WHERE SHOULD I LIVE?
Most Wharton students live in Center City. However, you should live in whatever area you feel most comfortable. There are Wharton students living in all parts of the city and its suburbs.
In the city, housing choices usually fall into two categories: apartment buildings and brownstones. Some people strongly prefer one or the other. When you are looking, talk to other Wharton students and partners about their preferences and investigate both to see which you like best.
Be careful about paying money for apartment finding services. Many can be rip-offs. You should be able to find a great apartment using free internet searches, apartment books around town, and talking to existing Wharton students and partners. Especially avoid Locators, Inc. In the past, this company has claimed to provide weekly listings of brownstones and other apartments that are not available elsewhere for a large fee, but partners have found this to be a total rip-off.
People who own pets will have an added challenge in their apartment search. Few places accept dogs. Many places accept cats, though definitely not all. Be sure to check the policy on pets before getting too attached to any apartment.
2009 Housing Guide
Still a great resource! This document has good general information about renting in Philadelphia.
2011 Wharton Housing Guide
This is the most up-to-date descriptions and reviews of many of the most popular buildings for Wharton students.
Chattersource
Chattersource is a website with reviews from current Penn students on housing, local vendors, and discounts around Philadelphia. They compile and publish the Wharton Housing Guide above.