Which suburb is (relatively) the most friendly, down-to-earth? (Philadelphia, Doylestown: for sale, house)

[mom9410]

Hi. I have read other posts stating that Philadelphia might not be the easiest for outsiders, but I was wondering if there might be some suburbs that seem a little friendlier, more welcoming than others?
Thanks!

[ooodsie]

It's been discussed in prior posts if you want to search in greater detail, but I am partial to bucks county - specifically Yardley, Newtown & Doylestown. These are VERY friendly neighborhoods - not a lot of chain stores/fast food, good school systems, nice homes, larger yards, quiet neighborhoods, not a ton of busy roads but yet easy access from I-95. About 20-30 min commute to center city Phila.

[LMR422]

I have lived in Mercer County, NJ and near Denver, CO - we have been in Bucks County for six years now and we LOVE it here. Never ever wanted to leave Colorado, but we had to - fast forward to now and we want to live NO WHERE else. Unfortunately, finances may have us moving but we won't go too far. Maybe an hour or so up into the Poconos.

Doylestown is great, Central Bucks schools are wonderful.

[orrmobl]

Wallingford and Swarthmore are the friendliest places I've house hunted. Next would be Media and Chadds Ford, specifically the Red Bridge Farms development...

[solibs]

Collingswood.

[mom9410]

Thank you for the responses! I appreciate the help.

I know, I know, I am asking a lot of one little suburb, but in addition to being friendly, I really want people that are not snobby about material items. Basically, I am trying to escape the Land o' Lexus (aka Long Island).

Are any of these place that it is exceptable to drive a minivan, wear Gap jeans, and shop at Target?

Now, just to be more impossible, I do have another criteria... My husband will have to return to NY for business on a reguar basis, so closer to NY would be better.

And, just one more more question (sorry!), I know people write the "Northeast" section of Philadelphia. Could someone please give me very specific towns which that area would include? I am guessing it is Yardley, Newtown?

Thanks again!

[juniperbleu]

I think for those 3 things above, try Bucks County. I have a lot of relatives there who do just that (minivan, jeans, Target). As for NY, it's on the northern side, and isn't a long drive to either Trenton (and then take the train) or drive all the way up. I know several up there who commute up to near NYC daily.

The Northeast is the northeast corner of the city. Think of it as a 'Y', and it's the upper right branch. Neighborhoods up there would include Lawndale, Rhawnhurst, Tacony, Fox Chase, Bustleton, or Torresdale. I don't think any suburban towns are typically included.....maybe Neshaminy, but I think that's only because that was the mall all my NE friends went to.

[GMonkey]

I would say Media, then Swarthmore, then Wallingford. If you are working in Center City, they are also a very easy commute. Wallinford and Swarthmore are a slightly easier commute, but it's not like Media is a great distance.

People are very friendly and laid-back. These burbs are upper-middle class with outstanding school districts and the homes are not nearly as expensive as the mainline suburbs. The taxes do tend to be a bit higher than the other burbs, but I think that it balances out with the bargain in home prices, shorter commute, and that private schools are unnecessary.

[mom9410]

Oops! I meant to "acceptable" rather than "exceptable." I guess I have another criteria to add my list of demands; they can't hold bad grammar against me!

Thank you for all the input. It is easy to research homes available for sale, but harder to really get a feel for a town just from the internet. I really value the honest opinions.

We really just want a different quality of life. We are taking a big hit financially from the downturn of the economy, and NY is just not really an option if we want to live within our means.

We really enjoy many of the things in Philly (e.g. Please Touch, Benjamin Franklin Institute, Rodin museum, art museum, etc...). We also like to go in for concerts or festivals or a show, so we do want some accessibility to the city, but not necessarily on a daily basis.
My husband will mostly be working for home, so a commute into Philadelphia isn't an really an issue. However, he will have to return to NY on a semi-regular basis, so the commute to NY is actually more of the issue.

For us, having more space is a priority. Not to be showy, but just for the room. We have 3 loud and rambunctious kids. We want room for them to run around, invite friends over, and have space for their way-too-many toys. We would love room for a pool, swingset, and grill.

I don't think NJ suburbs will be an option for us financially since our paycheck will still be from a NY company, rather a PA based on.

I am sorry this is so long. Thank you all again for the help. I appreciate all the suggestion.

[mirancs8]

I live in Delaware county and Montgomery county and both are very good places to live. If you stay away from the Mainline area you be OK.