Philly Rent: What $1,700 Rents Right Now

From a tiny Rittenhouse studio to a two-story in Norris Square

Welcome back to Curbed Comparisons, a dive into the options available for a certain price point in various neighborhoods. Is one person's loft another person's townhouse? Let's find out! Today's price: $1,700/month.

Rittenhouse Square (studio, 1 bath) — At just 439 square feet, you might call this apartment a "postage stamp," but its postmark is right on the Square at the Parc Rittenhouse. The condo building offers a few ways to stretch when you need it, like a fitness center, rooftop pool, and a media room. There’s even enough room to fit a washer/dryer in the unit. Parking is available for an extra fee.

East Passyunk (3 beds, 2 baths)—This 1,200-square-foot home is true South Philly living. It’s a short walk to the restaurants of East Passyunk Avenue and the Broad Street Line, and a more rigorous jaunt to Capitolo Playground. Inside, it features a recently updated kitchen, baths, and new appliances.

Old City (1 bed, 1 bath) — This 1,024-square-foot unit is in the Smythe Stores Building, which is just around the corner from the bars, restaurants, and galleries of Old City. The building dates to 1852, but the unit itself doesn’t. It’s a mix of old and new: Big arched windows, exposed beams and a wood-burning fireplace meet central air and a washer/dryer. Cats and dogs allowed.

Manayunk (2 beds, 2 baths) — This apartment offers space, (1339 square feet), views of the Manayunk Canal and the Schulykill River from its balcony, and its third floor elevation should be a welcome thing if the Schulykill bursts its banks, like it does most springs. It’s also walkable to Main Street and is a short drive to Route 76. One garage parking space is included in the $1,700 rent.

Norris Square (2 beds, 2.5 baths)—Not far from busy Temple and trendy Fishtown, this large two-floor unit is filled with modern updates: Granite, slate and stainless steel punctuate a new kitchen, each bedroom has its own modern bath, and the backyard features a reclaimed granite patio and a pre-rusted wood stove. Laundry is in the basement.