Need help narrowing down apartments (Philadelphia)

[BPH]

I made a post a couple of weeks ago about whether/where I should move. I came to the conclusion that this needs to happen, and it should be where I want to go, rather than what best accommodates my job. I asked elsewhere about this same situation, better describing my current work situation, and was strongly suggested that not only should I move - but I should leave my job if my verbally abusive boss doesn't yield to my remote work ultimatum. I think I need the added pressure, otherwise I'll be in the same place as I've been for the last 7 years.

Anyway, that doesn't matter. What matters is narrowing down my options.

I'm looking at places in Center City Philadelphia. That's close to where the "fun" parts would be so that my existence doesn't boil down to work, gym, repeat. I don't have experience living in crowded cities, so I'm hoping those of you who have/do can weigh in on things I should be considering that might not be top-of-mind.

I'll attach a screenshot to give an idea of where I'm looking, but here are some of the criteria that I've narrowed my search around:

• $1,200 or less per month in rent ideally, up to $1,300 MAYBE if there's good reason (I don't think I want a roommate to worry about, and it only saves me about $100 - $200 per month in most cases
• In-unit washer/dryer is a BIG plus. I'm not even considering places where I have to walk to a local laundromat, and I strongly prefer not having to use common areas within the building where I have to closely monitor the timing on my clothes and hope nobody steals anything
• Square footage is pretty irrelevant, the places I've been looking are mostly Studio, if not 1BR units
• Utilities, save for electricity, included is pretty standard - but some places do not offer this, as I have found places that only offer trash removal
• Proximity to the "fun" parts of town, ideally within walking distance. Some places are within 1 mile, but the closer the better, as I'm aware that Philly isn't necessarily the safest place to walk around at night. However, by getting TOO CLOSE to the "fun" I'm also aware that traffic could become a frequent issue, especially when most places only offer street parking or very expensive garages

I'm trying to further narrow down this list and just want to see what you guys think I should value here.

 

[Travel memoir21]

Yeah Im in the same boat as you. I can live in a lot of places right now because of my VA Pension as a disabled Veteran .

But at the same time, I don’t want to abandon my parents. There getting old and needs someone to take care of them. So I got decisions to make.


But Places like India and Dubai are some places I’d like to check out.