Originally Posted by
Njflyguy
Philly is surprisingly affordable for being the 6th largest in the country. If you won't have a car, West Philly is probably better because the SEPTA airport line at UPenn is about a 20 minute ride to terminal E/F stop. This makes it a breeze to be at the airport when you're on short call. From Northern Liberties you'd need to take some extra time to get to Jefferson station in Center City.
That’s a really good point. Philly punches way below its weight cost-wise compared to other big cities, especially if you plan it right. The Airport Line access from University City is a huge advantage if you’re car-free being able to get to the terminals in 20 minutes takes a lot of stress out of short call. Northern Liberties is great, but that extra transfer time through Center City definitely adds up when you’re on a tight schedule. For anyone prioritizing reliability and simplicity over nightlife, West Philly near UPenn is a smart, practical choice.