Moving from Pittsburgh- job in Fort Washington (Philadelphia, Bethlehem: house, neighborhood)

[soccer443]

Hi I'm a new mom and my husband just got a job in Fort Washington (near 309 and the turnpike). We're looking for a house in the area, thinking maybe Oreland or Flourtown. A friend of mine from college (Pitt) is from Springfield (and told me to specify Montgomery); she has good things to say about it, but says theres some shifty characters around. Does anybody know anything about it and if it's good to raise a family there?

[maf763]

Springfield Montco includes much of Oreland and Flourtown. The Springfield School District is a good one and many people like that it is not as big as some of the other districts around. I'm not sure what your friend means about shifty characters, I don't see that at all. It is a good place for families. There is a wide range of housing prices - you can search in zip codes 19031 and 19075.

There's a recent thread on Oreland last updated a few days ago.

[Ohiogirl81]

LOL, there are shifty characters everywhere.

Oreland and Flourtown are great. I'd live there myself if I could afford it.

[kelb]

I think I may actually be a shifty character. LOL.

I've been helping my daughter find housing in the Ft. Washington area. You are lucky to be going there - great housing and lots of inventory on the market right now. Be picky!
I would encourage you to stay very close to the work location. Why opt into a longer commute?
Also look for homes near the Ft Washington or Oreland train stations, so you get the added benefit of a quick train trip into center city when you want to head there.
You will love Montgomery County!

[kelb]

Almost forgot. When you are house hunting, be sure to stop by Scoogi's on Bethlehem Pike in Flourtown for dinner or drinks. Terrific food, friendly staff, and they serve absolutely the largest martinis in the Philadelphia market!!

[mockingbird3296]

I just moved to Oreland without kids and find myself the odd man out! There are kids EVERYWHERE!!! Families here are well-established, wide-ranging in age, and even interrelated. This seems to be a town where people come back generation after generation to raise their own families. It's incredibly safe (and I'm coming from the Midwest!) and, with the train and 309, super convenient to everywhere. Also, my understanding is that the Upper Dublin school district (half the town) is one of the best in the area, the Springfield school district (the other half) isn't half-bad, and that the local parochial school is nicely local and family-oriented. Unlike Flourtown (where I also considered movg), I would say Oreland is much more of a neighborhood, with less major roads (only one parallel to the train line) and more streets without sidewalks and full of basketball nets. Seems like a GREAT place to raise a family!

[veejayy]

Originally Posted by soccer443

Hi I'm a new mom and my husband just got a job in Fort Washington (near 309 and the turnpike). We're looking for a house in the area, thinking maybe Oreland or Flourtown. A friend of mine from college (Pitt) is from Springfield (and told me to specify Montgomery); she has good things to say about it, but says theres some shifty characters around. Does anybody know anything about it and if it's good to raise a family there?

How are yuns doing?? Did you red up the house yet? Ha, ha- lived in Pgh for 5 years and know the dialect. You will love the area. I loved Pgh. but also like this area too. Great to raise a family. Much better weather than Pgh. And the spectacular beauty of Pgh. exits here too. The Poconos are wonderful this time of year. Warning- do not wear your Steeler colors to Eagles games- fans are much tougher here than in Pitt. Welcome and good luck!!

[ajb842]

Definately a nice area. I think someone mentioned to check out area codes 19075 and 19031. Also check out 19038, but specify Springfield school district as that zip includes other areas as well. Fort Washington is beautiful with some nice parks and shops. Also, there's nearby Dresher which you may like. Check out Upper Dublin school district. I lived in Upper Dublin years ago and it's a nice, safe, family oriented area. A little more upscale, so maybe housing prices are expensive, but if you can swing it I think you would like it. I played in many softball leagues and basketball teams for the township and had a blast.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by mockingbird3296

I just moved to Oreland without kids and find myself the odd man out! There are kids EVERYWHERE!!! Families here are well-established, wide-ranging in age, and even interrelated. This seems to be a town where people come back generation after generation to raise their own families. It's incredibly safe (and I'm coming from the Midwest!) and, with the train and 309, super convenient to everywhere. Also, my understanding is that the Upper Dublin school district (half the town) is one of the best in the area, the Springfield school district (the other half) isn't half-bad, and that the local parochial school is nicely local and family-oriented. Unlike Flourtown (where I also considered movg), I would say Oreland is much more of a neighborhood, with less major roads (only one parallel to the train line) and more streets without sidewalks and full of basketball nets. Seems like a GREAT place to raise a family!

This is funny, and Oreland does have the reputation as a place that does not change. I think it's because the train tracks, the Turnpike, and 309 all kind of meet/intersect in Fort Washington, so the part of Oreland that's immediately east of 309 is somewhat cut off from everywhere else. Pennsylvania Avenue is being improved so that you will not need to get on 309 and get off again to get from Fort Washington to Oreland.

Upper Dublin SD is one of the best in the region.

Also, I think once the Turnpike/309 work is completed, that area will have that much more appeal, becuase right now, 309 is a dinosaur of a highway.