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[prettyizzy]

We have a budget of 2,000 PLN for a 2 bedroom (3 rooms) furnished apartment in Warsaw. We would like a safe, quiet, leafy, residential area with an easy, quick public transit to downtown, airport and train station (akin to Vinohrady area in Prague).
Which district of Warsaw fits the bill? From some of the archives here I learned to avoid the Old Town (too many tourists and pissed Brits after Stag Parties ) and I understand that American expats congregate in Mokotow and the French in Zoliborz. Why is that?

[Grrrmachine]

Anywhere on the metro line fits that bill, although "quick and easy" doesn't exactly fit in with "public transport" in Warsaw. The metro quickly fills up during the rush hours, and taking the trams and buses very quickly feels like a chore as old women batter and harrass you into standing for the entire length of the journey.

Most of Warsaw is pretty similar - the further from the centre equals newer properties and infrastructure, but longer travelling times, whilst closer equals older buildings, more local conveniences (supermarkets, cinemas and semi-decent bars) at the cost of increased traffic, minimal parking, higher chances of substandard building conditions and increased rent.

The general rule of thumb is "anywhere west of the river;" primarily for the crime in Stare Praha, although that seems to be reducing nowadays, but also transport links and lack of decent pleasure amenities.

I'd like to think that 2000PLN should get you something palatial, but a student of mine looking for something that fits your bill has recently been bemoaning the utter lack of apartments that met her expectations.

[Alex Shulgin]

The Muranow district (a.k.a. northern part of srodmiescie) is a good choice. Closer to the city centre than any of the places you mention but cheaper.