Moving From DC to Philly but working in Wilmington. Would love suggestions (Philadelphia: hotel, house)

[Irish_Guy]

Hi All, myself and my wife are looking at moving to Philly from DC, where we have lived for two and a half years. Before that I was in Boston for 11 and before that Ireland! Mid 30's couple and no kids so I don't need to think about schools.
I am starting a new job in Wilmington in the new year but don't really want to live there. We checked out the Center City are of Philly and really liked it. We are looking to buy in that area or something similar.

Do people have any other suggestions on areas to live, that have a lot of bars, cafe, restaurants that are in walking distance and something where the commute to Wilmington won't be horrendous. We currently live just a short walk to Chinatown in DC and are really more urban.

Thanks for reading and suggestions are welcomed

[Mimidae]

I know you've vetoed Wilmington, but I can't help myself from putting in a small vote to check out the Trolley Square neighborhood, as long as you're checking out neighborhoods other than Center City. It's the younger, trendier neighborhood in town, there's a new gastropub that rivals any in Philly called Trolley Tap House, a not-terribly-cheesy American-Irish pub called Catherine Rooney's (I think it's owned by an actual couple from Ireland, though I could be wrong about that. It's better than your average 'O'Shenanigans!' faux Irish pub), there's a small 'speakeasy' type bar, a tequila bar, a historic bar called Logan House, and several other little bars. In the nicer part of the year it's an easy and pleasant walk into downtown. Wilmington has an arthouse movie theater (city funded), a World Cafe Live theatre (sister of the one in Philly), an opera house that books big names in music and comedy, several high-quality restaurants like Domaine Hudson, The Green Room at the Hotel DuPont (you get a discount if you're coming to work for DuPont!), a fringe festival that mirrors the one in Philly, a converted-barn music venue called Arden Gild Hall that books a lot of touring indie and world music groups, and it's an easy commute to Philly while also being closer to DC, Baltimore, Rehoboth Beach, and other nice Delaware beaches.

I know - it's not Boston, DC or Philly, but just keep an open mind. Wilmington doesn't completely suck as much as it used to.

[rainrock]

Nothing really comes close to Center City in regards to a vibrant urban place to live.

That being said West Chester and Media in PA might be worth a visit next time up. West Chester is the county seat to Chester County , its a college town so there is some solid energy there but its surrounded by countryside. Beautiful but somewhat isolated place to live. Approx 1/2 hour commute to Wilmington.

Media is the county seat to Delaware County Pa and has a nice vibrant albeit small downtown. Great location if you work in Wilmington and want to spend alot of time in Center City.

It may be a factor or may not be a factor for you but if you live in the city of Philadelphia(Center City) you will have to pay a Philadelphia city wage tax around 4%. Something to consider.

One last thing to mention is that Ridley Creek State Park sits between Media and West Chester .Awesome place if you are into hiking,bike riding etc etc..

[MikeNigh]

Are you able to get to your work by train?

[Irish_Guy]

Thanks for the info - my wife wants to be in the Philly area so we have more or less ruled out Wilmington

[Irish_Guy]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Nothing really comes close to Center City in regards to a vibrant urban place to live.

That being said West Chester and Media in PA might be worth a visit next time up. West Chester is the county seat to Chester County , its a college town so there is some solid energy there but its surrounded by countryside. Beautiful but somewhat isolated place to live. Approx 1/2 hour commute to Wilmington.

Media is the county seat to Delaware County Pa and has a nice vibrant albeit small downtown. Great location if you work in Wilmington and want to spend alot of time in Center City.

It may be a factor or may not be a factor for you but if you live in the city of Philadelphia(Center City) you will have to pay a Philadelphia city wage tax around 4%. Something to consider.

One last thing to mention is that Ridley Creek State Park sits between Media and West Chester .Awesome place if you are into hiking,bike riding etc etc..

Thanks for recommending these spots. I havent heard of them but will check them out for sure. The 4% savings is certainly something to take note of,

[Irish_Guy]

Originally Posted by MikeNigh

Are you able to get to your work by train?

Won't be able to use the train. Will have to drive to Greenville.

[Becca8377]

Originally Posted by Irish_Guy

Won't be able to use the train. Will have to drive to Greenville.

I have a friend that commutes to an area (can't remember where, somewhere in PA) that isn't serviced by train. He parks his car at the outlying train station, takes the train every day, and drives the rest of the way. He'll bring his car back on the weekends if he needs it. Could be another potential option for you since Greenville isn't too far from Wilmington.

[MikeNigh]

Originally Posted by Becca8377

I have a friend that commutes to an area (can't remember where, somewhere in PA) that isn't serviced by train. He parks his car at the outlying train station, takes the train every day, and drives the rest of the way. He'll bring his car back on the weekends if he needs it. Could be another potential option for you since Greenville isn't too far from Wilmington.

My wife used to do this too, for the wilmington area actually. Her work just has a bus for her now at the train station.

[pepita]

Nice areas to live in Center City:

Washington Square West
Gayborhood
Rittenhouse
Society Hill
Queen Village
Old City (If you want to be close to Chinatown)