city year Philadelphia
Housing guide
Questions?
Contact MOshe
service year adviser
What's in this guide?
you'll find information about where we serve, City Year housing partnerships, recommended neighborhoods, and information on additional resources.
Much of our information comes from a survey of the past and current corps; the survey results are self-reported.
Please note that all of the information contained in this guide is intended to be used solely as a resource to assist you in locating and securing housing in Philadelphia. It is intended for informative and assistive purposes only and is in no way an official endorsement by City Year or the authors of this guide. The information contained in this guide is not intended to be exhaustive—the housing market in Philadelphia is constantly changing. We want you to have as much information as possible so that you can make the best housing choices for you. With that said, while every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this guide, City Year—nor the authors of this document—offer any guarantees with regard to the information contained herein and disclaim themselves of any liability in connection with the use of this information.
Ultimately, finding and securing housing is your responsibility. Please ensure you do adequate and thorough research and use your best judgment.
map of our schools
city Year Schools
City Year Philadelphia serves 13 schools in Philadelphia Public Schools.
We serve elementary, middle, and high school students. You will be given a chance to tell us about your grade level preferences, language skills, and housing before you are placed at one of our schools.
Neighborhood Recommendations
This is not an exhaustive list and There are many great Philadelphia neighborhoods that are not included here. The neighborhoods below are simply a few that ACMs and staff recommend.
University City
- Diverse neighborhood with many community events
- Great restaurants and cafes--check out Alif Cafe and Mini Mart
- Many people living in the area are in the same age range as Corps Members
Point Breeze
- Anchored by edgy coffee shops and dive bars, this culturally diverse neighborhood draws a laid-back crowd of locals.
- In warm weather, the area comes alive with a festive pop-up beer garden and outdoor jazz concerts on Ellsworth Street, down the road from Keith Haring’s mural “We Are the Youth.”
North Broad
- Four miles of history, art and entertainment between City Hall and Germantown Avenue
- Close to many City Year Schools
- Take part in Temple University events
City Year Housing PartnerS
Housing Partner 1: Comfy pads
- City Year Philly partners with landlord Colin Coppola to provide housing opportunities for City Year Corps members through Comfy Pads Housing
- Colin waves the application for City Year Corps members
- Colin will work to connect you with other corps members who are looking for roommates
Housing Partner 2: Grace Tian
- Grace has many housing options in West Philly
- Can help if you looking by yourself or with a roommate
- Contact Grace at: Appreciation Realty, LLC, tianrealty@gmail.com, 215-287-5678
- Make sure to let Grace know you are a City Year Corps member when you contact Grace
Reach out to Comfy Pads: City Year Philly’s Housing Partner for housing around the Temple university area
Phone: 215-385-3135
Email: comfypads215@gmail.com
Please make sure to let Colin know you are City Year Corps Member
finding a roommate
most corps members live with roommates and we recommend searching for roommates to lower the cost of rent.
recommended Housing Sites
Corps members have previously recommended using these groups and websites to search for both roommates and housing opportunities.
Affordable Housing Philadelphia
Philadelphia Housing, Rooms, and Sublets
Craigslist Rooms/Shared Philadelphia
Discord
Most corps members choose to live with other City Year members. Most people get in touch with each other in our Discord group.
roommate survey
You can also take our roommate survey to get in touch with other members in or out of the Discord group.
budgeting
Please note: The following budget templates are examples only. Your own rent and paycheck may differ from the numbers below. The numbers used in the following examples are AVERAGES of the entire corps so your own rent, paycheck, or expenses may be lower or higher than the numbers shown here, including what you personally select on your W-4.
Budget
stipend - $1,150 bi-weekly
STIPEND (POST TAXES)
FOOD STAMPS/EBT
$1,800 PER MONTH
$190 PER MONTH
fixed expenses
Item
budget
notes
RENT
$675
1 ROOOMATE
PHONE BILL
$80
UNLIMITED DATA PLAN
INTERNET
$35
SPLIT TWO WAYS
flexible expenses
cost
budget
NOTES
UTILITIES
$60
SPLIT TWO WAYS
GROCERIES
$190* EBT
PAID WITH EBT
SEPTA TRANSIT CARD
FREE
PROVIDED BY CY
DINING OUT
$100
ENTERTAINMENT
$100
OTHER EXPENSES
$100
LYFT/UBER
savings
SAVINGS
$700
MONTHLY FLEXIBILITY
Sample relocation budget
Relocation expenses will look very different for every individual. This is an estimate only in order to show a few examples of the type of expenses you may want to save for.
frequently asked questions
When do I get my first paycheck?
You'll receive your first paycheck on DATE; TBD. It may be half the amount of what you normal stipend payment will look like depending on where your start date occurs within the bi-weekly pay period. The following paychecks will be the full amount.
when will i receive my relocation reimbursement?
After Registration Day, you will receive a task in your workday inbox where you can share more about your relocation status. If you have relocated more than 50 miles, you are eligible for a $500 (pre-tax) reimbursement. Your relocation reimbursement will be included in your first or second paycheck.
how much will i receive from the relocation reimbursement?
One-time payments of any kind are taxed by the US government at a higher rate than regular pay. After taxes, most AmeriCorps Members can expect about $300 dollars, but your actual amount may vary based on your individual circumstances.
when should i start looking for housing?
The housing market moves quickly in Philadelphia, so it is unlikely that you will be able to secure anything very far in advance. You should start researching in March and April and will begin to see feasible options around May. Most corps members secure their housing in late May through June.
when should i move in/start my lease?
Most corps members opt to start their lease shortly before Registration Day. However, some people choose to move earlier. It is completely up to you when you choose to start your lease, but we recommend moving in 1-3 weeks before your start date.
when should i apply for food stamps?
You will need a letter from City Year detailing your AmeriCorps Member status in order to apply for EBT benefits. We will support you with this at Registration and DO NOT advise you to apply for food stamps early. Your stipend does not count as taxable income during the application process, and without the proper documents it can be difficult to submit your application correctly.
Other Resources
These additional resources can support you in your housing journey, from down payment assistance and renter's insurance, to furnishing your new place and getting to know the city.
SEPTA Public Transit pass Provided by City Year on first day of service
Notes on the city
One of the best parts about living in Philadelphia? It’s the way the city masterfully blends big-town amenities with those cozy small-town vibes. Imagine living in a place that’s got all the energy and opportunities of a bustling metropolis, but it still feels like your friendly neighborhood at the end of the day. Well, that’s Philly for you.
We’re talking world-class museums, top-tier universities, thriving nightlife, and let’s not forget – a food scene that’s got everything from mouth-watering cheesesteaks to high-end dining.
In terms of the weather we have hot, humid summers. Winter can be cold, but not brutal. Spring and Fall are pleasant seasons with moderate temperatures.
Transportation: we offer a free SEPTA public transit card. The public transit in Philadelphia is extensive and you should be able to get around the city and to the school you work in via public transit. We recommend living close to a public transit stop if you are planning to use public transit. Over 80% of our corps members last year used public transit as their primary way of commuting.
our office
444 North 3rd Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone-Moshe, service Year Advisor
267-386-7039
mmaizels@cityyear.org
Questions?