The best part about Locust on the Park is that it’s right next to the Schuylkill River Park with an off-leash dog park. The apartment complex itself is also great. It has a package locker, a gym, and a resident lounge on the first floor. Each unit has a really high ceiling, central AC, smart home system, etc. The management is very responsive, and the maintenance team is quick and professional. The only downside is that the rent is a bit steep and that it can occasionally be loud if your unit is facing the train track.

You really cannot beat Locust on the Park for the location - especially if you have a dog or you are a runner, since you're right by the Schuylkill River Trail. However, the property is ridiculously expensive given how little perks there are. ALL utilities - even trash & common area electricity - are separately accessed on top of rent, which means you should add about $75 to the cost of your rent, before getting to your own electric bill, cable, pet rent, & parking. Now, the building is getting aggressive about no visitor parking, which is frankly ridiculous given the price. For that, I really would expect a full time concierge, at the very least, and a gym that is actually functional. Or repairs for things like the AC or the washer/dryer to be completed in a single try. And yet...
For my few years in Philly, it'll be fine. If I were to do it over, though, I'd have chosen a different building - especially if I could manage to get into Locust Point, just across the street.

Locust on the Park

Locust on the Park is extremely convenient as a resident at Penn. It’s a 15-20 minute walk to HUP. You can hav packages delivered, there is a gym, on-site parking if you need it, and a concierge service. They are generally pretty good about maintenance requests and things like that. You end up paying more than living in a walk up but the amenities and location make it worth the money

Feels very safe in my area and the apartment complex. Love the location - walk to work, roll out of bed and go to the dog park. Nice having a gym in the building

The space itself is great. High ceilings, large apartments. Great value especially if you’re comparing to NYC. Has an excellent lounge/co-working space that was excellent for COVID. Has a full gym, which is nice.

Issues:

“24 hour” concierge doesn’t really answer the phone ever.

If you’re on the 25th st side of the building, the train is VERY loud. I got used to it pretty quickly but if you’re a light sleeper or have guests, could be an issue.

The building is an old warehouse/factory that was converted into living space 20+ years ago. The building has a lot of charm and management has been pretty good so far. There are some downsides which come with an older building, including leaky windows and uneven flooring, but management is prioritizing updates. The location has been really great! Close to the running trail, Rittenhouse, and UPenn. The area feels safe and is tucked away in a corner of Philly that feels homey.

Nice facilities, responsive staff, really enjoy living here

Pros: high ceilings, spacious room, big windows, plenty of natural light, responsive management; great amenities; large gym; close to University City and the park.

Cons: if the apartment is facing the river, the noise from the trains can be annoying. The cargo trains operate even during the night.

Relatively quiet, except for the trains passing by. Safe neighborhood in a residential area. Closer to campus than some of the other options on Chestnut or Market. Rarely disturbed by traffic noise. 10 minute walk to Rittenhouse Square and 5 minute walk to South Street.