From floor plans and amenities to walkability and neighborhood feel, here’s what to consider when choosing your next Philadelphia apartment.

Key Takeaways

When touring a luxury apartment, don't just look at how the space photographs. Pay attention to:

• How well the floor plan works for your everyday routine
• Natural light, views, storage, and noise
• Which amenities you'll realistically use
• Building access, packages, parking, and pet policies
• Walkability and what's actually nearby
• Lease terms and additional monthly costs
• How the apartment and neighborhood feel when you're physically there

A good tour should help you picture what living there will actually be like, not simply show you the building. Click here to schedule your tour at the Keystone Apartments!

1. Does the Floor Plan Fit the Way You Live?

Square footage is useful, but it doesn't tell the entire story.

Two apartments with similar square footage can feel dramatically different depending on how the space is designed. During your tour, think about how you would actually use each room.

Where would your furniture go? Is there enough space around the dining area? Can you comfortably work from home? Is the bedroom large enough for your furniture without feeling cramped?

Pay particular attention to spaces that can serve multiple purposes. An extra bedroom, nook, or open living area can provide valuable flexibility for remote work, guests, hobbies, or additional storage.

If you're still deciding which layout makes sense, comparing studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartment floor plans before touring can help narrow your search.

2. How Much Natural Light Does the Apartment Get?

This is one of those details that's difficult to understand from a floor plan or listing photos.

When you're physically inside the apartment, notice the size and placement of the windows, how much natural light enters the space, and what you'll see outside them every day.

A great view can certainly add to the experience, but natural light can be just as important.

Also remember that the time of your tour matters. An apartment that receives abundant morning light may feel different later in the afternoon.



If the view or natural light is especially important to you, ask whether you can see the specific apartment or apartment orientation you're considering rather than relying exclusively on a model unit.

3. What Does the Apartment Sound Like?

This one is easy to forget.

Stop talking for a moment during the tour and listen.

Can you hear traffic? Hallway activity? Nearby construction? Elevators? HVAC equipment?

Philadelphia is a city, so some urban noise is part of the experience. The important question is whether the noise level works for your lifestyle.

This matters especially if you work from home, have an unusual work schedule, or simply prefer a quieter living environment.

4. Is There Enough Storage?

Beautiful kitchens and bathrooms often get most of the attention during apartment tours. Closets usually don't.

Open them.

Look at bedroom closets, kitchen storage, bathroom storage, coat closets, and any additional storage available within the apartment or building.

Think about where you'll put things you don't use every day, including luggage, seasonal clothing, bicycles, sporting equipment, cleaning supplies, and other belongings.



Good storage can make even a smaller apartment feel considerably more functional.

5. Which Luxury Apartment Amenities Will You Actually Use?

Amenity lists can be impressive, but more isn't necessarily better.

Instead, ask yourself which amenities would genuinely improve your daily routine.

Depending on your lifestyle, that could include:

• A fitness center
• Rooftop or outdoor space
• Resident lounges
• Work-from-home areas
• Secure package management
• Bicycle storage
• Parking
• Pet-friendly features

A rooftop you regularly use or an on-site fitness center that replaces a gym membership may provide significantly more value than several amenities you rarely visit.

When comparing luxury apartments in Philadelphia, evaluate amenities based on usefulness rather than simply counting how many a building offers.

6. What Should Pet Owners Ask During an Apartment Tour?

A building being described as "pet-friendly" doesn't necessarily tell you everything you need to know.

If you're moving with a pet, ask about:

• Pet fees or monthly pet rent
• Breed or size restrictions
• The number of pets permitted
• Nearby places to walk your dog
• Pet-focused building amenities
• Access to parks and green space

The surrounding neighborhood matters just as much as the apartment itself. Being able to easily get outside with your dog can make a significant difference in your daily routine.

7. What's Actually Within Walking Distance?

Don't evaluate only what's inside the building.

When you tour an apartment, spend some time exploring the surrounding blocks before or afterward.

Look for the things you'll use regularly:

• Coffee shops
• Restaurants
• Grocery options
• Fitness
• Parks
• Public transportation
• Entertainment
• Everyday services

Google Maps can tell you how far something is away. Walking around the neighborhood tells you what that distance actually feels like.

For renters considering Northern Liberties, this is especially important because walkability and access to surrounding neighborhoods are a significant part of the living experience.

8. What Will You Pay Beyond Monthly Rent?

Before comparing apartment prices, make sure you're comparing the total cost of living there.

Ask about potential additional expenses such as:

• Parking
• Pet fees
• Utilities
• Internet
• Amenity or building fees
• Move-in costs
• Security deposits
• Other recurring charges

Understanding the complete cost makes it much easier to compare apartments fairly.

A community with a different monthly rent may ultimately provide greater value depending on what's included, the amenities you use, and the convenience of its location.

9. What Questions Should You Ask About the Lease?

Don't wait until you're ready to sign before understanding the basics.

During the leasing process, consider asking about:

• Available lease lengths
• Move-in dates
• Renewal procedures
• Subletting policies
• Maintenance requests
• Guest policies
• Parking
• Pet policies
• What's included with rent

If something is particularly important to you, make sure you understand the written lease terms rather than relying solely on what you remember from the tour.

10. Can You Picture Yourself Living Here?

After you've checked the practical boxes, there's still one important question:

Can you actually picture this being home?

Walk through the apartment again mentally. Or visit the Virtual Tour option!

Where would you drink your morning coffee? Where would you work? Where would friends sit when they visit? What would it be like to walk home after dinner in the neighborhood?

Apartment hunting involves plenty of comparisons, but sometimes experiencing the space and neighborhood firsthand provides information that specifications and photographs can't.

Tour The Keystone in Philadelphia

A checklist can help narrow your apartment search, but there's no substitute for experiencing a potential home in person.

At The Keystone, you can explore thoughtfully designed floor plans, community amenities, and a location that puts Northern Liberties, Old City, and some of Philadelphia's dining, entertainment, and transportation options within easy reach.

Explore Available Floor Plans
View The Keystone Amenities
Schedule a Tour

Come prepared with your questions—and see whether The Keystone feels like the right fit for the way you want to live in Philadelphia.