Retiring to Philadelphia (Media, Narberth, Penn: houses, neighborhoods, living)

[Dinty]

My wife and I lived in West Philly in the 1980s, love the city and surrounding area, and may be retiring back in a year or two. What neighborhoods are still affordable, safe for retired folks, and not too suburban? Media is nice, as is Narberth, and the U of Penn area, but all three of these may be out of our housing price range. So what neighborhoods are walkable to shops and restaurants, safe, good public transportation into center city, friendly, and decent small houses in the $300-350K range. Extra points for artsy, funky, or community gardens. Thanks in advance.

[chessimprov]

Manayunk or maybe East Falls I am guessing.

[Maddie104]

If you are willing to live in the city, you might consider Mt. Airy. It is contiguous with Chestnut Hill, which is lovely, but Mt. Airy is considerably less expensive. I always thought Mt. Airy had a funky vibe. I think you would prefer West Mt. Airy. Not sure if you are aware but Philadelphia and surrounding areas have experienced a renaissance with single adults and retirees preferring urban neighborhoods and housing prices following suit.

https://www.phillymag.com/property/2...borhood-guide/

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by Maddie104

If you are willing to live in the city, you might consider Mt. Airy. It is contiguous with Chestnut Hill, which is lovely, but Mt. Airy is considerably less expensive. I always thought Mt. Airy had a funky vibe. I think you would prefer West Mt. Airy. Not sure if you are aware but Philadelphia and surrounding areas have experienced a renaissance with single adults and retirees preferring urban neighborhoods and housing prices following suit.

https://www.phillymag.com/property/2...borhood-guide/

Both East and West Mt Airy would be suitable: not totally car-centric, good range of local shops/restaurants, and served by two SEPTA rail lines (Chestnut Hill East, Chestnut Hill West). You would (arguably) get more for your housing $ in East Mt Airy.

And remember that once you hit 65 if you're a Philly resident you ride SEPTA for free(!)

[Maddie104]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

Both East and West Mt Airy would be suitable: not totally car-centric, good range of local shops/restaurants, and served by two SEPTA rail lines (Chestnut Hill East, Chestnut Hill West). You would (arguably) get more for your housing $ in East Mt Airy.

And remember that once you hit 65 if you're a Philly resident you ride SEPTA for free(!)

Good points; admittedly I am more familiar with West Mt. Airy -- the leafy areas below the cricket club and Chestnut Hill Academy.