Moving to Philadelphia offers an exciting opportunity to live in the middle of American history while enjoying the fun of a trendy metropolis. However, moving into a new place can be a long process, especially when it comes to narrowing down your list of must-haves in a rental. Looking around at what other renters look for when moving to Philadelphia can help you focus your search on the amenities that make the most sense for life in the City of Brotherly Love.
If these are your dealbreakers, you’re in good company! The five most popular amenities in Philadelphia in 2026 are:
In-Unit Washer and Dryer
The ability to do laundry at home can really make or break your rental experience.
A washer and dryer in your rental will save you the trouble of hauling your laundry basket to a laundromat or communal laundry room and keeping track of coins to feed the machines.
If you can’t find a rental with a washer and dryer that suits your needs, searching for a rental with a washer and dryer hookup is a good alternative. You’ll need to bring your own washer and dryer, but the unit will have a spot for them with the necessary electrical, water, and ventilation hookups for a laundry room.
Parking
Parking in a historic city like Philadelphia is as valuable as gold. The infrastructure and population don’t allow for a surplus of parking, but you may not be living enough of an urban lifestyle to ditch your car completely.
While many properties offer free parking, some charge a monthly fee. Ask about the parking policy before you sign a lease so you can accurately budget for your new place.
Even if you completely rely on Philadelphia’s SEPTA transit system for everyday transportation, it’s important to ask about guest parking when you tour a property. Some properties require guests to have a pass or pay an hourly fee, while others have a first-come-first-serve policy. Knowing the parking policy at a rental before you sign a lease will make your first dinner party much smoother!
Pool
According to the NOAA, Philadelphia averages about 23 inches of snow each year. With cold winters and a strict few months of temperatures over 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Philly residents value summertime all the more.
Having a pool right at home can help you maximize your fun in the sun. Living in an apartment with a pool typically comes with a higher cost, but it can be worth it to have a built-in staycation outside your door.
Air Conditioning
According to the City of Philadelphia, landlords are required to provide a central heating system, and according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, a lack of heat in the winter is considered an uninhabitable condition that a landlord has a legal obligation to fix.
However, central air conditioning is not required in Philadelphia, and many older buildings may not have A/C. With average summer temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit between 2000 and 2025, A/C may be a dealbreaker.
Although central A/C is not a legal requirement in Philadelphia, property managers are required by law to offer maintenance for any amenities and utilities they provide, according to the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code. This extends to A/C that a landlord offers, even though they are not required to provide it.
Dishwasher
If you like to cook, a dishwasher is a must to keep cleaning up from becoming too much of a burden. Dishes can pile up, and having to do them all by hand is exhausting.
In addition to making your life easier, dishwashers use less water than hand-washing dishes, especially those with an ENERGY STAR label. If you’re responsible for your water bill instead of being included in your rent, using a dishwasher can save you money, leaving you with more pocket change to explore the city!
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find a place that checks all the boxes. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and narrow your search by the amenities you can’t live without.
No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.
This article was originally published on October 16, 2024, and has been updated with 2026 data.
