Anova uCity Square: A Detailed Decision Review
Anova uCity Square is a student‑focused apartment complex located at Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. While the city listed on the property page is Cherry Hill (a suburb of Philadelphia), the physical address places it in the University City area of Philadelphia, directly adjacent to institutions such as Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. The property offers monthly rents ranging from $1,917 to $3,921 (indicative — confirm with the operator), with a security deposit of $1,000. It holds a Google rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 135 reviews. Amenities include Wi‑Fi, a fitness centre, and a resort‑style pool. The earliest move‑in date is 13 July 2026.
This review draws on three resident reviews from Google, the property’s price positioning relative to the citywide from‑price of $479/month (the lowest advertised price for any student property in Cherry Hill), and the available room types. Our goal is to help you decide whether this residence fits your needs.
Who This Residence Suits and Who It Doesn’t
Suits: Anova uCity Square works best for students or young professionals who prioritise an amenity‑rich living environment and a location with convenient access to the University City campus cluster. Resident reviews repeatedly praise the property’s facilities and the sense of community. Vanessa Cunha, a five‑star reviewer, states: “As someone who has lived in a few different apartment complexes in the area, ANOVA has definitely been my favorite. They have great amenities and fun community events as well. The location is great for me as a Drexel student, including lots of public and private areas to do work if I ever want a change of scenery.” This suggests that residents who value both social programming and study spaces will feel at home.
The property also appeals to those who want a modern unit with large windows and natural light. Annika Stewart (4 stars) notes: “The windows in the units are large and provide great natural light! The maintenance is prompt for the most part, and all the staff is kind and helpful.”
In terms of room types, the availability of studios, one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom units means the property can accommodate solo residents and groups of friends who want to live together. The higher‑end one‑ and two‑bedroom options could suit couples or roommates looking for a relatively spacious apartment.
Doesn’t suit: The property is not ideal for budget‑conscious students. At $1,917/month for the cheapest unit, it sits well above the citywide from‑price of $479/month — a gap of more than $1,400. Many student housing options in Cherry Hill are significantly cheaper; the $479 figure represents a basic shared room or a studio in a less amenitised building. If your monthly housing budget is under $1,500, Anova is likely out of reach.
Additionally, the complex has some documented operational issues. Sheki Jones (2 stars) writes: “I want to give a mini-update of my time here at ANOVA U City and update over time. I would say the amenities are great to have access to and the location has been beneficial for my commute to school. However, a very large and concerning problem ANOVA U City has is transparency. For example, I read my contract thoroughl” (the review cuts off). The transparency concern suggests that prospective residents should read the lease agreement carefully and ask for written clarification on any fees, utility charges, or policies before signing.
Annika Stewart adds: “Unfortunately one of the elevators was broken for multiple months, they closed the hot tub and pool in late October, and the walls…” (the review stops, but the implication is that noise transfer or thin walls may be an issue). If you rely on elevators daily or want year‑round pool access, these breakdowns could be frustrating. The pool and hot tub closure in late October is earlier than many complexes keep them open.
What Residents Actually Say
We have three verbatim reviews from Google. Below is a summary of what they reveal:
Vanessa Cunha (5/5): Her review highlights the property’s strength in community and facilities. She mentions “great amenities and fun community events” and notes that the location is excellent for Drexel students, with plenty of public and private workspaces. This aligns with the property’s marketing as a student‑focused building.
Annika Stewart (4/5): She appreciates the large windows and natural light, and finds maintenance responsive. However, she flags the long‑term elevator outage and early pool/hot tub closure. The implication about walls suggests sound insulation might be mediocre — a common complaint in many apartment‑style student residences.
Sheki Jones (2/5): While acknowledging the amenities and location, Sheki raises a red flag about transparency in the leasing process. The review cuts off, but the core message is clear: read everything in the contract, ask questions about charges, and get promises in writing. This is a warning that should not be ignored.
Overall sentiment: residents generally like the facilities and location, but operational hiccups (elevator, pool season, contract transparency) detract from the experience.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From‑Price
Cherry Hill’s overall student housing market includes 28 properties listed on the platform. The lowest monthly rate across all those properties is $479. That $479 unit is likely a shared room or a very basic studio in a less amenitised building, possibly without the resort‑style pool, gym, or on‑site events that Anova offers.
At the low end of Anova’s range ($1,917/month), a resident pays roughly four times the city’s starting price. Even the most expensive unit at Anova ($3,921/month) represents a premium that is nearly eight times the base rate. This price differential places Anova firmly in the “luxury student housing” bracket relative to Cherry Hill’s median.
However, location matters: Anova is in Philadelphia’s University City, not in suburban Cherry Hill proper. The citywide from‑price of $479 is drawn from properties within Cherry Hill’s defined boundaries, which may be farther from campus than Anova. In Philadelphia’s University City area, comparable apartment‑style student buildings commonly start above $1,500/month. Anova’s pricing is competitive within that micro‑market but still requires a substantial budget. Always confirm the exact rent and any promotions directly with the operator, as prices shown are indicative and may change by the time you book.
Room‑Type Guidance
Anova offers four room types:
- Studio: Typically the most affordable option, likely priced near the $1,917 end. Suitable for one person who values an open floor plan and does not need separate sleeping and living areas.
- 1‑bedroom (1b): Provides a separate bedroom. Price probably falls in the $2,000–$2,500 range. Ideal for a single occupant or a couple.
- 2‑bedroom (2b): Allows two roommates to share a common living area while each having a private bedroom. Could be priced between $2,500 and $3,200 depending on square footage and floor plan.
- 3‑bedroom (3b): The most spacious option, suitable for three flatmates. Likely occupies the upper end of the price spectrum, up to $3,921.
Since the property’s earliest move‑in date is July 2026, groups planning to live together should decide on room type and start looking at floor plans early. If you prefer the top floor or a specific layout, early booking (by early 2026) is recommended.
Booking Timing
The earliest availability is 13 July 2026. For a fall 2026 semester start (typically late August/early September), this timing allows you to move in a few weeks before classes begin. Many buildings in University City begin leasing for the next academic year as early as October of the preceding year. If Anova follows that pattern, you could sign a lease from late 2025 onward. Given the premium pricing and limited number of units, desirable floor plans and low‑price studios may be taken months in advance. Aim to secure your unit by March 2026 at the latest to have the widest selection.
Keep in mind the transparency issues raised by a resident: before signing, request a sample contract, clarify any additional fees (e.g., parking, utilities, amenity access), and confirm the deposit refund policy. If possible, visit the property in person or take a virtual tour to check the condition of elevators, pool, and gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact address and how does it relate to Cherry Hill?
The official address is Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA — that is in the University City neighbourhood of Philadelphia. The city name “Cherry Hill” in the listing may be due to the property management’s parent or billing address. You will be living in Philadelphia, not Cherry Hill. Confirm the exact location with the operator before making travel plans.
Are all utilities included in the monthly rent?
The available data does not specify whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included. The tags list “Wi‑Fi”, but many properties charge extra for electricity or water. Sheki Jones’s review warns about contract transparency; ask the operator for a full breakdown of what the monthly rent covers and what you pay separately.
What is the cancellation policy?
The provided information does not include cancellation terms. Given the concerns about lease clarity, request a written cancellation policy before you pay the $1,000 deposit. Some student‑housing contracts allow early termination with a penalty; others require you to find a replacement tenant.
Sources & data date: Google reviews (4.1 stars, 135 reviews, accessed July 2026), property listing data (available from the operator), and citywide price comparisons from the platform (July 2026). Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For real‑time availability, room type details, and current pricing, use the on‑site assistant to check what is open for your preferred move‑in date.
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