Renting in Narberth? (Philadelphia, Ardmore, Lansdowne: fit in, transplants, apartments)

[pphillipp]

My partner and I will be relocating from NYC to Philadelphia soon and, unhappy with many of the housing choices within Philly, started looking in the 'burbs. By sheer chance (we don't know the area at all) we heard about Narberth, and liked what we heard/saw/read.

Trouble is, we've found very few rentals in the area that fit our needs - in fact, very few options, period. We need a 2-bedroom, and want to stay below $1300/month.

So, does anyone have any resources for finding an apartment in the area? We've used Craig's List, roxreview.com (a local Philly paper), and mainlinetimes.com, and have called a couple of the brokers associated with ads on Craig's List. So far, no luck.

We're also open to suggestions about comparable areas. I do need to be close to Regional Rail service, as I'll be commuting to UPenn a few times a week (and don't want a horribly long commute). Also, we're a male-male couple, so probably wouldn't be a great fit in a very conservative community. Other than that, we would just like someplace quiet, safe, and friendly.

Thanks in advance.

[orrmobl]

Bryn Mawr and Ardmore would be a good fit. Lansdowne, Swarthmore and Media would be a great fit. Check realtor.com they have a Rental tab.

[pphillipp]

Thanks. I wondered about Ardmore, but know nothing about it. Any input - anyone? Positive or negative is fine.

[orrmobl]

It racially diverse so I'm assuming people are fairly tolerant of everyone, unlike, say Havertown. I just found a websited called hotpads.com - you should check it out as well...

[pphillipp]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

It racially diverse so I'm assuming people are fairly tolerant of everyone, unlike, say Havertown. I just found a websited called hotpads.com - you should check it out as well...

Meaning Havertown is...uptight?

I'll check out hotpads.com - and thanks.

[orrmobl]

Its an all American homogenous white middle class Catholic type town. They like people who are like them and don't like people who aren't. At least that's what I read on here...being from Delco and knowing the area and the people pretty well, my friends and family included, I'd say the assessment is accurate...

[vizanje]

Originally Posted by pphillipp

Thanks. I wondered about Ardmore, but know nothing about it. Any input - anyone? Positive or negative is fine.

I'd agree with orrmobl...if you aren't like them then you aren't one of them. The whole mainline is somewhat conservative when it comes to anything alternative. I've just moved here, we love the area since we have kids, but we are really city people (Manhattan for 20 years) and the area is very suburban in feel. We kinda stand out...but who cares..

[KLRenard]

Originally Posted by pphillipp

My partner and I will be relocating from NYC to Philadelphia soon and, unhappy with many of the housing choices within Philly, started looking in the 'burbs. By sheer chance (we don't know the area at all) we heard about Narberth, and liked what we heard/saw/read.

Trouble is, we've found very few rentals in the area that fit our needs - in fact, very few options, period. We need a 2-bedroom, and want to stay below $1300/month.

So, does anyone have any resources for finding an apartment in the area? We've used Craig's List, roxreview.com (a local Philly paper), and mainlinetimes.com, and have called a couple of the brokers associated with ads on Craig's List. So far, no luck.

We're also open to suggestions about comparable areas. I do need to be close to Regional Rail service, as I'll be commuting to UPenn a few times a week (and don't want a horribly long commute). Also, we're a male-male couple, so probably wouldn't be a great fit in a very conservative community. Other than that, we would just like someplace quiet, safe, and friendly.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I moved to Narberth from Center City Philly for my daughter and I was not happy about it...I'm not a suburbanite. Narberth is loaded with city transplants who had to leave the city for various reasons but weren't interested in a "don't-know-your-neighbors, drive the SUV everywhere" lifestyle. It isn't conservative by any means...it used to be but those residents are going the way of the dinosaurs. The elementary school my daughter attends (Belmont Hills) is extremely diverse- the families come from countries all over the earth, there are many different religions, and there are also families with two moms as well as those w/ two dads. It is not the same as Havertown which is as the others described- and Havertown isn't the Main Line either. Merion/Merion Station is diverse, Narberth is extremely diverse and even leaning towards funky at times, and another funky diverse spot is Bryn Mawr. All three of these towns have a train station used heavily by residents; only Merion doesn't have a "town" of sorts b/c it is mainly residential, but sections are within easy walking distance to Narberth.

There are rentals in Narberth in your price range- craigslist is a good source as is mainlinetimes.com- look under homes and enter "Montgomery County", then "Narberth." You can also look by township/school district and choose "Lower Merion"- that will give you Narberth, Bryn Mawr, and Merion. Right now the selection is weak- it's extremely popular to live here and the prices are higher than surrounding neighborhoods. There are apt complexes which are priced extremely reasonably and include most utilities just outside of Narberth yet still within walking distance- if you don't need to worry about being in a particular elementary school zone then you can look at apartments which are considered to be in Wynnewood (like WIN-wood) but are on the edge of Narberth.

Finally, what I have noticed after living here several years (and currently looking to move b/c my apt is just too expensive)- so many rentals in Narberth are never listed anywhere. They are found by driving around and looking for signs on lawns. These are often the best finds- small landlords with nice properties, reasonably priced. Those signs don't stay up long! People don't want to be inundated with calls- the places rent so quickly!! I missed out on an adorable little townhouse recently that was recently renovated w/ new systems, cute little yard, quiet little street, porch, new kitchen, etc...it was gone on the first day it was shown!! $1200. Arghh!!

Good luck- hope that I helped.

[niceguy19125]

I agree that Narberth is a great choice as well, but the rental market is quite tight. Have you considered Collingswood in New Jersey? It has a similar vibe, very easy access to the Philly via the PATCO rail line and a very diverse community with a sizable gay presence.