Suburbs of Philly and near by... (Philadelphia, Chester: to rent, condos, townhouse)

[col]

After going through the 'net and city-data we are heavily considering the
philly suburb area and/or nearby counties. Maybe you guys can help us...
Houses for around 180K (less better)
good schools
shopping
wegmans?
arts, galleries, museums, parks, libraries
condo communities ok
Food ( eating out, japanese, cafes, markets)

we like the proximity to the city (philly), NJ and Delaware, Maryland plus the ability to get to NYC if needed easily.

Whats good? I am an artist (painter) My wife works in the developmental disabilities field with retarded adults in a day program with a master degree and my child is a tween and in gifted classes, honors, arista, eagle etc, artistically inclined as well.


Any and all ideas, info and opinions please and thank your for your time.

Col

[BPP1999]

Your home price range might limit you. Ambler Boro (Wissihickon School District) and Bridgeport Boro (Upper Merion School District) are 2 places where you might find something. Both are good schools, decent shopping (there's a Wegmans in Warrington PA (probably 15-20 minutes from Ambler) and one that will be built in Malvern, which is about 15-20 minutes from Bridgeport). For places with art galleries, you are going to pay big bucks. Some such places that come to mind are Doylestown and West Chester.

[newmarlig]

There are Wegman's in Exton, PA, and Cherry Hill and Mt. Laurel, NJ. NJ gives you closer proxmity to center city Philly.

[col]

houses and stuff will cost more near the city but in the burbs

ok thanks

[rainrock]

Downingtown/Exton might not be a bad option. Excellent schools,Wegmans,affordable housing, great shopping. The downfall is the galleries/museums. Those are pretty much relegated to Center City Philadelphia and some of the bigger towns in the area(Doylestown etc.) and places rich in history like Chadds Ford/Brandywine/Greenville Del.

Elwyn which is located right next to Media(Delaware County Pa.) is a major employer in mentally disabled field.

The general rule of thumb as far as affordability/lifestyle in this area is.

Center City Philly(very expensive-high quality of living.)
Inner ring suburbs touching parts of gritty N and SW Philly(not so great-avoid)Darby-Upper Darby etc.
Middle ring suburbs( outrageously expensive) Villanova-Radnor-Media-Huntington Valley etc
Far suburbs( affordable- new growth) Downingtown-Exton-Lansdale etc.

Good luck

[3littlerascals]

I think it depends on what type of house you want/would be happy with for 180K. You certainly could get into a town/row home for that in or very close to the city in a decent neighborhood. I'm not a fan of Philly schools but there are a lot of great private schools in the city to choose from.
To get into a single family home with a little land for 180 or less you are going to have to go further out.
Someone in a previous post mentioned Elwyn for the work your wife does. That was a great suggestion. Media can be a little pricey but close by is Brookhaven and you could certainly get a modest single home there for 180 or less. School district there is Penn-Delco.
From the Brookhaven/Parkside area there is close access to 95 which would put you up into Philly in 15 minutes (minus traffic).

[philly76er]

if you are an artist you want to be in the city...I'm not sure if you'll be able to buy a place for 180, that might be a little low. I would try to rent a place in Northern Liberties or the Art Museum district. you should check out listings on craigslist.com.

If you aren't familiar with the city I would recommend renting something in one of those areas for a year. Those are both 'arty' areas and they both have access to public transportation, which you could utilize to get to the areas you mentioned.

I lived downtown for 5 years, so I know the city pretty well. PM me if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help if I can. Good luck, you will love philly...it is a great city with lots to do

[JerzBoy]

Mount Laurel, NJ would be your best option. There are many condos in the 150k-200k range. Wegman's is right down the street. You are very close 15min to center city Philly. Easy access to NYC via NJ Turnpike or Mt. Laurel Bus Station. Close to major highways without having to go through the dreaded schuyskill expwy.

[Noni19468]

I'd suggest checking out Phoenixville. It's a great artsy area and Chester County has great opportunities for your wife.

[sbg42]

Originally Posted by JerzBoy

Mount Laurel, NJ would be your best option. There are many condos in the 150k-200k range. Wegman's is right down the street. You are very close 15min to center city Philly. Easy access to NYC via NJ Turnpike or Mt. Laurel Bus Station. Close to major highways without having to go through the dreaded schuyskill expwy.

Mt. Laurel really is a good bet. You can also try Marlton. It is right next to Cherry Hill and you can get a townhouse for close to your price range. There is a nice development behind the Barnes and Noble on Route 70 (old marlton pike). My sister lives there and she loves it.