what are the developing suburbs in philadelphia (Chester, King of Prussia: renting, house)

[joym_m]

We are a family of 3; husband, wife and a 2 year old. We are originally from Ashburn,VA and recently moved to King of Prussia. Right now we are renting a place but looking to buy a house pretty soon. We are used to quite, residential, developing area like Ashburn,VA. We are looking for a similar place to live in Philli suburb but would not like to live too far from the City Center since we both work at City Center. 30-45 mins of commute is ok. Good school district is also an important factor. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by joym_m

We are a family of 3; husband, wife and a 2 year old. We are originally from Ashburn,VA and recently moved to King of Prussia. Right now we are renting a place but looking to buy a house pretty soon. We are used to quite, residential, developing area like Ashburn,VA. We are looking for a similar place to live in Philli suburb but would not like to live too far from the City Center since we both work at City Center. 30-45 mins of commute is ok. Good school district is also an important factor. Any help would be much appreciated.

What is your preferred housing budget?

You may find that newer housing is not so available closer in.

However, good school districts abound in the suburbs. With few exceptions, you won't have a problem finding one.

BTW, the shorthand for Philadelphia is actually "Philly". And downtown is called Center City.

[PeeAye Native]

I know Ashburn, VA, have been in that area on and off over the past ten years for work.

The closest match I can think of is the Audubon, Phoenixville, Royersford, Collegeville area. Draw a line to form a box between those four locales on a map, and anywhere in the box is a good match for Ashburn. This includes: a new Wegmans (Collegeville), a nice multi-use trail, the Perkiomen Trail (similar to the W&OD trail), and more or less small intersections where you have a few businesses and store fronts, also similar to the Ashburn area. Thankfully, there is no equivalent to the Leesburg Pike/Rt 7 or Rt. 28 traffic yet, but Rt 422, which slices right through that box is the closest thing as far as commute-time traffic and congestion is concerned.

[rainrock]

Most of the developing suburbs are going to be closer to an hour into the city.

The one exception may be Saint Davids/ Newtown Square/Edgmont/Gradyville/Upper Providence/Springton but since its closer into the city its sort of exclusive and fairly expensive area to live.

Concordville/ Bethel/Garnet Valley/Chadds Ford/Westown/West Chester is one of the regions high growth areas.Bethel Township is the closest to the city and neighboring Concordville/Chadds Ford is where the shopping centers are located.

Chester Springs/Exton/Downingtown is another new growth cluster. Great area to live except the distance from Center City, the good news is that you can commute into the city via regional rail.(1 Hr)

Peeaye mentioned the 422 corridor an excellent suggestion.

Im less familiar with Bucks County but there are many outstanding options here as well.

Good luck.

[kidphilly]

Maybe Chesterbrook on feel to Ashburn, though most of the Philly burbs will feel a bit different from Ashburn

You also may consider the Jersey side as some like areas may be an easier commute to Center City

[laundry diva]

Collegeville is a wonderful place to raise a family. Moved here 5 mo. ago and love it. Close to KOP and everything you need is close. New Providence town center with Wegmans, Petsmart, Homegoods, with more on the way!

[Hanna52403]

I was born and raised in Broomall, live here now with my husband and kids (although we're moving soon because of his job). I love everything about Broomall!

[JerzBoy]

As kidphilly mentioned, you may also want to consider your options in NJ. The Mount Laurel - Marlton area is comparable to Ashburn. You can easily get to center city Philly in 30-45min from here.

I would also look into the Woolwich - Mullica Hill area in Gloucester County as well. Although the area probably isn't as established as Ashburn is but will likely pick up once the economy rebounds.

[PeeAye Native]

Originally Posted by Hanna52403

I was born and raised in Broomall, live here now with my husband and kids (although we're moving soon because of his job). I love everything about Broomall!

Broomall, while nice, is not much like Ashburn, VA. It's an older, closer in to the city suburb. It's comparison location in the Metro DC area would be a long established suburb in the MD area, maybe Landover or New Carrollton, ... I haven't been through these two MD areas as much as I have Ashburn, so this is somewhat of a guess on my part.

[joym_m]

Thanks so much everyone for the information. It would help a lot.

Tone509 I am looking for a 4bdrm house within $650,000.

Will also look into Bucks county, though not sure how bad the commute would be to Center City. If anyone has any knowledge please share.