If you could live ANYWHERE in PA..... where would you choose? (Philadelphia: rent, to buy)

[Pilot1]

I have always loved Chester County for its rolling hills, lush wooded areas and wonderful history.

[enwalker]

I´ve chosen PA as my future state reading this forum (I´m from Brazil). And after reading a loooooooooot about this state, Bucks Conty - Newtown/Yardley it´s first on my list. I didn´t read anything bad about it, maybe some traffic problems in rush time. I´m looking for a place that my son can play outside safe, good schools and a good city life near (30 to 40 min) . Bucks Community College has a pastry chef course that my wife wants to study. The downside it´s that the cost of living there it´s not that low, but reading about NJ, Boston and NYC costs it´s not THAT high.... A good 2br/2bth townhouse it´s U$ 1.600 to rent and 350k to buy. I will be travelling to PA on november to do a good research in the area and to know the entire state (Pittsburgh, Scranton, Lower Merion etc) but I think the winner will be Newtown! One other good thing about Newtown is, that NYC it´s 1:30h or maybe a little more.

[StuckPA]

Well I don't think I would CHOOSE to live in PA after this,but I've lived mostly in the eastern half of the state from WilkesBarre all the way down to Philly.
The place I had the most peace was in Bangor,between Easton & Stroudsburg.

[kelb]

Lower Merion etc) but I think the winner will be Newtown!

Consider Yardley or Langhorne as an alternative to Newtown. We moved here last year and chose Yardley. We love it.
Newtown is one exit closer to the city, but that is the only real advantage. Newtown is beautiful, but crowding and traffic are serious issues.
Yardley is a jewel. No traffic, right on the river, and we even have a train station that gets us into center city. Like many Yardley residents, we can walk to the station. It is also about a ten minute drive to the Trenton station, and from there you can take a NJ Transit train into NYC for $11.
Ten minutes in another direction gets you into the Oxford Valley Mall area, with tons of shopping and restaurant choices, and Sesame Place to boot!
When you arrive to do your research, stroll Main St in Yardley. Sit out back at Starbucks and enjoy pretty Lake Afton. Have a great burger for lunch at the Continental Tavern. Make the ten minute drive to Washington's Crossing Park and Bowman's Hill for a happy history lesson, then motor another five minutes into New Hope, park your car, and stroll the art and shopping enclave that draws people from all over the world. If you can stay for Dinner, find your way back along the river to the Yardley Inn and ask for a table with a river view. By the time you are ordering dessert and coffee, you will realize that you have found home.

[enwalker]

Wow! I´ll definitely do all that! If you have more tips of what to do in this region please tell me. We´ll have a lot of time to travel and that it´s exactly the kind of research I want to do. Thanks a lot!

[Mimifio]

What about Delaware County?

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Mimifio

What about Delaware County?

Delaware County has clearly defined tiers as you move from east to west.

Extreme eastern, southeastern Delco which were industrialized towns has seen better days.Most of Delaware County however is either middle or upper middle class with the latter being more prevalent the further WNW you go. From RT 420 WNWard you have the same high quality of life as Chester,Montgomery and Bucks County. The Philadlephia border towns of Delaware County put a hurting on the economic stats for Delaware County.As is its still the 4th wealthiest county in PA behind Chester/Mont/Bucks.

Ridley Creek State Park in Media, Delaware County.

15 miles from Center City. 20-25 minute drive non rush hour.A 20 minute drive from Midtown Manhattan might get you to Jersey City if you are lucky.

photo courtesy of flickr.

[JMadison]

Crestmont would be good. Lots of diversity and an urban feel.

[tremontpa]

I would live in the mountainous western Schuylkill County. With the lush green mountains, crisp rocky streams, and historic little towns it is a dream location.

[john_starks]

Philly - that's the furthest in PA i'll ever live..