I think it's pretty obvious that all the previous reviews were written by a member of building management or someone with a vested interest in the building. I never actually lived there, but based on the reviews and Wesminster Arch's homepage I decided to take a walk by the building. From what I saw of the outside of the building, there's NO WAY 4 out of 4 people had nothing bad to say about this place. The building's location is in a somewhat scary area. It's not Southwest Philly or anything, but it is located in a pretty desolate area. It's bordered to the South by the bridge that carries Septa's trains from downtown to 30th street station. To the West is the Schuylkill River and active freight train tracks, and couple of blocks to the North is interstate 676. In order to go anywhere you need to walk 2 blocks to the East to get to a safe street. That is unless you don't mind walking under the septa and JFK bridges, which are visible from the building's front door. These bridges are a permanent home for all sorts of homeless people and vagrants. Because of its isolation this area of 23rd street is pretty scary during the day, I can only imagine who comes out at night. The outside of the building was old and ugly. The windows were small and few. I can't imagine the building is quiet with all the trains passing by at all hours of the day and night. I think the noise level and view of homeless encampments probably accounts for the relatively low rent despite its proximity to the parkway.

User Responses
From: cutething	Date: 04/07/2008
You have no credibility on this issue. I lived at Westminster for a year and loved it. I'm moving back this summer. The area has come up a lot since I lived there a few years ago, but even then it was extremely safe. It might look shady, but appearances can be deceiving. The homeless guys under the bridge were extremely kind and concerned about safety. They would watch people's cars and call the police if someone shady did come along. Homeless or not, great neighbors, wouldn't you say? At night, the area was virtually deserted. I was a young female college student at the time and I never felt threatened. I've been in some scary neighborhoods before, and 23rd & Arch is not even "somewhat scary." Given its proximity to city attractions, transportation and the fact that rent is below competitive rates, this is a great place to live.

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