Artsy suburbs/neighborhoods with yards - doable for under $800 per person? (Reading: rentals, homes)

[Acornn]

Hey, y'all. Does this type of housing stock exist in/near Philly?

We're (partner, 80-pound dog, cat, me) considering moving to Philly in March 2024. We'll be renting for the foreseeable future. Do any Philly neighborhoods or Philly suburbs have non-cemented/grass backyards? Ideally bigger than 13x20, but please let me know what to expect or how to readjust expectations. Looking to pay 1700/month for housing, and roughly the same if roommates become a part of the situation.

Looking for an artsy town with easy transit links to Philly (i.e less than 70 minutes to Center City). Also hoping this town itself doesn't require a car to get around effectively.

We collectively have one car. I do not want to need to acquire another, but if needs must

[AshbyQuin]

Lititz, New Hope and West Chester

[thedirtypirate]

$1600 a month for a 1-br is going to be on the low end of the budget everywhere. $2000 a month will open a lot more doors

[Duderino]

This makes me think of a places like West Reading, Kutztown or Emmaus.

Great little towns with some walkability and a hipper/artsy vibe with a good number of smaller rowhomes that are more affordable than the immediate Philly area. You're not likely to find concrete back yards, either.

They all put you at about 70-80 minutes from Center City, give or take. You can drive to a far out regional rail station in all cases to take the train to Philly, as well.

Good luck!

[kyle19125]

I would recommend taking a look at Lancaster which has quite an artsy vibe and growing. The historic district has some good rental options in close proximity to the train station where you can catch frequent Amtrak trains into Philly for $18-$20 one way (the trip generally takes one hour and ten minutes).

https://www.zillow.com/lancaster-pa/...oom%22%3A14%7D

https://www.amtrak.com/tickets/departure.html