If I work in Wilmington.... (Claymont, Bellefonte: fit in, transplants, sales)

[wmichellec]

Hi all,

I am considering a job in Wilmington.

I am a 30-something single female searching for a community that I will fit into and am looking for suggestions!!

Also, how far is the closest beach? And what is the closest body of water that I can live near that is not a unreasonable commute? I do have Jack Russells, so I would also love a dog-friendly place...

Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

Thank you!!

p.s. I will be in town this weekend to interview. Is there any apartment communities that I should drive by?

[armx]

wmichwllc:

Many times, even though the address may be "Wilmington" for the firm you are about to work for, actual location may be outside the City limits. So if you would share such location it may facilitate the recommendation from the forum participants, otherwise any opinion expressed could be worthless.

If you ARE going to work within the City limits, let us know and that will be a help too.

[wmichellec]

It's on Grubb Road. Does that help?

[uptown_urbanist]

Grubb Road goes near Arden (unless there's another Grubb Rd, or a continuation of it?); Arden isn't for everyone, but the people I've known who live there absolutely love it. I think it would be a nice place for someone with dogs. It's a historic area with an artistic bent (the history is fascinating) and it's a quirky, interesting place to live, and has a very strong sense of community.

How long do you consider an "unreasonable" commute? That would also expand or limit your options.

Some Arden links:
Arden, Delaware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ardens of Delaware: Arden, Ardentown, Ardencroft

[armx]

Grubb Rd. wmichellec, is in what is known as North Wilmington - actually geographically north of Wilmington. That is probably one of the safest places to live in with offices dotting a sea of residential areas.

Like Urbanist pointed out Ardens are really worth checking out. And there is an apartment complex called "top of the hill" off Silverside Rd. Claymont nearby is near Delaware River but high speed Amtrack tracks are between the river and Claymont. If proximity to water and a parklie setting is very desirable then one would have to live twenty miles away near Lums Pond; not too many apartments there but a rental townhouse could be a good option, rent amt. could be a determining factor.

May be somebody else from Claymont may want to chime in.

[virgode]

wmichellec, I live in an apartment complex in Claymont, I know this complex doesn't take pets.
I think alot of them stopped or charge a 250.-500.00 pet fee- per pet, for smaller dogs. I've also worked in the Apt. rental industry and the damage to rentals from pets can be costly. I'd look into rentals with a yard. Arden is a nice area. They have a great fair there every September, very tight nit community. You may want to get in touch with a real estate agent that specializes in apt. townhouse rentals. This is a great area to live, your so close to the interstate 95, PA, NJ, shopping, no sales tax, state parks, Bellevue here in North Wilmington. Bellefonte is another nice area off of Philadelphia Pike near Bellevue State Park, a nice community with some antique shops, private reasonable rentals. Beaches are 1&1/2-2 hrs drive depending on the time of day or evening.
you won't have a problem fitting in here. Good Luck.

[irishmafia]

Originally Posted by wmichellec

It's on Grubb Road. Does that help?

You are referring to Northern DE. Grubb Rd. or Grubb Landing Rd.

There is little commercial ownership on this road, so whatever it is, it is small.

There are plenty of apartments/condos in the North Wilmington area. While you are in town, locate your future place of business and the nearest main road (Philadelphia Pike, Marsh Rd or Foulk Rd are the most likely) and the direction of those roads may help determine where you want to live. Depending upon your mode of transportation, you may want to stay within range of these main thorofares (sp) if public trans. is important to you. If you own a car, you can live just about anywhere and commute from the south via I-95.

Good luck. BTW, decent restaurants within shot of Grubb Rd, Boubon St. Grille (Phila. Pike just S of Grubb) & Stanley's (Foulk & Grubb). Just to the West on Concord Pike (US 202) you have Applebees, Lonestar, The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Famous Daves and TGI Friday all within a half mile of each other across from the Concord Mall. In the mall is Ruby Tuesdays and Champps, but I am not a fan of either of those. I would recommend Stanley's for a local North Wilmington flavor and Bourbon St Grille for that of Claymont.

Good luck in your endeavors.

[wmichellec]

Thank you all for the information!

Couple more.. is there any areas that I should stay away from or not bother checking out? Are people in this area generally friendly and open to "transplants"?

I do have a car, BTW.

Thanks again!