Northwest Philadelphia is one of the best places in the city for graduate students who want a quiet place to live and study: Chestnut Hill College is about two miles from Chestnut Hill Village Apartments, La Salle University, Arcadia University and Thomas Jefferson University’s East Falls campus are all a short drive away, and the Chestnut Hill East train stops at Temple University on its way to Center City. Rents here are calmer than Center City or University City, apartments are larger than the city average, and evenings are quiet enough to actually get your reading done.

Which graduate schools are close to Chestnut Hill?

Chestnut Hill is an easy base for several schools with large graduate programs. Distances below are approximate driving distances from Chestnut Hill Village Apartments at 7715 Crittenden Street.

School Location Approx. distance Graduate programs worth knowing about
Chestnut Hill College Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill About 2 miles School of Graduate Studies, including a Psy.D. in clinical psychology
Arcadia University Glenside, Montgomery County About 3 to 4 miles Graduate programs in health sciences, education and more
La Salle University 1900 W. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia About 5 to 6 miles Nursing, nurse anesthesia, clinical psychology, speech-language pathology, business
Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls campus Henry Avenue, East Falls About 6 miles Design, architecture, business and health programs
Temple University (main campus) North Broad Street About 30 minutes by train Direct stop on the Chestnut Hill East line, no transfer

Distances and times are estimates; check your route before your first day of class.

Why is Northwest Philadelphia good for grad students?

Most grad students need three things: a quiet place to work, a manageable commute and rent that leaves room in the budget. Northwest Philadelphia covers all three better than many students expect.

  • Quiet. Chestnut Hill is mostly residential, and the neighborhood sits along Wissahickon Valley Park, so nights are calm. It’s a different pace from the student-heavy blocks around Center City and University City.
  • Space. According to RentCafe, the average one-bedroom in Philadelphia is 698 square feet. At Chestnut Hill Village, one-bedroom apartments run from 440 to 875 square feet, so you can choose a compact, budget-friendly layout or one with room for a real desk.
  • Rent. RentCafe lists Chestnut Hill’s average one-bedroom at $1,686, compared with $1,862 for Philadelphia overall.
  • Transit. The Chestnut Hill East train runs from Wyndmoor station, a short walk from Chestnut Hill Village, to Temple University and Jefferson Station in Center City.

What should grad students look for in an apartment?

A few details matter more for students than for other renters:

  • Lease length that matches your program. Chestnut Hill Village offers standard 12- and 18-month leases, and shorter terms are available for an additional fee, which can help if your program ends mid-year.
  • A place to work outside your apartment. Chestnut Hill Village has a newly renovated business center and a Wi-Fi café and lounge, plus an outdoor Wi-Fi lounge for warmer days.
  • Laundry at home. Most apartments have their own washer and dryer, so you’re not hauling a basket across a parking lot during finals week.
  • Know your utility costs. At Chestnut Hill Village, residents pay gas, electric, water, sewer and trash, so budget for those on top of rent.
  • A way to unwind. A fitness center, yoga room, game room and seasonal pool are on site, and Wissahickon trails are minutes away.

One-bedroom options at Chestnut Hill Village

Most grad students start with a one-bedroom. Chestnut Hill Village has several sizes to compare:

Sharing with a classmate? Our two-bedroom apartments run from 960 to 1,070 square feet. See them all on the floor plans page, and check the FAQ for pets, parking and lease details.

Frequently asked questions

Where should grad students live near La Salle University?

Many choose Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods such as Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy, which are quieter than the blocks right around campus and about 5 to 6 miles away. Chestnut Hill Village Apartments offers one-bedrooms from 440 square feet.

Are there apartments near Chestnut Hill College?

Yes. Chestnut Hill Village Apartments, at 7715 Crittenden Street, is about two miles from Chestnut Hill College.

Can I get to Temple University from Chestnut Hill by train?

Yes. The SEPTA Chestnut Hill East line stops at Temple University station on its way to Center City.

Does Chestnut Hill Village offer short-term leases?

Standard leases are 12 or 18 months. Shorter terms are available for an additional fee.

Is there a place to study at Chestnut Hill Village?

Yes. Residents can use the business center, the Wi-Fi café and lounge, and an outdoor Wi-Fi lounge.

Helpful links

Starting a program this year? Schedule a tour of Chestnut Hill Village Apartments or call (215) 242-3500.