kid-friendly suburb near childrens hospital (Philadelphia, Chester: for sale, real estate, houses)

[rhe]

I'm looking to move back to PA however, I need to be near the children,s hospital. I don't want to live in the city, so the closest family-friendly suburb is what I need. I used to live in Stroudsburg but then moved to NJ to be closer to the NYC hospitals. The costs are rediculous and the taxes are killing us, so if anyone has any idea where we could get a home in a quiet neighborhood with a good school district, and within reasonable distance to the hospital, I would appreciate your input.

[newmarlig]

Ardmore, Wynnewood or Narberth would be fine. Excellent schools, among the top in the country. You could take the R5 train to 30th Street (about a 15-20 minute ride) and walk from there to the hospital.

[cmk79]

I'll concur on the closer in parts of Lower Merion (Wynnewood, Narberth) and maybe Bala Cynwyd. But definitely Lower Merion Township and not Haverford Township which is a bit on the proverbial wrong side of the tracks.

[rainrock]

There are some very nice towns in Delaware County as well to add to your options.

Marple+ Broomall- good school district
Havertown-good school district
Springfield- good school district
Media- superior school district

[orrmobl]

I think "wrong side of the tracks" is a bit much...one side of the town is more desirable as I think they go to Haverford schools...but Havertown is definitely a place to check out.

As for schools...Radnor, Lower Merion, Wallingford, and Media are the best close by.

[orrmobl]

I think "wrong side of the tracks" is a bit much...one side of the town is more desirable as I think they go to Haverford schools...but Havertown is definitely a place to check out. I personally think Ardmore is dumpier looking than Havertown...

As for schools...Radnor, Lower Merion, Wallingford, and Media are the best close by with Radnor and Lower Merion being the snootiest.

Springfield and Haverford are also very good and less snooty.

Tredyffrin schools are the best in the area...

Great Valley, Garnet Valley then West Chester and Downingtown are also top notch schools but further out...

[mc70chev]

What is the price point you are looking for?

All the areas listed above are very nice, family friendly areas. They are all just a short commute to the hospital. You will struggle to find anything for less than 300K with some lovely taxes in that area.

[Cato the Elder]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Ardmore, Wynnewood or Narberth would be fine. Excellent schools, among the top in the country. You could take the R5 train to 30th Street (about a 15-20 minute ride) and walk from there to the hospital.

They would be more than fine - overkill, in fact, for some people.

The more convenient towns would actually be those on the R3 Septa line, not the R5. This is because the R3 stops at the University City stop, literally a stone's throw from CHOP. Media and Swarthmore are two nice towns on the R3. In general, most towns once you leave the city are nice along the R3.

[rhe]

Thank you all so much..and I'm glad you asked my price point, as I must have forgot to mention that before. I only have a 220k max and I'm a single mom, so I'd rather not go with a fixer-upper or one of those ancient houses I've been seeing on the market. Also, I need to be close to the hospital because I have medically fragile children, so I'm not so sure the train would be a suitable way of transportation if the situation arises whereas I need to get there. I was hoping for an easy drive in, maybe 15-20 min tops. Is that possible...and still live in a nice suburb????? Unless, there is a good smaller hosital inbetween that I can rely on for emergency basis, that could help get us out further into the suburbs...it would really need to be a good hospital though. Most of our specialists would be coming out of the Philadelphia Children's hospital though. Any help would be appreciated and thank you again for your advice.

[newmarlig]

Ardmore (20 minute) drive

beautifully renovated 4 bedroom twin walk to R5! (broken link)

And while not the suburbs, Roxborough would be a good safe area for you and is about 15 minutes away from the hospital.

philadelphia craigslist > > real estate for sale: search for "roxborough" (broken link)

The only thing about Roxborough, be sure you are in the Cook-Wissahickon school catchment. Otherwise, you might want to consider parochial school.

Best of luck to you.