Is Manayunk right?? (Pittsburgh: houses, college, companies)

[untuchableface]

I will be making the move to Philly in next year or two from Chicago and am curious about the best place to live for me. Since we live in a city we want to have access to what the city offers, meaning we don't want to be 30 or more minutes away from the city. We are in our mid-20's and are planning on having children in the next 5-7 years. We also want to build a home rather than buy. We have heard a lot about Manayunk and that it is great for young professionals. Can you buy lots that aren't in the row house fashion? Meaning we could have a small driveway and small backyard?

Also, is this a neighborhood that is relatively child friendly? We don't need to be 100% family oriented but are there some children there?

Are there other areas that may be useful for us to look into?

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Stagger Lee]

You won't get a driveway and back yard in Manayunk. It is a very cool section, but it is very urban. It is one neighborhood built in Philly that goes up a hill. It feels like San Fran meets Pittsburgh with a Philly twist. If that makes sense at all. It is more of a young professional place then a family neighborhood. People that live in Philly will probably tell you more about it. I lived close to there for about 6 months.

[samsmith]

Manayunk is considered a cool place for college kids, mid 20s kids who like bars etc, it has a main street that is very chic and good for these kids. This is no place to raise your kids, this is a place for college going and 20 yr olds to live and hang around. Houses are poky, parking issues and I believe its a fad, overpriced houses. It will be a matter of time that the contruction companies/builders will have made their money and move away. Dont buy high, especially when you get soooo little for your money.

[phillybound]

you might want to consider east falls or roxbourgh

[passdoubt]

If you want a driveway you may want to look at a more suburban part of the city like the Northeast.

Or Roxborough, which has newer, more suburban areas, and is very close to Manayunk.