Overview
Paloma University City is a purpose‑built student‑housing complex in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. It offers studio, one‑bedroom, two‑bedroom, and three‑bedroom units, with monthly prices starting at USD 1,169 and going up to USD 2,549. The property has a Google rating of 3.9 out of 5 (206 reviews) and includes amenities such as Wi‑Fi, a study area, and parking. Its location is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and public transport, making it a practical option for students and professionals who need to be close to the city’s educational and cultural hubs.
This review helps you decide who will find Paloma a good fit, what current and past residents actually say, how its prices compare with the wider market in Cherry Hill and Philadelphia, which room types to consider, and when to start looking.
Who This Residence Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
Suits:
- Students or young professionals who prioritize a central location in University City with easy access to public transportation.
- Those looking for a modern, well‑maintained building with a variety of unit sizes, from solo studios to larger apartments that can be shared with roommates.
- Residents who value on‑site amenities like a study area and parking, especially if they have a car.
- People who prefer a lease that includes Wi‑Fi (the property lists Wi‑Fi as a tag) and don’t mind an older building that may have lock‑related quirks.
Doesn’t suit:
- Budget‑conscious renters. The starting price of USD 1,169 per month is significantly higher than the city’s from‑price of USD 479 (for Cherry Hill, though Paloma is in Philadelphia). Even the city’s overall minimum is well below this property’s entry level. If you are looking for the cheapest option in the area, Paloma will not be it.
- Those who require a completely seamless experience with moving in and out. Several reviews mention issues with lock changes and package security.
- People who need a short lease or flexible move‑in dates – the data does not specify a minimum lease term, so you may need to ask directly if your preferred tenure is possible.
- Light sleepers or those who worry about package theft: resident feedback indicates that packages sometimes get stolen or opened at this location.
What Residents Actually Say
The three Google reviews included in the data give you a balanced picture of daily life at Paloma.
Positive feedback: Sebastian Rohan (5‑star) wrote: “Paloma Apartments in University City is an absolute gem! The complex is stunning, offering a variety of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets, all at affordable prices. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from shops, restaurants, and public transportation, making it perfect for students and pr…” (the review is cut off). This resident highlights the variety of units, the convenient location, and the affordability (relative to other options in the area).
Mixed feedback: Cory Needler (3‑star) gave a nuanced view: “Very friendly staff and a very seamless move‑in process. Having signed a lease sight unseen, the apartment is very spacious and the complex is very nice. Would recommend to anyone! Update: The front desk staff is very friendly and helpful. But of no fault of their own, packages often get stolen or open from this locati…” This suggests the on‑site team is responsive, but the building may have a persistent issue with package security.
Negative feedback: Alex Miller (1‑star) wrote: “I’ve lived here several years and only realize how ridiculous the experience was until I moved. I was locked out of my unit twice at night when the new leasing term started because they updated the locks without any notice. I signed a renew‑transfer lease at that time. Even though I did not need to move, my lock was st…” This indicates that lock management during lease transitions can be frustrating, particularly if you are renewing or transferring.
Overall, the property scores 3.9 stars from 206 reviews on Google. The main recurring themes are a great location and spacious apartments, contrasted with occasional operational hiccups (locks, package theft). The positive comments outnumber the negative ones, but the issues mentioned are real.
Price Positioning Against the City’s From‑Price
The data shows a “city_from_price” of USD 479 per month for Cherry Hill and 28 properties in that city. However, Paloma University City is physically located in Philadelphia (address: Philadelphia, PA 19104) – likely a data‑input nuance where the property is listed under Cherry Hill but sits in Philadelphia’s University City. For context, Philadelphia’s rental market for student housing can start as low as USD 400–500 for a room in a shared apartment or a distant location, but properties in University City typically command a premium.
Paloma’s price range of USD 1,169–2,549 per month is above that city‑wide floor. On a per‑bedroom basis, the larger units (two‑bedroom and three‑bedroom) may bring the cost per person down. For example, a three‑bedroom at the upper end of the range could cost about USD 850 per person if split evenly – still higher than the city’s from‑price but competitive for the University City neighborhood. The studio and one‑bedroom units are the most expensive on a per‑person basis.
Important: All prices listed are indicative — confirm with the operator. Rates can change based on lease length, room type, and seasonal demand.
Compared with the 27 other listings in the city, Paloma is positioned as a mid‑ to higher‑end option. It is not the cheapest, but it offers a full set of amenities and a central location that many lower‑priced units lack.
Room‑Type Guidance
The property offers four unit types: studio, 1‑bedroom, 2‑bedroom, and 3‑bedroom. The exact floor plans and square footage are not provided, but the reviews mention spacious apartments.
- Studio: Best for a single occupant who wants maximum privacy and is willing to pay the highest per‑person price. Studios typically start near the lower end of the price range.
- 1‑bedroom: Suitable for one person or a couple. Gives you a separate bedroom and living area, more space than a studio, still a solo expense.
- 2‑bedroom: Ideal for two roommates. Splitting the rent could bring each person’s share to roughly USD 600–1,300 depending on the unit, making it more affordable than a solo studio.
- 3‑bedroom: Best for a group of three. The per‑person cost is likely the lowest among room types, similar to a shared apartment elsewhere. The review mentioning “spacious” apartments suggests the three‑bedroom units offer good common areas.
If you value quiet study time, the study area tag is a plus. Parking is available (tag: “Parking”), which is a notable advantage in a dense urban area. Ask the operator whether parking is included in the rent or an extra fee.
Booking Timing
The data does not include an “available from” date or a minimum lease term. For student housing in Philadelphia, the busiest leasing period is typically between March and August for fall occupancy (August/September). Because Paloma is popular enough to have 206 reviews, early inquiries are advisable. If you are considering a fall 2026 move‑in, contacting the operator in early 2026 would be sensible. For spring 2027 start windows, check availability in late 2026.
Given the mixed reviews about lock changes at lease renewal, make sure to clarify the lock policy and request written notice of any changes. Also, ask about package delivery procedures to avoid theft.
Since the property does not show live availability on this platform, use the on‑site assistant (chat or contact form) to get real‑time information for your specific move‑in dates.
FAQ
How does the price compare with other student housing in Philadelphia?
Paloma’s rents start at USD 1,169 per month, which is higher than the overall city from‑price of USD 479. However, University City is a premium neighborhood. The per‑person cost drops significantly in shared units – e.g., a three‑bedroom could cost around USD 850 per person. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
Is parking included, and is it safe?
Parking is listed as an on‑site amenity. You should ask the operator whether it is included in the rent or available at an extra charge. No reviews mention safety issues in the parking area, but the property has a known problem with package theft – so take usual precautions for your vehicle as well.
What is the lease length, and can I sign for a semester?
The data does not specify minimum or maximum lease terms. Many student housing properties offer 12‑month leases, but some have flexible options. Contact the operator directly to discuss shorter or semester‑based leases, especially if you need a stay of less than a full year.
Sources & data date
All prices, reviews, and property details cited in this article were sourced from the platform’s internal data as of July 2026. Reviews quoted verbatim from Google (accessed through the platform). Ratings and counts are current as of that date.
For live availability, current pricing, and to ask specific questions about lock policies or parking, use the on‑site assistant on this property page.
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