From rooftop grills and movie theaters to fitness centers and study lounges, new luxury apartments are springing up in University City.
Many of these apartment complexes near Penn's campus have been built recently, due to the gentrification of Philadelphia. A March study showed that Philadelphia is one of seven cities responsible for nearly half of the nation’s gentrification. Gentrification is defined as the process by which money is invested in lower-income areas, leading to increased property values and the entrance of higher-income residents.
These new luxury apartments near Penn are on the higher end of the budget. In addition to furnished and unfurnished rooms, in-unit washer and dryers, and full kitchens, these apartments also offer community spaces to eat, study, and socialize. While The Radian, Domus, and Hamilton Court Apartments are well-established places to live among Penn students, here are six other luxury apartments in the area.
Luna on Pine, located on 400 S. 40th St.
Formerly known as The Azalea, Luna on Pine is a five-story apartment complex built in 2018. The building is focused on attracting students and provides plenty of places for late-night studying and social events.
Rents: Studio and one to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,295/mo
Floor Plans: Units range from 358 to 795 sq. ft.
Amenities: Club room, gym, game bar, rooftop terrace, private study rooms, movie and karaoke room
Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee
Walk to campus: Eight minutes
evo at Cira Centre South, located on 2930 Chestnut St.
Though located the farthest from campus, students living at evo Philly will have direct access to Cira Green, a popular rooftop park. Its 33 stories house over 800 units that offer flexible floor plans.
Rents: Studio and one to four-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,809/mo
Floor plans: Units range from 303 to 1,422 sq. ft.
Amenities: 24-hour Starbucks, rooftop infinity pool, gym, study lounges, free weekly studio classes featuring Zumba, yoga, pilates, and bar
Pet friendly? Dogs allowed, with fee and conditions
Walk to campus: 18 minutes
The Simon at Founder’s Row, located on 121 S 41st St.
The Simon at Founder’s Row was built in 2018 and is managed by Campus Apartments. The apartment complex is five stories tall and houses 23 units.
Rents: Three to five-bedroom apartments – starting from $4,005/mo
Floor plans: Units range from 1,279 to 1,981 sq. ft.
Amenities: Fitness center, key-less entry, in-unit washer and dryers, reserved parking options
Pet friendly? No
Walk to campus: Nine minutes
Korman Residential, located on 3737 Chestnut St.
This 25-story property is managed by Korman Residential Properties and is one of the closest complexes to campus.
Rents: One to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $2,314/mo
Floor plans: Units range from 545 to 1,009 sq. ft.
Amenities: Rooftop deck, game room, grill, Zen Garden, gym, yoga studio
Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee
Walk to campus: Six minutes
Arrive University City, located on 3601 Market St.
Located between Drexel and Penn's campus, Arrive University City is a 28-story complex built in 2016. Its on-site dining options include Dunkin' Donuts and The Common, and its pool cabanas come with televisions and fire pits.
Rents: One to two-bedroom apartments – starting from $1,655/mo
Floor plans: Units range from 415 to over 958 sq. ft.
Amenities: Rooftop pool and grill, fitness center, on-site dining, game room, yoga studio
Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee
Walk to campus: 10 minutes
The LVL 4125, located on 4125 Chestnut St.
Built this year, the LVL 4125 is a six-story complex housed on the corner of 41st and Chestnut streets.
Rents: Studio and one to two-bedroom apartments — starting from $1,616/mo
Amenities: Roof deck, game room, fitness center, covered parking
Pet friendly? Dogs and cats allowed, with fee
Walk to campus: 11 minutes
Want to read more housing content? Check out the project page here.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate