many refugees from NY looking for a more affordable place to live. There are hundreds of great restaurants, little pubs/bars/, etc.

One of my favorite things were the BYOB restaurants (Bring Your Own Bottle) that let you bring your own wine/beer/liquor without charging you a corkage fee. There are some really great deals in meals to be had this way.

West Philly is the side where U Penn lives (depending on how far west you go), so you may be living among a large student population. That tends to bring a lot of vitality and freshness to an area.

As far as parts of the city to avoid, yes, there definitely are. Check out this database, it's pretty useful for locating the high-crime areas:

http://cml.upenn.edu/crimebase/cbsUserAreaRequest.asp

But it will usually be very obvious when you're in a high crime area in Philly, because they are very, very run down. If you look around and see tons of boarded-up old buildings, chances are it's not terribly safe.

Also check out the Phillyblog forum:

http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/

Lots of good info on neighborhoods and all the variety they bring.
posted by mikeand1 at 9:00 AM on January 20, 2007


Miagaille and I got mugged, had our windows fall out of our apartment (as in, windowframe and all) and not fixed by the landlord for several months, and generally found it to be one of the worst experiences of our lives, and moved out to the main line suburbs as quickly as we could.

What area in particular? There's really only a few square blocks that are even remotely livable.
posted by dmd at 9:01 AM on January 20, 2007


I lived in W. Mt. Airy. While I certainly have mixed feelings about Philly in general, that's probably the best true neighborhood I've ever lived in.

I guess it depends entirely on where, exactly, you'll be in the city. Every neighborhood in Philly seems to have its own character and its own little secrets. It's like each area is its own little world.

In general, I'd say this: find the local coffee place, find the local bar. Go to them often.

Philly is a rad city to just walk around in. You'll see all kinds of crazy things. There will be certain neighborhoods you'll want to avoid at all costs after dark.
posted by ph00dz at 9:09 AM on January 20, 2007


I live in West Philly right now. My email is in my profile, please feel free to drop me a line at any time. I can give you a pretty good sense of how far you can stray in any given direction if you let me know exactly where you're going to be living.
posted by The Straightener at 9:59 AM on January 20, 2007


Best answer: I've lived in philly for a few years, I've never renewed a lease, I've lived in most neighborhoods, and all in all, I really dig it here. Here's everything i've learned that may or may not make your stay more pleasant.

1. Buy a bike. No, not a fancy flashy expensive one, as it will probably get stolen. Accept it, and when it happens, get a new one. There are multiple used bike places around here, craigslist helps plenty (free!) and if you ever pay more than $50, you're not looking in the right place. Yes, you need a U-Lock. No, it probably won't keep your bike from being stolen.

2. Ride the bike. This especially applies if you live in West Philly. While it's a cool neighborhood, there isn't THAT much to do, unless you're into beer pong.

3. A bike will make you safer from petty street crime, but not the environment. A lot of our streets have trolley rails, and a lot of our cab drivers are batshit insane. I've never been hit by a car, but i've hit a track, been thrown into cars, nearly doorprized, and had my chain pop in front of a cab, complete with squealing wheels and smoking tires.

4. If you have a situation like dmd's with the landlord, immediately start depositing all rent into a savings account and send the account statement to your landlord in place of rent. Send it certified and registered, along with a letter explaining why you're doing it. Calling L&I helps with that as well, becuse once they're involved, you kinda-sorta aren't allowed to pay rent until all violations are fixed. Do not spend it, because right around the 6 month mark, they'll start fixing everything, but if you're smart, you'll have used that money to get a new apartment by that time.

5. Sit in a park. I don't even care which one, but this is something you need to do in Philly at least once. You will meet people doing this quickly.

6. Save your sleeping in for Sunday morning. In West Philly, Clark Park has a farmers market. Center City has Penn Station. The Italian Market has... uh.. okay, that speaks for itself. Before I moved to South Philly, I used to wake up, walk around town with my friends, go to these places, buy groceries, see the zaniest shit. You will also meet people doing this.

7. People are very clicky here. Don't be offended by it. This especially applies to the South Street and Rittenhouse areas. West Philly, not so much.

8. Walk down the alleys. Some of the most beautiful and interesting places I've found here are 5 feet from the beaten path.

And now for the general safety warnings..

9. Avoid Temple. If you have to go there, do it by train. The giant sodium rapelights hanging from all of the buildings should be a huge tipoff that it's not a good neighborhood. From there, it goes downhill.

10. West Philly? DO NOT walk past 48th. I've done it, and I was alone, and I got a lot of that weird look that means they think you're either cracked out or dealing when doing that. That's one of the signs of "maybe I shouldn't be here." I'd advise against going too far north, too, as things get real dicey real quicklike.

11. 9 and 10 are moot if you're in a group of 4 or more. At that point, a mugging can turn into a brawl at the drop of a hat, and most people will avoid that.

12. Mind yourself. This does not imply "be afraid," it implies that you should be aware of whats going on around you. Some friends have been mugged, but not many. More people get mugged that are either visiting, or in an area they don't know and thought it was less safe than it was. There are very few "unsafe" neighborhoods here, in all honesty, as long as you try not to look lost.

If you need a tour guide, hit me up. I've somehow managed to meet a lot of fresh-to-philly people since i've been here, and kinda enjoy showing people the city. After a while of living here, you tend to forget about a lot of the shit that's around, because you live here, you've seen it, and it's all within walking distance, but you just don't go there. Showing people around gives me a reason to do this shit.
posted by onedarkride at 10:09 AM on January 20, 2007 [1 favorite]


I forgot one important thing:

people drink a lot here. no, really, a lot. i've lived in a lot of places, and the only place i've seen people drink as much is baton rouge, where my ex-cop boss used to bring giant bigass dacquaris to my underage self and underage girlfriend at 3:00 so he could squeeze a few hours of free overtime when we got plastered.

no, really, by a lot, i mean a lot.
posted by onedarkride at 10:11 AM on January 20, 2007


I just moved to South Philadelphia, after visiting it for a couple of years now. In general I've found it to be lots more affordable than NYC, where I'm coming from. The bars, and restaurants are made more for locals than for visitors, as a lot of NYC places are. The people have been extremely kind, and helpful. Maybe it's just that I'm coming from a much larger city, but I think you should have no problems adjusting.

ph00dz: I'd be curious to know which neighborhoods I should be avoiding at all costs after dark? I hope it's not mine.
posted by splatta at 10:23 AM on January 20, 2007


I lived in West Philly for a couple years. Crime-wise, there are good areas and bad, usually separated by no more than a block or two.

If you're planning to get around at night, do so by bike. Nonetheless, there's a cabal of bike thieves who roam Penn and the surrounding area by day, carrying bolt cutters and car jacks. Buy a couple tough U-locks if you like your bike.

It's a bit hilly, so you'll get some exercise getting into Center City and the neighborhoods to the north and south.

Where did you plan to move to, roughly?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:51 AM on January 20, 2007


Response by poster: I'll be spending most my time around the university area, and probably going into south philly often.

My bike is already my main form of transportation but I have never had any experience riding it in the city. The city is probably more bike-friendly than the suburbs, so I don't think that will be a problem. But how much of a problem is bicycle theft, really? How often should I expect to have to buy another bike?

Last time I was in philly, even on the university campus, I saw all these bikes stripped of tires and seats.
posted by god particle at 11:54 AM on January 20, 2007


If you're used the the 'burbs and you are moving to the city, get used to putting things away. I've never lived in Philly but lived in a somewhat sketchy city neighborhood on the other side of the state and you really need to get it into your head that nothing that you leave outside is going to stay there for very long. Barbecue grills, ladders, lawn mowers, tools, porch furniture, planters, bikes all will walk away if you don't either put them away or chain them down.
posted by octothorpe at 12:02 PM on January 20, 2007


You have to be a little more standoffish than you might have been in the suburbs. Don't trust your neighbors until they give you a reason to trust them. I've lived in Washington and then Baltimore (which is like a smaller Philly with bigger problems) since college, and this recent thread (in answer to my question) has helped me be a little less nice.

The most important thing in any big bad city is to be aware of your surroundings.

Philly's gotten a lot nicer in my young lifetime. My professor counsin and his librarian/artist wife just bought a house in my dad's old once-crappy neighborhood.
posted by Airhen at 1:17 PM on January 20, 2007


Bike theft is a real, real major problem. A guy swiped a tire off my bike once and then tried to sell it back to me when I came back for my bike.

And most die hard riders I have known in the city have told me to expect to wind up across the hood of a car or slung over someone's door at least once. I personally only ride on streets with bike lanes because I am a major pussy in that respect.
posted by The Straightener at 1:18 PM on January 20, 2007


Response by poster: "Bike theft is a real, real major problem. A guy swiped a tire off my bike once and then tried to sell it back to me when I came back for my bike."

What would you do in that kind of situation? I've never had to deal with anything like that in the suburbs.
posted by god particle at 1:52 PM on January 20, 2007


That's why you have the second U-lock. Makes a nice negotiation tool.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:34 PM on January 20, 2007


Best answer: In that particular situation I let it go because he didn't have the wheel on him; his "friend was holding on to it" and he was going to have to go get it. I told him to fuck off and stay away from me. He was one of the many local crackheads who panhandled at the strip of stores on 4th and Spring Garden. He used to stand across the street and pipe all day, taking hits and then power walking up and down the block. I talked to a friend of mine who knew a cop that patrolled that area about this guy and then he disappeared.

I've chased people out of my building before but that was also in the Northern Liberties which is a lot sketchier after dark than the locals like to be known. I woke up one night and heard someone prying at my door and started hollering that I was going to kill him and by the time I made it to the door he was already on his way down the stairs to the street. It was a half hearted attempt, the door wasn't even fucked up too bad.

You are going to be totally fine on Penn's (or Drexel's?) campus, at the heart of Locust Walk there's so much security it's ridiculous.
posted by The Straightener at 2:38 PM on January 20, 2007


Best answer: Yep, we were mugged and burgled more than once, but never physically threatened. You can limit break-ins by not living on the ground floor, or living in a high rise/complex instead of a house.

Your bike will be safe on Penn's campus, but otherwise, bring it inside with you if at all possible, especially at home. EVERYTHING left outside gets stolen. Our trash cans got stolen.

Random security point: if you need to reach the police, and you are in University City, you will get a much better and faster response by calling campus security than the local Philly police force. They're better staffed and have less to do.

Seconding the awesomeness of Clark Park and the farmers' market.

Oh, and learn the SEPTA routes and keep a handful of tokens in your wallet. Public transportation isn't great but is useful and usable, especially between UCity and Center City. Even if you normally bike, it's good to have a model of the public transit in your head for when you're carrying things/it's snowing/it's late/whatever.

Also, remember that things you used to do with a car are much harder now. E.g., grocery shopping. If you can't carry a lot of groceries or don't want to go shopping more than once a week, get one of those little push-carts. You will look like a crazy bag lady but they can be a lifesaver for dragging stuff around.
posted by miagaille at 4:22 PM on January 20, 2007


Actually, I don't know if you'll have a car. If you do, always use a steering wheel lock and be prepared to circle around for half an hour looking for parking.
posted by miagaille at 4:35 PM on January 20, 2007


Best answer: ok. i live in west philly. i am a woman of color so my experience is different than what i'm reading and fear-factor just doesn't seem to be as high (i've lived at north ave and penn in bmore too though).. but here is my .02:

i'm on 48th. i can get food delivered by campusfood at my address if that's any indication of safety and location. definitely avoid going to the chinese take-outs at night, at least past 43rd or so if you're not a local. just order delivery. i see lots of college/grad student types in my neighborhood, as well as the "hipsters", "crust punks" and "anarchists" types, along with everyday working-class folk (like myself). a couple blocks over is largely a mix of west africans, eritreans, ethiopians, arabs with many of them muslims. (great food!!!). this is what i love about west philly. it's not as segregated as most other philly neighborhoods. going towards 52nd st. and market is really the heart though and im pretty sure this is the area most fear as its mostly hustlers and crackheads after around midnight. but other than that, its mostly just people walking around and waiting for the eL.

if you walk around feeling like a target, you will be. just don't do anything to make yourself stand out, and my advice is whether you are white, black, puerto rican. rich or poor. don't gawk or stare at folks, or i hate to say it, don't walk around smiling. people will think you're laughing at them, or that you have money to hand out.... (save the stares for south st... lots to see there). avoid small talk with strangers. just keep it moving and mind your business. walk like you have somewhere to go, and even if you get lost, don't look or act like it. wherever you go, act like you're supposed to be there. don't be overly apologetic if for example, you brush or bump into somebody. some will see you as scared and weak, and hustlers will try to take advantage of the situation. i've had friends visit from other states and they all say people walk around looking mean, but people, if you actually start talking to them, are some of the friendliest anywhere.

this is an opinion from a working-class non-degreed black woman in her mid-30s. take from it what you will. don't worry, good luck and have fun. (reppin west phill!!!)
posted by lunachic at 5:52 PM on January 20, 2007


I live in South Philly. Splatta, where do you live?

god particle, the biggest difference for you will probably be the process of getting acclimated. If your suburb was very homogenous, you will have to learn how to look around you, see a lot of stuff that's very different, and figure out which of is is different-shady and which of it is just different-different. That goes for people, situtations, city blocks, attitude, etc.

Get to know a one-block radius and kind of stick to it for a bit. Push the borders when you feel comfortable. When I first moved to Philly, I took cabs to a friend's house who lived only about six blocks away...but it was in a neighborhood that I didn't feel like I "got." Eventually I felt knowlegeable enough to walk there. I don't regret wasting some cash early on to give me time to learn the city at my own pace.
posted by desuetude at 6:17 PM on January 20, 2007


W. C. Fields said, "I once spent a year in Philadelphia, I think it was Sunday."
posted by RussHy at 5:31 AM on January 21, 2007 [1 favorite]


Calling L&I helps with that as well, becuse once they're involved, you kinda-sorta aren't allowed to pay rent until all violations are fixed.

A friend is going through this now. What, is there something special about landlords in Philly that they are all slumlords? I've never seen so many evil landlords or low standards for safety. In NYC, my friend's landlord would be in *jail.*

Anyway, calling L&I brought out a completely incompetent inspector who didn't know what to look for. The slumlord continues in his wicked ways, though he hasn't seen a dime of rent in three months and won't see any more. Philly has to be a) the most run down and dirty and b) the most corrupt major city on the eastern seaboard. As another former-Philly friend says, it's "The City that Never Sweeps." Though I hear Baltimore kinda sucks too.

/NYC snob, over and out
posted by fourcheesemac at 6:22 AM on January 21, 2007


The major thing with L&I is to have a list of complaints ready when they get there, and have a copy of the ordinances that are in violation in your hand, ready to show them. I had to convince my inspector that not having working smoke detectors and a hole in the ceiling that would drop plaster chunks if you closed or opened the door (the main complaint) was a health violation.

stay away from corporate landlords. even if you get a fix order in writing on moving in, there is no reason for them to actually fix it. independent landlords (ones that aren't incorporated) have a LOT more to lose than, say, *cough* ark properties.

lunachic, i completely agree with pretty much everything you said. i used to help throw parties at 45th and lancaster (i think thats where it was. lava.) and the takeout place there was intimidating in a new and exciting way.

i really, really, really miss abyssinia.

one thing you'll probably find in west philly is actual neighbors. the "hey you had your tv up really loud and you're watching twin peaks and um i have beer can i watch too and can i borrow sugar" type. of everywhere i've lived, people are just generally friendlier out there, and have more of a sense of community. i've only been in south philly for about 6 months, but so far, west philly owns in that respect.
posted by onedarkride at 8:33 AM on January 21, 2007


The other thing that will be an adjustment, coming from the 'burbs, is the greater reliance on cash. Sure, a lot of places take credit, but you'll likely be surprised to find that a lot of places such as many non-chain corner stores, bars, and take-out/delivery joints are cash-only.
posted by desuetude at 10:18 AM on January 21, 2007


I just moved away from West Philly because I (as a Penn Student) absolutely COULD NOT STAND my peers. They are loud, disrespectful, and mostly drunken (especially at 4 in the morning when I have to be in the OR at six thirty am). My advice would be to get a little farther out from Penn than 41st, so perhaps 42nd or 43rd. Most silly Penn students I know get freaked out when walking past 42nd (for no good reason). Also, there are certain scamming apartment rental agencies, if you are looking. Avoid Always Rentals, definitely. Also, unless you like living in squalor, avoid Campus Apartments because they have high prices and slow repair service. I've fallen in love with this city over the last 2 years, and I wish you the best of luck.
posted by nursegracer at 10:33 AM on January 21, 2007


So I just finished reading the last post and couldn't help but think to myself, "Wtf?".

A little background:

I'm a Temple U student who has lived in the Philadelphia area my entire life. I grew up in the NE middle-class suburb known as Bensalem. I moved to on-campus housing at Temple in 2004 during my freshman year. Temple is surrounded by the projects. You know you're off Temple's campus when you see a big purple sign for public housing. From Temple down to City Hall - it's absolutely walk-able/ridable. North of that - not so much.

After a year of living in North Philly I couldn't help but feel like there was a dark cloud over my head 24/7. The people, the neighborhood -- no wonder it's so hard for people to get along there. My girlfriend and I then moved to the Art Museum area at 20th and Spring Garden. My god - I couldn't imagine living in a better spot in the city. The rent there isn't outrageous like some places in CC. We pay $725/month for a 1 bedroom 885 sqft apartment. To me, if you want the comfort of the suburbs, but the life of CC living - the Art Museum area is where it's at. Traffic isn't bad. Parking's not bad. And you're extremely close to everything in the city. I can walk to City Hall in 15 minutes, Old City in 40 minutes, and South street in 40 minutes. Or just take the subway and get to Center City in five minutes, Old city in 15 minutes, and South Street in 15. And I know it's terrible to say, but because there's no public transit from certain places at certain times during the night - I can walk around outside at 2am and feel totally comfortable (not that I walk around at 2am very often).

I can't imagine why someone would move into an area that's just alright. Why move some place that you have to worry if you walk a block in the wrong direction -- is it worth saving that $75/month to live in a possible hell?

To address the bike thing.... I don't understand why people insist on riding in the street all the time. You know, no one is going to shoot you for riding on the sidewalk if you're on a dangerous or crowded street. I ride on the sidewalk all the time and see tons of other people who value their safety who ride on the sidewalk. Just be courteous to people walking, that's all.
posted by drkrdglo at 11:45 AM on January 21, 2007


Sidewalk riding is one of my biggest pet peeves. Sidewalks are for walking, if you keep your head about you and assert your position in the street while riding your bike you should be fine.

desuetude: I live around the corner from the South Philly Taproom. You?
posted by splatta at 12:01 PM on January 21, 2007


I can't imagine why someone would move into an area that's just alright. Why move some place that you have to worry if you walk a block in the wrong direction -- is it worth saving that $75/month to live in a possible hell?

North Broad is not the same thing as University City. I like Art Museum area fine, but uhh, do you do much strolling up past Girard? C'mon, let's not throw stones.

You know, no one is going to shoot you for riding on the sidewalk if you're on a dangerous or crowded street. I ride on the sidewalk all the time and see tons of other people who value their safety who ride on the sidewalk. Just be courteous to people walking, that's all.

I'm absolutely floored by this. Don't worry, there's plenty of us who wish we could shoot you. You say "be courteous to people walking" as if that's simple or commonplace. It's not.

Splatta: LOVE South Philly Taproom. I'm at bit farther north and east -- near 11th and Federal. You'll hear people talk, but people think that your neighborhood area is worse than it is. I wouldn't consider it a 'beginner' neighborhood, but you sound like you've already got your basic street smarts badge.
posted by desuetude at 3:09 PM on January 21, 2007


Derail continued: people who ride bikes on city sidewalks should be cited.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:18 PM on January 21, 2007


i had no idea how many philadelphians were on here.

splatta, i'm a few blocks from you.
posted by onedarkride at 4:33 PM on January 21, 2007


Could the Philadelphians please update their profiles with their coordinates?
posted by desuetude at 4:43 PM on January 21, 2007


What's L&I? I cannot find a single thing about tenant rights or ordinances or anything on the various Phila websites, and so gave up looking.

Other cities have great tenant resource sites. Us, not so much.

Sorry for the derail.

But yes, get a 'granny cart' it will be invaluable.

As everyone else has said, walk with purpose, don't make direct eye contact, don't look like a target/tourist, DON'T RIDE YOUR BIKE ON THE SIDEWALK, learn SEPTA routes, and learn your neighborhood.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:25 AM on January 22, 2007


Phila. landlord issues:

L&I

er.. okay, the rest of the web pages are down..

meatspace:


Tenants' Action Group
21 S. 12th St., 12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-575-0700

Fair Housing Commission, City of Philadelphia
34 S. 11th St., 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-3238

Community Legal Services/Philadelphia
Legal Assistance
1424 Chestnut St., 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-981-3700
posted by onedarkride at 8:52 AM on January 22, 2007


onedarkride:

there was an article a few years back about how those takeouts were drug fronts (no surprises there!). i just dont go to them because they aren't the cleanest looking places in the world!

abysinnia is the best!! and dahlak (eritrean) is a cool spot to drink out on the backyard patio in the summer.

OP: really, don't let fears of what is being said keep you from experiencing some really cool and probably different places and things to do in west philly. go on 52nd and market.. during the day.. and check out the vendors... lots of cheap incense, shirts, oils other swap meet type crap is there. good caribbean food. definitely go to clark park.. the farmers market, and to the different mini-fests. there's also a farmers market thing going on further up baltimore ave (same street clark park is on), on saturdays.. and they have outdoor summer jazz on fridays.

i also agree about the cash thing. i lived in northeast philly for several years, and got spoiled by parking lots and banks and grocery stores. west philly.. not so much. you will have to drive/bike out of your way to find a bank or grocery shop though the produce vendors are good for this. on the other hand, they recently opened up a pretty good grocery store on 44th? and walnut.. supreme. it really caters to the international shoppers. otherwise, do like i do and drive to giant in lansdale (24 hrs) or pathmark on greys ferry (less safe).. oh and trader joes is nearby. i believe fresh grocer delivers too.


ok, i think thats my .05 now.
posted by lunachic at 10:43 AM on January 22, 2007


lunachic: the place on christian street seemed to fall into that group.

yellow sign chinese takeout place = bad news, city wide.

hrm. philly meetup?
posted by onedarkride at 12:31 PM on January 22, 2007


hrm. philly meetup?

I second. Dalak or Abysinnia, mayhap? Somebody post to MeTa. Welcome to Philly, god particle.
posted by desuetude at 12:51 PM on January 22, 2007


MeTa linkage ftw.
posted by onedarkride at 1:17 PM on January 22, 2007


Tenant Action Group is now know as TURN and they have free tenant/landlord issue workshops I think three times every M-F.
posted by The Straightener at 3:52 PM on January 22, 2007


Mmmm, West Philly. You-all are bringing me back.

Uh, lessee, some bona fides: Mantua, on some really scary block. 43rd & Spruce. Used to run a coffee house back in the (pre-Starbucks) day at 40th and Baltimore. 48th & Baltimore for a while.

I feel honor-bound to point out that I never ever felt afraid but one time, but I will absolutely endorse the bike thing. (My fairly crappy and well-secured Schwinn neuCiti disappeared forever one night in darkest '90 when I was visiting these girls in Stauffer College House - maybe it really is a Penn thing.)

You wanna know what? Troy's. Cheese fries and a Greek Pita Burger from Troy's. Brought to you by Johnny himself. That's living. A shame the place is long gone.

OK, I'll stop being an old-time dick. Here's one useful recommendation: White Dog Cafe really is amazing, still, even after all these years.
posted by adamgreenfield at 4:04 PM on January 22, 2007


Also, Community Legal Services was split into two entities, Community Legal Services which operates mostly in North Philadelphia and Philadelphia Legal Assistance which is located downtown. If anyone ever actually needs legal assistance from Philly Legal email me for more details, I have their intake hours and some better contact info for specific attorneys at work.

I don't mean to undercut you or anything, onedarkride, your info was dead on except for these recent changes to both organizations that are slow to filter out. Most people still call TURN TAG and PLA CLS.
posted by The Straightener at 4:05 PM on January 22, 2007


So, it's confirmed: Philly has the worst landlords.
posted by fourcheesemac at 5:42 AM on January 23, 2007


So, it's confirmed: Philly has the worst landlords

My landlords in southeastern VA were even worse.
posted by desuetude at 6:17 AM on January 23, 2007


A new law took effect in Sept requires a Certificate of Rentability be provided to all new tenants by landlords. You can sue if it's later violated.

And for god's sake, don't ride on the sidewalk!! It's more dangerous than riding on the street (although I admit that those trolley tracks look evil.)

And if you do ride on the sidewalk, don't yell at the pedestrians to get out of your way.
posted by footnote at 2:28 PM on January 23, 2007


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