Help...Want to Live in Philly but Commute to S. Jersey (Franklin: crime, safe area)

[kamccor]

I have an odd situation-- I'm relocating to Philly in several weeks for a new job, but the job is across the river in Sewell, NJ. I'd like to live in Philly so I'm not isolated in the suburbs. So I'll be commuting out of Philly over to South Jersey.

I've looked at the Chestnut Hill are near Germantown Ave because I love the atmosphere but I'm not sure how long the commute would be. Map quest says 45 minutes but I' don't know the traffic patterns to know if it would be much longer.

I'd love to live near Center City but have several concerns. Need a safe area since I'm a young female. Also need to have parking available so I can commute. Would like to have cafes, grocery and shops in walking distance.

Any recommendations/suggestions would be enormously appreciated. I'd especially love to know if Chestnut Hill would be too far of a commute.

Thank you!!!

[JerzBoy]

Chestnut Hill to NJ would be a brutal commute due to traffic patterns in the area. You would be MUCH better off living in Center City and commuting to NJ as you would hit almost no traffic. Center City has lots of safe neighborhoods w/ shops and cafes near by.

[JerzBoy]

Also, consider right across the river in Collingswood, NJ - its downtown has TONS of restaurants and cafes - a direct train line to Center City Philly (15min) and the parking situation will probably be a lot better.

[newmarlig]

Also check out Queen Village. It's a bit south, but you can easily walk into center city and you will be close to I-95 and either the Benjamin Franklin or Walt Whitman bridge.

[Sasssy]

Your situation isn't unusual at all -- many people live in Philly and work in S. Jersey and vice versa. I'd rule out Chestnut Hill because it's just too far. It's also very family-oriented, and you probably want to be in a more happening place. I lived in Center City when I was in my 20s (10 years ago) and while there's crime everywhere, I didn't have any problems. It's a quick commute to Jersey from there. I'd also recommend checking out the Northern Liberties section. It's just north of Center City, and it's an up-and-coming sort of artsy area. One of the bridges to NJ (The Ben Franklin Bridge? My mind is blanking) is RIGHT THERE, and the commute would be even easier. In fact, the bridge is so close that a few times while living in Northern Liberties I ended up in the wrong lane and ended up on the bridge and had to make a U-turn once I reached Jersey!

[mirancs8]

Take everyone's advice because the commute can be really bad. Day after day it can take a toll on you and it's just to much time on the road.

Good luck