Looking to find an older neighborhood near abington (Willow Grove, Lansdale: homes, established neighborhood)

[jms2007]

My wife and I are thinking of leving center city and moving to the "burbs" Will be working in Abington and Doyelstown. We like older neighboorhoods, more established. We are in our early 30s. Any suggestions would be great.
Thank You

[maf763]

Jenkintown fits the bill, though whoever is going to Doylestown will have a much longer commute (depending on where in Doylestown you're working you might be able to take a direct train from Jenkintown). Much of Willow Grove and Hatboro are older, established neighborhoods, and are between Abington and Doylestown. Jenkintown and Hatboro have more of a walkable town feel to them, whereas Willow Grove has more of an old-school suburban residential feel surrounding the huge commercial malls.

[Tone509]

I agree with all of maf763's suggestions. The vast majority of the corridor between Abington and Doylestown consists of older neighborhoods, especially south of Hatboro.

[ajb842]

I agree with the Jenkintown area.Also check out Elkins Park which has large,older stone homes as does Jenkintown. Abington itself, particularly behind the hospital, has some great old homes that are beautiful. The doylestown commute will be a hike, but all those areas have trains so you will have that option if needed. To move from CC to Willow Grove or Hatboro I wouldn't recommend, because I find those areas to be even more suburban if that makes sense. It all depends on what you're looking for. Jenkintown and Elkins Park still offer easy access to CC but a suburban lifestyle. Drive around and see. Jenkintown may really be a great place for you.

[juniperbleu]

In general I agree with what's already been advised (i.e. Jenkintown and Elkins Park). As for the Doylestown commute, note that you'll be going against traffic, for the most part. It's a bit of a hike, but nothing too terrible (considering that many people in Doylestown trek down to CC for work). My relatives even come down to Jenkintown from Warrington/Doylestown on a regular basis to go out to dinner and such.

[kelb]

Jenkintown is an amazing place, but a hellish commute to Doylestown. Hatboro is a nice midpoint. Also check out Ambler and Lansdale...easy train ride to Doylestown from either of those nice towns.

[Philly Dave]

Ambler or Fort Washington (neighborhood in Upper Dublin) are the way to go. You have easy access to both Abington (via Susquehanna Road) and Doylestown (via the R5 train or Routes 309/202). Jenkintown is a horrible idea if you plan to get to Doylestown by driving. Also, the schools are fantastic in Ambler (Wissahickon district) and Fort Washington (Upper Dublin) without having outrageous taxes. One other possibility is Willow Grove, which would be an easy commute for both of you, but that area does not have the "main street" character of the Ambler area.

[PhotoMatt]

I'd have to agree with Hatboro and Jenkintown.. but I'd pick Doylestown to live if you can commute to Abington on the train.

[ooodsie]

Glenside! Very cute.

[andreaspercheron]

I'd go with PhillyDave, Ambler is a fairly decent area, well established kind of an "old" neighborhood, very settled. The town of Ambler is actually coming along, it's almost, dare I say... trendy...? LOL Cute town though, they've done a lot over the past couple of years and it's quite busy on nice evenings, busseling with people. I also like Doylestown it's a nice town with plenty for the family. Lots of art galleries, eateries, bars / restaurants, night life.
I do not agree with Hatboro (I live in Horsham). Hatboro to me is a pitt. The place is dirty, lots of shady folks and just in general, think of this.. My kids went to HHHS and they consider Hatboro the "ghetto" of this area LOL
Good luck though... I don't think you'll have a problem finding a place to live. Housing prices keep dropping so good luck!