Compatable Neighborhood (Philadelphia, Washington, Plymouth: apartment, rent, how much)

[looking2moov]

Have been looking all over the country for a place to go! The boyfriend's a cook, and I will have my accounting degree in the spring. My aunt lives about an hour from Philly, so it seems like a reasonable destination, as we could stay with her until settled if needed.

When are you moving? Next spring/summer
Where are you coming from? Albany, NY
Why are you moving? Change of scenery
Where will you be working? Hopefully Philadelphia
Have you been here yet? No.

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? We would prefer a townhouse or duplex, ideally a single family (wishful thinking!). We would prefer to spend under or at $1000, but could swing up to a max of about $1500.
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? I prefer first floor living

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Practically married, no children for now
Do you prefer public or private schools? Nice public schools
Do you have pets? Yes!!
Do you want or need a yard? Yes, it would be ideal.
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Calm & quiet

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Train or subway stations (? if it makes commuting easier)

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
We don't really mind. Granted, we do not want to be the only whities on the block (although it could be interesting!).

Coke or Pepsi?
I like Pepsi, he likes Coke

[solibs]

hmmm . . . most of the best restaurant opportunities are in the city. Accounting jobs are everywhere (geographically speaking). There are a good restaurants in the 'burbs, too but you won't find them concentrated like you do here.

I'm going to say Roxborough (in the city) or Collingswood/Oaklyn, NJ

The reason I say Roxborough is because it's close to Manayunk (lots of restaurants) and there are lots of express buses to get to Center City (lots of restaurants) and it's easy access to the big job centers of KOP/Valley Forge, Center City, Plymouth Meeting and Ft. Washington. The housing is mostly twins, a decent amount of townhouses, reasonable rents, and relatively easy parking.

Collingswood also has a decent restaurant scene, has the train to Center City (12 minute ride), lots of twin and detached housing, some townhomes and parking is easy. You'll probably find the rent you're looking for although neighboring Oaklyn is cheaper in that regard. A ton of jobs in a 10 mile radius.

There are places I would recommend in Delaware County (the western suburbs) but I know nothing about rents out there.

[looking2moov]

Awesome, thanks so much for a couple tips!
I have to say, I've posted questions about neighborhoods in a couple of cities forums, and Philly was the first to actually get a response, maybe that's a sign about the kinds of people there!? haha