Can you suggest a town in Delaware? (Wilmington, Camden: real estate, house)

[Chancelynn2002]

Hello, am considering relocating to the East Coast and would like to know the good, bad and ugly of eastern towns of PA. My only real concern, besides having good outdoor access, is being able to make it to Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. in a day trip - or at the least, a weekend trip. Music and animals are a huge part of my life, so would like a similar atmosphere - zoos and animal shelters, Irish pubs and summer concerts and the like. I'm not into clubbing, bars in general. I love the outdoors, swimming and hiking and all that. I also love the historical aspects of the East Coast. I've been to all three cities and love them pretty equally, but leaning more towards Philadelphia; their downtown historical area can't be beat, in my eyes. I currently live in a 12,000 pop. town with a 104,000 pop. city with downtown 15-20 minutes away, so that's sort of what I'm used to. If anyone has any information they can share about a town they would suggest, I'd be very glad to hear it. Good, bad and ugly - I'll take anything you're willing to share. I'm not terribly worried about demographic information,Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed; I'd like real live opinions for these areas. Thank you very, very much!

[mikandmari]

If you're looking in Delaware, you may want to check out the Trolley Square and nearby areas (zip code 19806). I'm just guessing that liking the Irish Pub scene you like more upscale urban areas where you can walk to these places. Trolley Square has Kelly's Logan House and Kid Shelleens (these are the ones that I know of... there's more). There are summer concerts at the Wilmington Riverfront, a newly developing area that is fun to visit but I would NOT recommend buying real estate there, it's too close to the rough areas.

You may also want to check out West Chester, PA. Not far from Philly, and still a day trip away from the other cities you listed. Beautiful, old architecture & a great downtown feel.

In the Mid-Atlantic area, you'll find a good variety of summer festivals, concerts, and outdoor activities, all within a 2 hour drive: the Pocono Mountains, Chesapeake Bay, NYC, Washington D.C. & Baltimore, the Jersey shore & Atlantic City, Delaware beaches.... The Philadelphia Zoo, Camden Aquarium... plenty to do!

As far as animal shelters, there are plenty of rescues, many pull & transport animals from the south where overpopulation and euthanasia are more of a problem. I used to be involved in this, I would often help with transports coming up I-95 or east along the PA turnpike.

Good luck!