Home  >  Philadelphia  >  West Philadelphia  >  University City Apartments  >  Sansom Place West

High-rise Apartment
University City, 3650 Chestnut St | Philadelphia
Overview
Photos
Amenities

Top Amenities

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  •  Building Laundry Room
  •  Dishwasher
  •  Doorman Building
  •  Fitness Center
  •  Furnished Units Available
  •  Granite Countertops
  •  Individually Controlled Heat & A/C
  •  Minimum Lease Term  
  •  Parking Available
  •  Pet Friendly
  •  Short Term Rentals
  •  Stainless Steel Appliances

User Rating

6.5
Good
15 Reviews

About this Location

Trader Joe’s
10 min via 13 (light rail)
MFL (metro) - 9 min
21 (bus) - 2 min
Schuylkill Banks
21 min walk
Lots of bars and
restaurants nearby

Pricing 

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath
$900+
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath
$1,900+
3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath
$2,400+

student only housing

Open to UPenn students only.

Please visit UPenn's student housing site or call (215) 898-6846 for leasing information.

  • Building Related

    •  Elevators

  • Kitchen

    •  Garbage Disposal
    •  Microwave

  • Laundry

    •  Building Laundry Room

  • Lease Terms

    •  Furnished Units Available
    •  Minimum Lease Term  

  • Living Room

    •  Individually Controlled Heat & A/C
X

Overall rating 6.5/10, based on 15 renter reviews Write a review

8.6
Location
6.1
Amenities
6.7
Management
6.6
Value
6.7
Social
8.1
Safety
Excellent
2
Great
4
Good
5
Average
2
Terrible
2
Filter reviews for
1
Terrible
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social
Safety

Worst Apartment I've Lived In

Not quite sure how UPenn thinks it's acceptable to charge almost $1700 for an apartment in Sansom West. It's dirty, old, infested with bugs, and the lobby and area outside of it always has a nauseating smell. It is close to the school and safe, but I think you can find just as nice a place for way less money.

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Reviewed by
 
  • 1 bed / 1 bath
5
Average
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Management
Value
Social

Convenient building with flexible lease terms

The building is convenient because it is so close to campus and the lease is not a full year (great because my program is less than one year), but this building is quite run down (which is surprising for a university owned complex).

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Reviewed by
 
  • Roommates
  • 2 beds / 1 bath
8
Great
Overall score
Location
Amenities
Value
Social

Convenience trumps lack of space

A bit small overall but has all the essentials for an apartment life. Furnished with desks, chairs, and a twin XL bed.

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  • Roommates
  • 2 beds / 1 bath

The Neighborhood

Signature Spots

dining 33 Recs

Magic Carpet
Zesto Pizza & Grill
White Dog Cafe
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grocery 3 Recs

Trader Joe’s
Aldi
Whole Foods Market
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convenience 2 Recs

CVS Pharmacy
Wawa
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fitness 27 Recs

Penn Campus Recreation
Hotbox Yoga West Philly
Fit Gym University City
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parks 13 Recs

James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
James G. Kaskey Memorial Garden
Clark Park
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coffee 15 Recs

Federal Donuts
Sugar Philly Truck
Capogiro Gelato
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Back

About University City

Sitting west of the Schuylkill River, University City is the scholastic center of West Philadelphia. University City combines the diversity of a college town with the energy of a large metropolitan area. Public parks, farmers markets, restaurants, and theaters, this neighborhood has it all.
Fresh Grocer
College Feel
Very Walkable
Heart of UPenn
Lots of Students
Cheaper than Center City
Solid Restaurants and Bars
Median rents in University City
Studio
$
1,300
1 Bedroom
$
2,200
2 Bedroom
$
2,950

Getting around University City

MFL

9 min

13/36 (light rail)

4 min

10 (light rail)

6 min

11/34 (light rail)

4 min

21 (bus)

2 min

40 (bus)

3 min

42 (bus)

8 min

30 (bus)

7 min

Parking Near Sansom Place West

No parking is available at Sansom Place West, but there is parking nearby.

LAZ 39th & Market Lot

13 min
$225 / month

PARK AMERICA Inc

14 min
$210 / month

PARK AMERICA 3101 Market Street

15 min
$225 / month
Parking rates are for informational purposes only and may vary — for most up to date pricing, please reach out to the garage directly.

University City Reviews

158 reviews
Reviewed by Penn SP2 Student living at Chester Hall
Close enough to campus to walk, but far enough away that you don't feel surrounded by just students. Clark Park is lovely, there's something for everybody - farmers market on Saturdays, regular flea markets, off-leash area for dogs, playground, etc. Several coffee shops within 2 blocks and some good places to eat within 5 blocks. Grocery shopping isn't super convenient if you buy a lot at once, but doable if you're just carrying one or two bags. Street parking isn't too bad but gets competitive on the weekends.
Reviewed by Penn Carey Law Student living at 3737 Chestnut
I chose the neighborhood for proximity to the school. If I could choose otherwise, I would be over by Rittenhouse or further West around the Clark Park area. It feels a bit commercial in U City (not so charming or friendly). BUT everything you need is here and it is very convenient. The only real downside is an aesthetic one.
Reviewed by Penn Med Student living at 503 South 41st St.
Gentrifying area of West Philly, given Penn's presence and expansion into the neighborhood. Easily walkable. Within several blocks of Clark Park, where there are lots of community events and family-friendly activities in addition to walking paths and dog park. Lots of cute shops and restaurants along Baltimore Ave plus great hole-in-the-wall spots if you want to explore a bit more.
Reviewed by Penn Law Student living at Chestnut Hall
I enjoy living in University City. It is perfect if you want to live in a low key area very close to school. Most people in the area are affiliated with Penn, so the community is generally pretty young and active. You are in walking distance from everything you might need. You do not need a car to get around. Even if you plan on spending a good deal of time in Center City, you can get there easily by rail or by Uber. I wouldn't have chosen to live anywhere else during 1L.
Reviewed by Wharton MBA Student living at 3601 Market
I have developed a sincere appreciation for the lifestyle and restaurants in University City over the last few months. UC is excellent for student budgets: for about $12 per person you get an entire feast at The Greek Lady, a giant cold-banishing soup at the Ramen Bar, or a 15-vegetable salad at Axis Pizza. There's a full grocery store (Fresh Grocer), several nice coffeehouses, and did I mention the 3 block walk to class? In terms of safety it's about the same as Rittenhouse or Center City.
Reviewed by Penn Law Student living at 4213 Chester
Pros:
- Close to campus (~20 min walk, ~8 min trolley ride)
- Generally safe because University City in general has been highly gentrified.
- Charming and diverse community
- CLARK PARK! (and the Farmers' Market!!!)

Cons:
- No nearby grocery stores (except Fresh Grocer which is gross)
- Can be sketchy after dark
Reviewed by Wharton MBA Student living at Evo at Cira Centre South
It's hard to pinpoint exactly where University City is right now as a neighborhood, because it's changing so rapidly. It's gone from one of the most dangerous campuses in the country ~5 years ago to incredibly safe. With the new FMC Tower going up at 30th/Walnut, it's hard to say exactly what this area will be like next year... but it's only getting better. It's a nice way to avoid Rittenhouse prices while still being only a stone's throw away from Rittenhouse (and yet at the same time not sacrifice on proximity to campus).
Reviewed by Penn Med Student living at 4213 Chester
I am right by Clark park which is on the border or UC and West Philly. It is much quieter and more residential. The food scene is incredible with lots of smaller, family-owned restaurants serving food from many different cultures. There have been no major crime issues as well.

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