Empty Nesters relocating to Philadelphia from Toronto

[shakerlady]

Hi Elizabeth,

My husband and I are empty nesters, too, and moved to Center City about a year and a half ago. We rented in a high-rise on Washington Square, and loved the excitement of the city. But when it came time to buy a home, we realized that we couldn't afford the kind of place we wanted.

We ended up moving two weeks ago to Bryn Mawr, to a condo (of all things!) We did not start out looking for a condo, but we found a place on a beautiful large former estate, with lovely views. We feel now that we chose the best of both worlds, because we are very close to the walkable, charming Main Line towns mentioned above, but we don't have to deal with lawn care, exterior maintenance, etc. And yet we have plenty of room for our kids and grands to visit when they can.

Valley Forge is about fifteen minutes from our area, and we are also very near the commuter train which my husband uses to get to his job in Center City. We hope to keep up our theatre and orchestra subscriptions, and maintain the city ties that we were able to form-- I think we'll be successful.

Just a thought and the hope that someone else might benefit from our experience. The Philly metro area is vast, and I'm sure you will find your perfect fit. Good luck!

[Elizabeth924]

Hi Shakerlady,

Thanks, it's so nice to hear from someone in the same situation as us. I'm a new empty nester and am still dealing with the emotional aspects of that let alone moving to another country! aaah. I'm looking at it positively though : )
I never thought I would consider a condo either, but there are some beautiful ones that I came across on my search, not like high rise condos. My only concern are the maintenance fees as that can change over time and increase? I don't know enough about that to say much though. We also have a golden retriever so that's another reason, as I need a place where I can just go out of my door and take him for a walk and some sort of a yard is also necessary even if it's small.

Sounds like Bryn Mawr is in the middle, between Center City and Valley Forge. I'll look it up.

Where did you move from if I may ask?

[shakerlady]

Hi Elizabeth,

I sent you a direct message-- look for it at the top right corner of this page.

Nancy