About to move to the area (Levittown, Washington: real estate, condos, rental)

[eley]

Hi, my wife and I will VERY soon be moving to the Yardley area. We are looking to rent a house, and in a few months once we get to know the area we would like to start thinking about purchasing. Can someone recommend me a good way to find rentals in the area? also, what's a reasonable rent for a 2/2 with a fenced yard?

[TracySam]

Happen to be looking at the newspaper right now. Most rentals in Yardley are condos for rent, $1000-2000 per month plus utilities. There is one townhouse 2 BR, 2 1/2 bath, 1600+ utilities.
No actual houses for rent in Yardley listed at this time, but that doesn't mean there aren't any. They will definitely be more expensive.

Most realtors in this area handle rentals as well as sales.
Check some of the major real estate firms in this area: They all have websites. The zip code is 19067.
Re/Max (or is it Re/Maxx?)
Prudential: Fox & Roach
Keller Williams
Coldwell Banker - Hearthside
Long and Foster

Also, sometimes rentals get listed on Realtor.com. I just checked there and there are 22 lisings, but many are in nearby Morrisville, not Yardley (same zip code).

[eley]

Well, actually I think Morrisville would also work for us, is there any other place in the vicinity that you would recommend? The thing with us is that we have a large dog, so a patio or a yard would be REALLY good ot have, even at the expense of a bathroom.

[TracySam]

Check with the realtor groups I listed. I know that many landlords renting out homes have strict pet limitations.

With Morrisville, there are nice areas, and not so nice areas. Careful in any section that's very close to apt complexes.

PM me if you'd like me to send you some of the classified ads in the paper. There are a bunch in Mo'ville between 1000-1500, but you'd have to find out what street they're on and maybe do a drive-by if you are nearby.

You may want to look at Langhorne or Newtown too. Not sure of your price range, or school district needs.

[littlefamily]

We are also in the process of moving back to the area and have found several potential rentals on Craig's List.

We have dogs and have found that individuals that rent are usually more receptive to at least considering the dogs, rather that rental that are managed through a larger company.

Hope that helps and good luck finding a place!

Laura

[eley]

So let me ask, what areas should I avoid?

[TracySam]

If you're talking Lower Bucks, you'll probably want to avoid:

Bristol
Bensalem (except very few sections)
Parts of Morrisville
Most of Levittown
Parts of Langhorne
Penndel
Parts of Holland
Parts of Falls Twp.



These are generally good:

Yardley/Lower Makefield
Upper Makefield
Newtown (Boro & Twp)
Washington Crossing

I'm sure a bunch of people will jump in now and saw I'm being a snob, but use your own judgement.

[eley]

Well, since we're planning on buying something within a year or so, I would like to keep the rent at around $1000, is this realistic for what I'm looking for?

[TracySam]

Basically it looks like if you want a yard, the rent will be higher, unless you choose a non-"preferred" town.

If you want to stick to $1000, it'll be a condo, no yard, and more likely to have no-pet rules.

[mirancs8]

$1,000 is tough but who knows. I agree check out Craigs list for rentals you might find a good deal. Plus with people wanting to sell their homes you might find one that after a year of renting the owner may be willing to sell to you if you are interested in it.

Good luck!