Philly or burb relo for 40-ish woman reinventing her life (Ardmore: houses, neighborhoods)

[Hooper's Judge]

Hi, I am relocating to Philly leaving my old husband, house, and job behind. It will be me and the dogs. I don't know the area that well and appreciate any advice on neighborhoods I should focus on. I am looking for a charming older house/twin in the burbs or row home in the city. I need a backyard, downtown area with quaint shops, dining, nearby farmer's market, etc. I'd like to walk to the train in town and go directly to Center City, ideally in 20 min or less, but could go 30 min if I had to. My budget is $350-$450k... I prefer upscale but not snobby towns where I can meet and make new friends and where it is safe. All advice welcome. Thank you!

[orrmobl]

Media is it...

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by Hooper's Judge

Hi, I am relocating to Philly leaving my old husband, house, and job behind. It will be me and the dogs. I don't know the area that well and appreciate any advice on neighborhoods I should focus on. I am looking for a charming older house/twin in the burbs or row home in the city. I need a backyard, downtown area with quaint shops, dining, nearby farmer's market, etc. I'd like to walk to the train in town and go directly to Center City, ideally in 20 min or less, but could go 30 min if I had to. My budget is $350-$450k... I prefer upscale but not snobby towns where I can meet and make new friends and where it is safe. All advice welcome. Thank you!

I strongly recommend you look at the towns on the patco train line in South Jersey - Collingswood, Haddon Twp (Westmont), Haddonfield - upscale - could have a snob factor. It's only 10 minutes to center city, walk to the train, more access to the NE corridor, yard for the dogs, farmers markets, more to do, including restaurants and the Jersey shore. Collingswood is undergoing a major transformation and a great long term investment IMO. If you are willing to drive a short distance to the train, check out Haddon Heights, Voorhees and Cherry Hill. Excellent towns. Good luck.

[SXMGirl]

Media is a great little town, but I think Haddonfield might be the place for you. Media is the county seat of Delaware County. It has the train into Philly, trolley, and bus line. During the day it is a bustling town. There have been more restaurants coming into the area in recent years, but I remember when there was a nice selection of stores. They do have a Trader Joes and while not in walking distance, Booth's Corner is a large farmers market. The downside of Media, unless something has changed, is some of the areas have higher crime. Actually Moylan and Rose Valley might also work for you. But, I would definitely check out Haddonfield.

[kelb]

Check out Glenside, Jenkintown, and Ambler in Montgomery County. All have the walk to stores thing, and you can find a home within easy walking distance of a train station. If you want more of a small town feel head to Yardley in Bucks County.
Ambler might be the best. The downtown there has been on the upswing (some cool bars and restaurants, and a few shops), and the train station is right off Main St. Your budget will buy terrific housing there.
Good luck to you.

[bryson662001]

Narberth

[ooodsie]

in Bucks County you would enjoy Newtown or Yardley. in NJ you would enjoy Haddonfield/Collingswood.

[rainrock]

Wayne,Paoli,St Davids,Berwyn,Bryn Mawr,Haverford,Rosemont,Ardmore,Wynnewood.

Main Line

Good luck

[mltimes]

Don't discount moving into the city. Queen Village and Fairmount both have the farmers markets, dog friendly, quaint houses, price range, walk/septa to Center City that you are looking for.

[jeffmsilver]

I second the mltimes post. Mt. Airy, Germantown, Chestnut Hill, etc. are also options in the NW.