Wayne PA Ardmore PA (Drexel Hill, Springfield: apartment, school district, university)

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by leighland

So that leaves what? A pocket downtown and "East Philly", where ever that is? Chicago and NYC are much safer than Philly.

I did mention the areas that I felt were popular and safer further down in the paragraph that you quoted from me.

I don't have the time to research statistics on City-Data or elsewhere but I do believe that while Philly's challenges with crime have been highly publicized, New York and Chicago still have their issues as well. It's the reality of most larger cities with a diverse socioeconomic population. I simply used the other two cities as a "peer" comparison.

Scratch that: I just scrolled back and found Kelliott's link to crime comparisons between Philly and NYC. I also punched in Chicago for good measure. Going by those statistics, it does appear that NYC is handling its crime issues the best out of all three. Chicago does have higher rates than Philly in some categories.

But getting back to the topic of the thread: I'll reiterate my opinion that while no place is "perfect", Main Line towns like Wayne and Ardmore are about as insulated as you can get in the Philly metro.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Tone509

But getting back to the topic of the thread: I'll reiterate my opinion that while no place is "perfect", Main Line towns like Wayne and Ardmore are about as insulated as you can get in the Philly metro.

Yes the city and suburbs are night and day as far as crime rate is concerned.The further away from the city that you are then the less likely the chance of you becoming a victim of crime.Thats the sad reality of it.

That being said Center City is easily the most vibrant, exciting part of the metro.Its not for everybody to live but its a great place to visit and enjoy.And to be fair there are sections of Philadelphia where crime is not an issue eg Chestnut Hill,Mount Airy,Far Northeast,Packer Park.

Not too long ago NYC had 2200 murders a year and as of 5 years ago Chicago was known as the crime capital of america so there is hope and precedence that Philadlephia can get out of this cycle of violence.

[BPP1999]

Leighland is, generally, negative toward Philadelphia and this region, so I wouldn't pay too much attention to his/her comments.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by BPP1999

Leighland is, generally, negative toward Philadelphia and this region, so I wouldn't pay too much attention to his/her comments.

Fair enough but I've lived all over the country, in small town Kansas and big city Chicago with lots in between. I also have moved with family and all the needs a family has verses a single middle aged something with not familial responsibilities. I have a much better comparison of where Philly falls verses someone who has lived here all their life and took a vacation in another town. You should be angry that Philly hasn't cleaned up it's act.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by Tone509

.

Scratch that: I just scrolled back and found Kelliott's link to crime comparisons between Philly and NYC. I also punched in Chicago for good measure. Going by those statistics, it does appear that NYC is handling its crime issues the best out of all three. Chicago does have higher rates than Philly in some categories.

Exactly. And take a look at what crimes are worse in Philly. I'm telling you, that crime stats indicates that living in Philly metro is rough, not as safe as other cities its size. Chicago and NYC are bigger population and density wise. I mean, why don't you live in the Beltway? I wouldn't live there either.

Originally Posted by Tone509

.But getting back to the topic of the thread: I'll reiterate my opinion that while no place is "perfect", Main Line towns like Wayne and Ardmore are about as insulated as you can get in the Philly metro.

Main Line feels very safe. The only reason I'm in it verses the Great North East.

[BPP1999]

[b]

Originally Posted by leighland

Fair enough but I've lived all over the country, in small town Kansas and big city Chicago with lots in between. I also have moved with family and all the needs a family has verses a single middle aged something with not familial responsibilities. I have a much better comparison of where Philly falls verses someone who has lived here all their life and took a vacation in another town. You should be angry that Philly hasn't cleaned up it's act.

Absolutely you do, but other intangible qualities about each place totally bias what you say. Your comments, while I usually find interesting, have a very obvsious bias. You don't come off as someone who's trying to make a fair judgement.

I've heard this discussed on: Moderator cut: can't advertise competing sites Some ex-Chicagoan said that Chicago is corrupt but efficient, whereas Philadelphia is corrupt and inefficient.

Now that you live here, Leighland, you should write letters to your state politicians informing them that you're not a total moron and you're aware of all the corruption/patronage/self-interests that are hurting PA.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by BPP1999

[b]Some ex-Chicagoan said that Chicago is corrupt but efficient, whereas Philadelphia is corrupt and inefficient..

Wow! Thats perfectly expressed. I agree. YAY!
Have a good day BPP1999-Leigh

[Kelliott]

Leighland, I see that you live in Bryn Mawr. How do you like it there? Is that somewhere you would recommend someone moving to?

[leighland]

Originally Posted by Kelliott

Leighland, I see that you live in Bryn Mawr. How do you like it there? Is that somewhere you would recommend someone moving to?

Its very expensive here. Assume a 1750.00 per month rental. But its relatively quiet and really convenient to everything. There are a bunch of rentals on Montgomery Ave itself, mostly inhabited but older single Yuppies who work downtown or college kids. (go to apartment ratings dot com and put in zip 19010 to find apts).The R5 drops off in the middle of town, next to a bunch of banks and a fantastic library for kids (Ludington). There's an ACME walking distance and a little Giant owned specialty foodstore called FoodSource next door. And if you want a great Target, Its a 20 min. drive from the 495 Blue Route. The big mall King Of Prussia, is 20 min. away too. Now as BPP1999 put it so bluntly (East Coasters!). I am not an East coast person and I don't like the metro area but, you may Love it.
She would agree with me that The Main Line is its own thing and really there is nothing like it in the US (parts of Rhode Island, esp, Providence's East Side, are similar tho').

[orrmobl]

I have NEVER been impressed with Ardmore, maybe I've only seen the crappy sections but honestly Bryn Mawr is as close to the city as I'd consider living. And if the rents are significantly cheaper than say Bryn Mawr...there's a reason...crappy neighborhood, crappy neighbors, crappy apartments...there's got to be a reason...

As for crime, a good rule of thumb is to live at least 1 town away from the city limits, especially University City/West Philly/North Philly/Southwest Philly. And don't go jogging alone in the predawn hours or anywhere alone at night in the city - common sense nationwide these days, right? With a friend you'll be fine most places in the city regardless of the time of day.

I don't think the mainline rents are worth the price and I'd not recommend you move there when you can live in Delco. Yes, contrary to another poster's opinion, you will get much more bang for your buck, bigger apartment, just as close to the city, just as close to your sister, safe and with more local shopping, in Delco. I'd move to Drexel Hill or Springfield or Havertown or Broomall or Media if I were you...they're close enough to the city and Main Line and they have other towns that buffer them from West Philly/University City/North Philly. And the people will be much friendlier, trust me on this.

Good Luck!