My mom moving to Philly (Philadelphia, Ardmore: real estate, car insurance, condos)

[commutingsucks]

I've read over other threads but would love some input from someone who knows the area on the specifics I'm looking for!

My mom (newly divorced and in her 50s) is moving to Philadelphia. She wants to buy a 3 BR rowhouse (or maybe a condo) for under $300K. Schools, etc. not important anymore, but she'd love somewhere with trees, a nice downtown, and a little "character" if that makes sense? GENERAL safety, rather than "just be on guard" safety is important because she's lived her entire life in the middle of nowhere so I'm not sure she'd know what that means Proximity to Center City is also nice.

I really appreciate any help! Thanks!

[RightonWalnut]

Trulia is the best website.

I included all areas I think would best fit your mother, given the requirements listed. Most of the places I included are in or border Center City. I also included some areas of the Northwest Section of the city because they are gorgeous and tree-lined neighborhoods.

http://www.trulia.com/for_sale/5766,...0_price/x_map/

[bryson662001]

You still aren't too specific about what she wants. Does she want to live in Center City and if so is a highrise ok? If not Center City then the best parts of Philly with the nicest people are in the far Northeast like 19154 and 19114. Does she have a lot of cash to invest in real estate? What is her income? Is she keeping a car? Will she need to look for work? Why is she choosing Philadelphia? What is her ethnic group?

[tom_567]

Philadelphia proper is doable, but rowhouses are going to be tough to come by at 300K. She will be limited mostly to condos in Old City and maybe smaller units in Center City proper. She may want to check out the Lumberyard condos in Collingswood, NJ or houses in Collingswood, NJ. Collingswood gets you much more house for your money and you have 15 minute 24/7 PATCO access to Center City. Downtown Collingswood has tons of restaurants and boutique shopping. It also has plenty of parking and affordable car insurance rates so you can easily keep a car for shopping, weekend getaways, or whatever.

Alternatively, in the city proper, she may be able to find something smaller just outside of the core in Graduate Hospital or expand her search south into some of the "up and coming" neighborhoods in South Philly. East Passyunk Square or maybe even a more quiet neighborhood like Marconi Park may do. The center of the city is very expensive. Small condos can be found in the 300 range, but they are very small, old, and may not be how your mom is used to living. My best advice is to visit in person.

[frankgn87]

I agree with Tom. Much more house for the $$ in Collingswood and safer then in the city too. Id rather see my Mom there..

[scosm]

Collingswood visitors bureau in full force today, I see

Originally Posted by tom_567

Philadelphia proper is doable, but rowhouses are going to be tough to come by at 300K.

I don't believe this statement is right. Maybe in Center City and some of the nearby neighborhoods like Queen Village and Graduate Hospital, but there are many nice areas in the city where you can buy 3 BR rowhomes for well under 300K.

[drive carephilly]

Originally Posted by scosm

there are many nice areas in the city where you can buy 3 BR rowhomes for well under 300K.

Exactly - this would include most of Mt. Airy.

[byoak]

You could find a few properties in Chestnut Hill. Nice walkable area not far from Center City Philadelphia.

[commutingsucks]

Thanks everyone! She is nervous about Center City, though I think she'd grow to love it. I'm driving her around there this weekend so she can see it, but I think she's better suited to a smaller place with access to Philly proper. She's choosing Philly somewhat at random but also because I'm likely relocating there for a job within the next year (I personally will be in Center City). She's wants to be in a diverse place (and I don't just mean racial diversity)-- she's somewhat of a hippie and looking for someplace fun after yeeeaaaarss of living in the middle of nowhere in the south. She's keeping a car but as long as there's street parking it's okay. No, she will not be looking for a job.

I will look into what was mentioned above but after a little research I'm also wondering about Wayne, Narberth, Gladwyne, Ardmore, or Bryn Mawr?

[tom_567]

Originally Posted by scosm

Collingswood visitors bureau in full force today, I see



I don't believe this statement is right. Maybe in Center City and some of the nearby neighborhoods like Queen Village and Graduate Hospital, but there are many nice areas in the city where you can buy 3 BR rowhomes for well under 300K.

You are correct. I misspoke - I meant the core. Rowhouses in the core are tough to come by at 300K. There are tons of neighborhoods outside of the core that you can get into for under 300K, many of which you mentioned and are safe; however, they are more distant from the core (e.g. Manayunk/Roxoborough, Greater NorthEast, etc.)