Relocating need much advice (Philadelphia, Chester: apartment, renting, lofts)

[UK2US]

When are you moving? Next few months
Where are you coming from? Kent, United Kingdom
Why are you moving? Work relocation
Where will you be working? Market Street, Philadelphia
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? $2500 upwards
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? I think walk up

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married, with 21 month child
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? Yes
Are you keeping a car? Yes maybe 2
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? a bit of both

What do you want to be closest to? Work or Train/Subway Link
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Similar neighborhood

Phillies, Pirates or Mets? Can I decide once I get there?!?!

I think that we would like to live outside of Philadelphia with somewhere with a commute of no longer than 40mins.
Any advice kindly received.

[rainrock]

Arguably the most vibrant/hip area of the region is right in Center City(walking distance to Market Street). Its not for everyone but it might be worth visiting the Center City neighborhoods to see if its a fit for you. There are hundreds of restaurants/bars/shops/museums/galleries/parks etc in a relatively small area 2 or 3 sq miles.The one concern that you have in Center City is that it is unfortunately surrounded by a few areas that have seen better days.

Suburban possibilities range from quaint conservative planned towns in Pennsylvania like the (Main Line towns-Wynnewood,Merion,BrynMawr,Ardmore,Narberth,Haverfo rd,Radnor,Wayne) Other classic towns include Media,Doylestown,West Chester,Jenkintown.

Newer more modern america towns like King of Prussia,West Norriton,Blue Bell,Exton,Chester Springs,Chadds Ford and Garnet Valley are set more out in the countryside, lots of elbow room and fresh air.

New Jersey which is across the Delaware River is another possibilty. Cherry Hill, Haddonfield,Woodbury Heights, and Moorestown among others are all nice places to live.

Good luck.

Center City Philadelphia






West Chester Pennsylvania





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The Lofts at Valley Forge / www.theloftsatvalleyforge.com / Valley Forge / King of Prussia, PA



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