Montgomery vs Bucks county? (Jenkintown, Dublin: apartment, renting, movers)

[ny2paq]

Could someone tell me any difference between the two counties if any? We are moving to Philly next fall and need to narrow down some towns. Good Schools, safety etc...
We are a Jewish(non-practicing family) btw.

We prefer only towns north of Philly(not west or south).

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by ny2paq

Could someone tell me any difference between the two counties if any? We are moving to Philly next fall and need to narrow down some towns. Good Schools, safety etc...
We are a Jewish(non-practicing family) btw.

We prefer only towns north of Philly(not west or south).

Montco's suburbs tend to be denser and older, especially those immediately North and West of the city.

There are a lot of great areas to choose from in both counties. I would recommend filling out the prospective movers' form so that we can better help you out.

[ny2paq]

Thanks for the reply. Here is my prospective movers' form!

When are you moving? August
Where are you coming from? NYC
Why are you moving? Quality of Life Improvement/Children Will have better public schools etc...
Where will you be working? Not applicable because of travel schedule, but commute not an issue.
Have you been here yet? Only to Philly proper, not the burbs.

Will you buy or rent? Rent initially
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? NA
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? < $2000 per month
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? House/Townhouse

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married with 2 young children
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public(that's one reason for moving from NYC. We don't want to pay as if they are in college starting at such a young age.)
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? Yes
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Quiet, but not out in the woods. Close to shopping and activities preferably.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work NA
Shopping Somewhat Important
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) Important
Nightlife Not interested
Train or subway stations Not critical

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Doesn't matter but as stated in my initial post would like some Jewish population as we prefer to not be the only Jews in our neighborhood.

Coke or Pepsi? Selzter

[ElijahAstin]

Start with the Upper Dublin and Lower Moreland school districts in Montgomery County and Council Rock and Pennsbury in Bucks. Central Bucks is a great district as well, albeit a bit less Jewish than the other four.

[Angus215]

Agreed - the Lower Moreland area historically had a large jewish poplulation and may be within your price range

[BPP1999]

Some areas in Montgomery County that come to mind quickly are as follows:

Abington Township or Cheltenham Township (Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Jenkintown). All have decent-sized Jewish populations (at least 15%) and all north of the city. Taxes in Cheltenham are a little high but probably not by NYC standards. Both good school districts.

Upper Dublin Township - Excellent school district with a decent-sized Jewish population. Not quite as north of the city; more like northwest.

Also, Lafayette Hill, which is in the Colonial School District. Northwest of the city, good school, about 10-15% Jewish school population.

There are also communities in Bucks County which are more north of the city and less west, that have decent-sized Jewish populations. I'll let someone else mention those.

[templeu]

Agree with suggestions above. You might also look at Bala Cynwyd - part of the Main Line (Montgomery County PA). This area can be pricey, but schools are great and you're close to activity.

[ny2paq]

Great feedback! I sincerely appreciate it. Seems like a number of great choices truly.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by templeu

Agree with suggestions above. You might also look at Bala Cynwyd - part of the Main Line (Montgomery County PA). This area can be pricey, but schools are great and you're close to activity.

In addition to being pricey, the Main Line falls within the Western suburbs, which the OP specifically does not want.

[templeu]

Well, I did note that it is pricey...but Bala Cynwyd has a noted strong Jewish Community. But I did miss the preference for neighborhoods North of the city.