Live within walkable distance of train station or 10-15 minutes away (Philadelphia: condo, how much)

[vish87]

Hi,

I am planning to buy a townhouse and would like to understand opinion of folks here regarding whether it is better to live within walkable distance to a train station or 10-15 minutes away.

The train stations I am considering are: Paoli, Malvern, Exton and Downingtown.

I am also looking at overall trends in american psyche regarding car vs public transportation (commute), socio-economic aspects of living closer to train station vs farther, school zones, pedestrian/bike access, etc.
All these aspects impact the appreciation of the value of the property through the years, etc.

When are you moving? Dec 2018
Where are you coming from? Lancaster PA
Why are you moving? New Job
Where will you be working? Philadelphia and wife at West Chester
Have you been here yet? Yes

Will you buy or rent? Rent initially
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? Townhouse or SFH, 250k-450k

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married, no kids.
Do you prefer public or private schools? N/A
Do you have pets? Yes
Do you want or need a yard? No
Are you keeping a car? Yes 2.
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Either

What do you want to be closest to?
Work Somewhat, if possible
Shopping Yes
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) It would be nice, I'm a fan of Whole Foods, day spas, movies Nightlife
Train or subway stations Yes, my employer provides a shuttle from the Malvern station and I love to travel so easy access to the airport would be nice

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Diversity.

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

Feel free to suggest areas of the city, specific properties, etc. as I appreciate any help you can provide!
I considered SFH in Phoenixville, ATWater Townhomes by NVHomes and Paoli Walk Townhomes by Bentley Homes.

I can see all train stations are being rebuilt and modernized. Becoming more pedestrian friendly, so hoping if staying closer, will get walkable pavements to the station from the townhouses eventually.

[1ondoner]

Sounds like you'll be working at Malvern (NOT Philadelphia) and your wife in West Chester.

If this is the case, I would forget about all this business about living close to a train station. Both of you can drive to work. You don't have to use the train just because your employer provides a shuttle from Malvern station.

It would be nice to live close to a train station but that would be for other reasons other than commuting to your workplace in Malvern.

Of all the cities you mentioned, Phoenixville might be the most affordable but also the least favorable.

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

Sounds like you'll be working at Malvern (NOT Philadelphia) and your wife in West Chester.

If this is the case, I would forget about all this business about living close to a train station. Both of you can drive to work. You don't have to use the train just because your employer provides a shuttle from Malvern station.

It would be nice to live close to a train station but that would be for other reasons other than commuting to your workplace in Malvern.

Of all the cities you mentioned, Phoenixville might be the most affordable but also the least favorable.

^^^^^This, and Phoenixville has no Regional Rail access if that is still a desire, but you don't need it to commute to Malvern, or West Chester.

[chessimprov]

Newtown Square will have a Whole Foods this fall. So, you might find something around there, and that might be central enough between Philly and West Chester.

[vish87]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

Sounds like you'll be working at Malvern (NOT Philadelphia) and your wife in West Chester.

If this is the case, I would forget about all this business about living close to a train station. Both of you can drive to work. You don't have to use the train just because your employer provides a shuttle from Malvern station.

It would be nice to live close to a train station but that would be for other reasons other than commuting to your workplace in Malvern.

Of all the cities you mentioned, Phoenixville might be the most affordable but also the least favorable.

Thanks 1onder. I will be working in Philadelphia not Malvern. My employer provides shuttle from the suburban station.

[1ondoner]

In this case you want to live as close to the train station as possible. Paoli would put you close to King of Prussia.

Originally Posted by vish87

Thanks 1onder. I will be working in Philadelphia not Malvern. My employer provides shuttle from the suburban station.