Looking at Society Hill/ Chestnut Hill for Hoboken transplants?? (Philadelphia: fit in, real estate)

[Hobokenkitchen]

Hello,
We are moving from Hoboken, NJ for a job. The job is in Ewing NJ. We are currently in the New Hope, PA area which I really like, but my husband finds too quiet.

We have looked at Yardley and Newtown which we like, but are also a bit on the small side having been used to the hustle and bustle of Hoboken.

We do like Chestnut Hill which seems to have a bit more going on than New Hope, but not sure if we will fit in.

We are both 30 somethings, no kids.

Husband will be commuting to Ewing, NJ - I would like to be as close as possible to Philly.

We like Society Hill a lot, but I'm not crazy about the Philly wage tax, and the 2% realty tax. Does anyone know if Chestnut Hill falls under the same rules?

Any other suggestions on where to look? Both Society Hill and Chestnut Hill are about 40 mins commute for husband. We don't want to be any further than that!
Does anyone have any comments suggestions?? Thanks!

[newmarlig]

Yes, Chestnut Hill is part of Philadelphia so the wage tax would apply. Both of those areas are excellent places to live. If you want to avoid the city wage tax, I would suggest going a bit further out than Chestnut Hill. Areas to consider would be Flourtown and Lafayette Hill. They are close to Chestnut Hill, but out of the city.

[margarets1]

the tradeoffs between chestnut hill and lafayette hill/flourtown are real estate taxes if planning on purchasing. chestnut hill being part of philadelphia county will be less than montgomery county. all are nice areas though.

[Hobokenkitchen]

Why do people call Chestnut Hill, 'City'? Isn't it a good 20 minutes out of the city itself? We noticed two train stations in Chestnut Hill. Does anyone know how long it takes to get into the city on the train?
Thanks!

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by Hobokenkitchen

Why do people call Chestnut Hill, 'City'? Isn't it a good 20 minutes out of the city itself? We noticed two train stations in Chestnut Hill. Does anyone know how long it takes to get into the city on the train?
Thanks!

It's outside of center city (which would include Society Hill), but within the Philadelphia city limits (which is fairly widespread). The train ride from the Chestnut Hill Station to
17th and Market is approximately 1/2 hour.

[Hobokenkitchen]

If we do choose Society Hill - how is i-95 LEAVING the city at about 7.45am? I guess it would be against traffic?

He would be coming back at about 5.30 - 6.30 coming into the city on i-95. Again against traffic flow?

Does anyone go that route? Or commute into the city on i-95 and see how the traffic is going the other way?

Appreciate the comments!

What does everyone think of Moorestown, NJ?? We are going to go check it out next weekend. Is it a bit like Chestnut Hill or smaller? We can't go smaller!

[newmarlig]

Moorestown is lovely. It was named as the best place to live in 2005 by Money Magazine. I live in center city and walk to work, so I can't comment on traffic.

[Tone509]

With I-95 stretching from Maine to Florida, there's always the chance for a freak accident that might affect your commute. But I believe there would be less traffic heading north from Society Hill. Most Delaware commuters probably get off in Center City so you shouldn't have to face too many of them. Also, I don't believe the suburban office park phenomenon is as advanced in Bucks County as other nearby counties so there should be less traffic for that reason as well.