Bryn Mawr College

Off-Campus Housing Guide

Location - Transportation - Housing Costs - Pets - Housing Options
Laws Governing Student Living - Furniture - Grocery Stores - Services
Laundromats - Moving and Storage - Banks - Short-Term Housing
Apartment Complexes - Directions to the College

The Office of Residential Life has a new online service to individuals seeking off-campus housing opportunities.  The new Off-Campus Housing Blog at http://offcampus.blogs.brynmawr.edu/ will offer the following:

> online posts of local rental opportunities targeted at students
> a forum for individuals to search for roommates
> a place for people to post recommendations and advice for others.

In order to use the site, you must have a valid brynmawr.edu email address.  If you don't have a Bryn Mawr email address, but would like to post to the site, contact reslife@brynmawr.edu with your information.

We hope this site will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking off-campus housing.  Let us know if you have comments, questions, or suggestions!

We hope the following information will be helpful in your housing search. Please contact the Residential Life office at reslife@brynmawr.edu with any questions.

Location

Bryn Mawr, located in Montgomery County , is a suburb of Philadelphia and about a 20-30 minute drive from Center City Philadelphia. It is part of a string of small communities known as the "Main Line". The Main Line refers to the suburbs located west of the city, located along the SEPTA R5 train line. Overbrook, Narberth, Ardmore , Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Rosemont, and Villanova are all towns located on the Main Line . St. Davids, Radnor, Wayne , and Devon are also towns that are located on the R5 route that are also within a 15-20 minute car drive of the College.

Please be aware that finding housing in this area can be more challenging due to the large number of students in the area, so it is important to begin your search as early as possible . Keep in mind that you are competing for housing with students from more than four area colleges and universities.

Transportation

Living in Bryn Mawr without a car is definitely possible, and many students, faculty, and staff do not have cars. However, depending upon lifestyle and personal needs, there are mixed feelings about the possible inconveniences of not having a car.

If you do plan to bring a car, be aware that Pennsylvania has some of the highest vehicle insurance rates in the country, as well as a more complicated automobile registration process. If it is at all possible and you do not need to establish residency, you may want to consider keeping your former license and registration. If you do bring a car, you will need to pay for a parking pass each semester at Public Safety in Merion Hall in order to park on campus.

The Philadelphia area public transportation system is operated by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). The system is fairly extensive and there are a number of fare options, such as tokens and monthly passes, which can save you a little money over SEPTA's base fare. Information can be obtained directly from SEPTA at 215/580-7800 or from their website at www.septa.org . SEPTA schedules can be ordered at 215/580-7777.

There are three main routes which service Bryn Mawr:

• The R5 commuter train follows the Main Line into Center City Philadelphia. It is approximately a 20 minute commute from the city to Bryn Mawr. The station is located a few blocks from the college on Lancaster Avenue.
• The Rt100 Norristown High Speed Line is approximately six blocks from the College. It travels the Main Line suburbs and is less expensive than the R5, but does not run directly into the city (though connections are easily made).
• Bus route 105 travels the Main Line from Paoli to Ardmore along Lancaster Avenue . It, too, is less expensive than the train.

Parking in center city Philadelphia can be expensive and challenging to locate, so even those who do have cars will often take the train for convenience. If you live on the Main Line , it is generally not difficult to find parking near or where you live. However, it is highly recommended that you discuss parking issues with the landlords of housing you are considering, as there are sometimes extra fees involved.

Housing Costs
The following approximations are monthly rental rates for the average apartment, not including utilities. They are included to give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay for rent in the area.

Distance - Generally, the farther away you live from the Main Line and from Bryn Mawr, the cheaper your rent will be. This is not always the case, but is a general rule of thumb. If considering housing in Philadelphia , keep in mind that transportation costs, car insurance, and city wage taxes will increase your living expenses.

The towns of Ardmore & Narberth (the Main Line) and Havertown ( Delaware County) tend to be a bit less expensive and are very convenient to the college. In addition, Wayne, Devon, Conshohocken, and King of Prussia also have many apartments and are within 20 minutes of the College.

Apartment vs. House - In this area there are many students who will live in a room or "apartment" in someone's house. The rent is typically cheaper than an apartment. Also, occasionally people in the area will allow you to live in their houses for free in exchange for childcare, etc. for a set number of hours each week. In addition, sometimes students will get together and rent a house for a year. The best method for finding this type of option is to check the Off-Campus Housing Blog at http://offcampus.blogs.brynmawr.edu/, come to the Campus Center to check the bulletin board postings, or check the local newspapers.

Pets

Please be aware that few landlords in this area will allow pets (especially dogs). You may need to consider alternate arrangements for them or be prepared to live a greater distance from the College in an area that offers more pet friendly housing.

Housing Options

The Main Line provides many rental opportunities. Local newspapers are the best source of housing listings. You can arrange for a subscription, which is helpful in making appointments before you arrive, or purchase papers at local convenience stores, supermarkets, or bookstores on the Main Line. Many of the local papers are also accessible on the web.

• The Main Line Times 610/649-4975
• Suburban and Wayne Times 610/688-3000
• The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News 215/665-1234
• The Delaware County Daily Times 610/622-8800
• Philadelphia Weekly 215/563-7400

The following web sites may also prove helpful with information about housing and/or the area:

• http://www.rentalhomesplus.com/
• http://apartments.com
• http://philly.com
• http://apartmentguide.com
• http://www.onebigcampus.com
• http://www.homeproperties.com

You may also wish to contact one of the following services. While we are providing this contact information, we do not vouch for the quality and/or value of their services.

• Locator's Inc., 610-918-6300
• Rental Options, 610-354-0333
• Apartment solutions, 1-888-994-RENT

Laws Governing Student Living

Lower Merion Township has very strict rules regarding student living. Housing is usually designated either as student or non-student approved. Please be aware of this when applying for a residence. The law defines a student home as:

A living arrangement for students, unrelated by blood, marriage or legal adoption, attending or about to attend a college or university or who are on a semester or summer break from studies at a college or university, or any combination of such persons. Student homes shall not include fraternities, sororities, or community residential programs. A student home can have no more than three students located in a dwelling with a floor area of at least 1,500 square feet, exclusive of basements, garages, and accessory buildings.

If you locate housing in Lower Merion Township and want to check to see if it is student approved, you may contact the Lower Merion Township office at 610/649-4000.

Furniture

For used items, you may want to check postings around the Bryn Mawr campus and in the local newspapers. Also, the following thrift shops offer a good selection: Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop (Haverford Ave. in Bryn Mawr); The Junior League (Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore); Pennywise Thrift Shop (Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore). In addition to local area malls and retail stores such as K-Mart, Target, and Bed, Bath & Beyond there is an Ikea store in Conshocken (abut 20 minutes from campus) that offers a wide selection of many household items and furniture.

Many apartment complexes require you to cover 90% of the floor space with rugs if you live above the first floor. So, you may want to check with landlords about this possible requirement, as it may pose an additional expense.

Grocery Stores

• ACME Supermarkets: 1218 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr; 829 Montgomery Avenue, Narberth
• Super Fresh Supermarket: 250 Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood
• Genuardi's Supermarket: 550 East Lancaster Avenue, St. David's; 50 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood
• Whole Foods, organic and natural groceries: 821 Lancaster Avenue , Devon; 339 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood
• Traders Joe's Market: Suburban Square, Ardmore; Gateway Shopping Center, Wayne
• The Farmer's Market: Suburban Square, Ardmore
• Lancaster County Farmer's Market: Lancaster Avenue in Wayne

Services

• Verizon Telephone Company 800/640-4155
• PECO Energy Company 800/494-4000
• Pennsylvania Car Registration 800/932-4600 (in PA), 717/391-6190 (outside PA)
• Aqua Pennsylvania (water company) 610/525-7300, 800/711-4779
• Comcast Cable 610/667-8880

Laundromats

• The Laundry Room, 909 Conestoga Road , Rosemont 610/525-9755
• Narberth Laundromat, 103 North Narberth Avenue , Narberth 610/664-9085

Moving and Storage

• Hertz/Penske (Bryn Mawr) 610/519-9349
• Ryder (Havertown & King of Prussia) 1-800/GO-RYDER
• U-Haul (Near Villanova) 610/525-0858
• Public Storage (Havertown) 610/789-6442
• Storage USA ( King of Prussia ) 610/337-2255
• Shurgard Storage ( West Chester ) 610/692-7110
• John's Moving & Disposal Service 610/296-0560 or 454-1449

Banks

• Bryn Mawr Trust, Bryn Mawr 610/525-1700
• TD Bank, Haverford 1-888/751-9000
  (TD Bank has the only on-campus ATM)
• Wachovia Bank, Ardmore 1/800/275-3862
• Citizens Bank, Ardmore 1-888/910-4100
• PNC Bank, Bryn Mawr 1-888-762-2265
• Sovereign Bank, Bryn Mawr 1-877/768-2265

Short-Term Places to Stay

Places near or on the campus

• Wyndham House 610/526-5236

Area Hotels

• Best Western (King of Prussia) 610/265-4500
• Comfort Inn (King of Prussia) 610/962-0700
• Holiday Inn City Line (City Line Avenue, Philadelphia) 215/477-0200
• Howard Johnson (King of Prussia) 610/265-4500
• MacIntosh Inn (King of Prussia) 610/768-9500
• Mariott (Conshohocken) 610/941-5600
• Radnor Hotel (Radnor) 610/688-5800
• Wayne Hotel (Wayne) 610/687-5000
• http://www.onebigcampus.com/
  (full listing of area hotels)

Apartment Complexes

The following MANAGEMENT COMPANIES handle many area complexes, so a single call may save both time and money. Descriptions of the various complexes, where available, are included in the listings by area. Rent prices are approximate and subject to change.

• Marks & Company
  610/649-7700
  College Hall Apartments, Bryn Mawr Gables, The Mermont, Mermont Plaza , Haverford Gables & The Llanberris
  
  
• Metropolitan Management
  610/667-1700
  Merion Ct , Suburban Court , The Wyndamere, The Triangle & Brynwood.
  610/668-2299
  Narberth Hall, and Narberth Station
  
  
• Halfpenny Management
  610/642-2768
  Merioneth, Arglen & Suburban Square

 

• UCH
  215-320-2000
  www.mainlineapts.com
  
  
• PMA of Ardmore
  610/527-RENTe
  www.mainlineapartments.com
  
  
• Woodward Properties
  215/473-4803
  handles complexes in the City Line and Bala Cynwyd areas of Philadelphia
  
  
• Home Properties
  877-HME-Rent, & specify that you attend Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr/Rosemont/Ardmore/Haverford

• Bryn Mawr Gables
  Montgomery & Morris Aves.
  Bryn Mawr, PA
  610/649-7700
  Studios & 1 bdrms
  Newly renovated, internet access
  
  
• College Hall Apartments
  801 Montgomery Avenue
  Bryn Mawr, PA
  610/649-7700
  2&3 bdrms
  Newly renovated, heat and hot water included
  
  
• Suburban Square Apartments
  Montgomery & Valley Avenues
  Ardmore , PA
  610/617-4544 or 610/642-2768
  
  
• Broadlawn Apartments
  200 David Drive
  Bryn Mawr , PA
  610/525-2088
  
  
• St. George's Apartments
  115 Mill Creek Avenue
  Ardmore , PA
  610/649-7886
  
  
• Thornbrook Manor
  819 Montgomery Avenue
  Bryn Mawr , PA
  610/649-0534
  
  
• Suburban Court Apartments
  113 Cricket Avenue
  Ardmore , PA
  610/642-1212
  
  
• Radwyn Apartments
  275 Bryn Mawr Avenue
  Bryn Mawr , PA
  610/525-9730
  
  
• Argyle Court Apartments
  30 Lindwood Avenue
  Ardmore , PA
  610/649-9900
  
  
• The Mermont
  Merion and Montgomery Avenues
  Bryn Mawr , PA
  610/649-7700
  
  
• Arglen
  20 W. Montgomery Ave.
  Ardmore , PA
  610/642-2768
  
  
• Mermont Plaza
  Merion & Montgomery Avenues
  Bryn Mawr , PA
  610/649-7700
  
  
• Rosemont Plaza
  1062 Lancaster Avenue
  Rosemont , PA
  610/525-5300
  
  
• Radcliff House
  1000 Conestoga Rd.
  Rosemont, PA
  610/527-0255
  
  
• Drexelbriar Apartments
  194 Landover Rd.
  Bryn Mawr, PA
  610/527-8737 or 825-0912
  
  
• Haverford Gable Apartments
  Montgomery Ave.
  Haverford , PA
  610/649-7700
  
  

• Whitehall Apartments
  410 Lancaster Ave.
  Haverford , PA
  610/658-7243
  www.kormanresidential.com
  
  
• Merioneth Apts
  20 W. Montgomery Ave.
  Ardmore , PA
  610/642-2768
  
  
• Montgomery Plaza Apartments
  120 E. Montgomery Ave.
  Ardmore , PA
  610/649-4860

Wayne/St. David's

• Wayne Manor
  Located in the heart of Wayne
  1 block to train
  610/658-7243
• La Maison Apartments
  219 Sugartown Road
  Wayne , PA
  610/688-3800
  
  
• Sheldrake Arms Apartments
  517 E. Lancaster Ave.
  St. Davids , PA
  610/688-0583
  
  
• Radnor Crossing
  284 Iven Rd.
  St. David's, PA
  610/687-1300
  
  
• The Regency
  313 Creek Drive
  Radnor , PA
  610/688-1717
  Pets allowed

 

Narberth/Bala Cynwyd/Wynnewood

• Montgomery Court Apartments
  214 Price Avenue
  Narberth , PA
  610/664-2274
  
  
• Edgehill Court
  25 Old Lancaster Rd.
  Bala Cynwyd , PA
  1-888-2Korman Residential

• Merion Court Apartments
  118 Montgomery Ave.
  Bala Cynwyd , PA
  610/667-3461
  
  
• Essex Manor & Hampton Manor
  203 N. Essex Avenue
  Narberth , PA
  610/668-8595
  
  
• Wynnewood Park Apartments
  150 E. Wynnewood Road
  Wynnewood , PA 19096
  610/642-5850
  
  
• Llanberris
  101 Conshohocken State Rd. (Rt 23)
  Bala Cynwyd , PA
  610/649-7700
  
  
• Narberth Hall Apartments
  Metropolitan Management
  300 North Essex Avenue
  Narberth , PA
  610/668-2299

Valley Forge/King of Prussia (approx. 20 minutes from BMC)

• Courtside Square Apartmnets and Suites

  Across the street from King of Prussia mall

  aptinfo@willnerproperties.com
  
  

• Belmont Plaza
  200 Ross Road , #J-240
  King of Prussia, PA 19406
  610/265-2638
  
  
• Lafayette at Valley Forge
  935 Penn Circle
  King of Prussia, PA 19406
  610/783-0331
  
  
• Marquis Apartments

  251 W. DeKalb Pike

  King of Prussia, PA 19406

  610/265-5250

  www.marquiskop.com
  
  

• Kingswood
  580 Lewis Road
  King of Prussia , PA 19406
  610/265-2650
  Allows pets, including dogs
  
  
• Gulph Mills Village
  649 Henderson Rd.
  King of Prussia, PA 19406
  610/337-2880
  Cats allowed

Philadelphia/City Line Area

• Pennbrook Apartments
  

  2120 N. 63rd Street
  Philadelphia , PA 19151
  215/253-3650

  www.pennbrookapartments.com

 

• Lincoln Green
  4000 Presidential Boulevard
  Philadelphia , PA 19131
  215/477-5454
  
  
• Beekman Place
  Metropolitan Management Corporation
  2746 Belmont Avenue
  Philadelphia , PA 19131
  215/878-2826
  
  
• The Bala
  Woodward Properties
  Suite 200 ; 4920 City Avenue
  Philadelphia , PA 19131
  215/473-4803
  
  
• Merion Gardens
  701 City Ave.
  Merion Station , PA 19066
  610/664-3397
  
  
• The Presidential
  3900 City Line Avenue
  Philadelphia , PA 19131
  215/477-7310
  
  

 

Revised 6/04