Best Off-Campus Housing Near UPenn
February 20, 2024 - Review from Apartments.com
I've lived at the Branden for almost 6 years. This was my first time renting and it could not have gone better, despite a slightly awkward start. There was some mix-up when I initially requested and scheduled a visit, no one was there to meet me and the apartment I had wanted to see had been rented already, I think they forgot to inform me. Someone from UCH came out quickly and showed me some other units in the area, but I was set on the Branden. They ended up having a unit available for my ...
timeline that was being newly renovated, they have been working on updating every apartment in the building, mostly by installing new kitchen appliances. I was very happy that they worked with me and found a great solution, I actually agreed to the lease sight-unseen, ie. without physically seeing the unit, but they sent plenty of pictures. It is an old building but well-maintained and I have not had any issues. The studio I am in has a large main room that comfortably fits a full-size bed, couch, desk, and entertainment/TV unit. There is a small but workable kitchen with space for a small dining table, and a nice built-in wardrobe by the bathroom. As with most buildings in the city, I have seen mice and cockroaches, but never a full infestation and maintenance was quick to respond to set up traps and fill in gaps where pests could most obviously get in. If you keep your apartment clean, you will have no issues. Some neighbors have been loud but the building is mostly quiet, you can't hear anyone who is talking at a normal volume. Every member of the UCH staff that I have interacted with has been very friendly and quick to answer any questions in a satisfactory way. This includes the property managers, they have been very understanding and not pushy the couple times I have been unsure I would renew my lease. You might find more affordable apartments nearby, but you get what you pay for, and this building/company is worth it to me. This is a great option if you are a young professional or graduate student, like me, living on a small stipend. The Branden is well located, with an Acme around the corner, lots of restaurants nearby, and bus stops on the same street along with a subway stop very close by. I would recommend the Branden and University City Housing to anyone looking to rent in the area.
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