This is not a "luxury" apartment building, but definitely the best value. Unbeatable location, real 1BD with good space, and functional amenities serve all I need for my busy b-school life. I also like the bar downstairs. Pick a unit facing north so you don't get bothered by street noise.

Overall - solid location at a good price. Unit quality varies by owner given this is a condo building, but my roommate and I lucked out with a renovated unit.

Pros: Doormen and women are friendly; package receipt is clutch; elevators exist; close to public transit (bus and subway).

Cons: Elevators are few and get blocked up 1x/month when people are moving in and out; heating can be spotty in the winter / takes management a while to turn it on; construction noise can be rough.

While it's not as nice as some of the brand new high rises, Riverwest is a nice complex that is by far the best value building I've seen. There is also a 24 hour doorperson to receive packages, which is a great perk. Since they are condos, the quality of each apartment varies greatly, so if you're thinking of living here, definitely take time to visit the apartment first.

The Riverwest is a standard old school condo building. The building itself is a little dreary, but with a bit of work I was able to find a well priced renovated unit. While it's not nearly as nice as many of the other options I looked at in the area, it was considerably cheaper and the location is outstanding. The floorplans are also on the larger end and utiliteis are included. Best of all, the majority of your neighbors are Penn Med, Law, or Wharton students so it feels safe and social. The gym is limited, but functional.

I selected this apartment because of the following reasons:

1. low 1BR price (utilities included) amongst apartment complexes in Center City
2. 10 months lease option (each unit is separately owned so depends on the landlord)
3. equal proximity to both Huntsman Hall and Rittenhouse Square
4. Higher floor (previous years students suggested that higher floors are better and relatively do not have major issues)

Problems which I have faced till now in the past four months:

1. Sink clogging once a month (landlord get it fixed without any charge)
2. Roaches visible every week in the kitchen or bathroom (problem was severe in the beginning)
3. Closet doors coming out while sliding
4. The old heating system creates noise throughout the day. Sometimes, the noise is too loud, it feels as if someone is hitting a steel rod with a hammer (It wakes me up in the night)
5. Heat cannot be controlled on a per unit basis. So, it gets hot sometimes (have to open windows)
6. My apartment is adjacent to Chestnut. So, I hear traffic all the time.

Apart from these major problems, the building is old, have thin walls, and do not have good amenities. Washing machine and dryers are common and could have been a lot better.

So, I highly suggest that you do not consider this building. If you have constraints like mine, better to share a 2BR in a good apartment complex or live in a brownstone. Don't be in a hurry to rent a unit. You will always find units in Center City. Instead, book an Airbnb for a week, come to Philadelphia and check out some units before making your final decision.

Good location

Good value all utilities are included. Excellent location. All units in the building are individually owned so check before renting.

This is a condo building so each apt is privately owned and could be in different conditions. The price is really good, but I would say you get what you pay for. The building is outdated & usually half of the laundry machines are out of service. The front desk handles all packages but they are usually backed up so you might not be able to get them right away. This building is in a good location, close to Rittenhouse, restaurants, and relatively a close walk to campus for students.

Apartments may or may not be renovated. Depends from unit to unit. Lease is usually flexible for 22months which is useful.

Overall: I personally have had a very good experience here - my unit is renovated (these are done on a unit by unit basis according to owner); laundry works fine; doormen and women are fine. Haven't had major problems, but management was fine when we chatted before I moved in. Location is excellent. Lots of other grad students here.

Things to improve: The business center on the first floor could use some upgrades and regular cleaning; the gym could use some more weight machines.

Can't be helped: Currently there's a bunch of construction going on nearby on 21st St so it can be difficult to fall asleep if you're sensitive to noise.