Need advice on good area to move to in Philly area (Levittown: middle-class, to rent)

[Erika Schmitt]

Hi,
My husband and I are planning to move to Philly area in about 1.5 years. We don't really want to rent since we own a home now in Milwaukee. We are looking to spend between 150,000 and 200,000. We want the area to be somewhat decent since we plan to have children. Since we are coming from milwaukee, we know crime is evident in a large city but we want the schools to be decent and to feel safe walking around the neighborhood. I've seen lots of stuff about bad places to live in PA, DE, and NJ but nothing really definitive on decent places. My husband plans to take the train or subway or whatever public transit is available so distance isn't too much of a concern, let's just say under 40 miles
I've gathered from the website that lansdowne isn't that great of an area but that drexel hill maybe a bit better. Also, Trenton is recovering from bad times. I know that camden and gloucester city are out of the question. Swedesboro is a possibility and wilmington DE is not.
So, please help me figure this out! I just need a few suggestions of definitive places that are inexpensive, but safe and relatively close to philly. Thanks for your help!!!

[ooodsie]

Levittown, Bensalem, Langhorne.. All in Lower bucks county - All easy commute to center city down I95 (within 20 miles of the city). Decent neighborhoods, safe, decent schools, etc.. Good bang for your buck. A 200k house will get you 3-4 bedrooms, .15 acres of land, etc..

[orrmobl]

Springfield, Delaware County, Ridley Park, Havertown, Pilgrim Gardens in Drexel Hill (Haverford Schools), Media, Swarthmore-Garden City are probably your best choices. Also Phoenixville, Mont Clare, Collegeville, Royersford, King of Prussia are also good choices. Swedesboro is also good.

After that, Norwood and Prospect Park, Milmont Park, Morton, Brookhaven and Parkside are decent second tier choices...

[Torresdale]

Originally Posted by ooodsie

Levittown, Bensalem, Langhorne.. All in Lower bucks county - All easy commute to center city down I95 (within 20 miles of the city). Decent neighborhoods, safe, decent schools, etc.. Good bang for your buck. A 200k house will get you 3-4 bedrooms, .15 acres of land, etc..

The Bristol Township part of Levittown isn't too nice anymore. It used to be, but it's gone down hill. The Middletown Township part is still nice though. Plus, Middletown's schools are better as are Fall Township's.

[Victoria68]

I grew up and lived most of my life in Delaware County, PA, in Springfield and Secane, both very nice areas, Springfield being the better of the two. Don't know if you'd be able to find anything in your price range, but it's worth looking into. Swarthmore, Brookhaven also very nice. Places to AVOID - Chester, Darby, probably even Upper Darby.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by Victoria68

I grew up and lived most of my life in Delaware County, PA, in Springfield and Secane, both very nice areas, Springfield being the better of the two. Don't know if you'd be able to find anything in your price range, but it's worth looking into. Swarthmore, Brookhaven also very nice. Places to AVOID - Chester, Darby, probably even Upper Darby.

I lived in Upper Darby for about seven years. South of Garrett Road (which is divided for a stretch by the trolley tracks) is decent, especially the further east you get. The schools may not be award-winning but there are less-regarded districts out there. The shopping on 69th Street caters to the generally working-to-middle-class multicultural community. Speaking of multicultural, the tiny borough of Millbourne, between Philly and Upper Darby, features so many international stores, it's like the United Nations! :P

That said, if the OP can find something in Springfield or Secane as suggested - or even Clifton Heights - in their price range, then I'd definitely choose from those.

[orrmobl]

The Upper Darby School District is not what it once was, but if you settle on it, I would recommend living in Drexel Hill, Westbrook Park section of Clifton Heights or Secane...not Clifton Heights or any other part of Upper Darby...

[solibs]

Based on your responses to the questions I would say Collingswood and Westmont in NJ . . . all the towns in Delaware Co. that have already been mentioned, although you won't find a lot of towns there were you're close to shops for $200k or under, also Jenkintown/Abington and Ambler up in Montgomery County.

In the city I would check out the University City area of West Philly, although i'm not sure if you'll find what you're looking for in your price range.

You might find deals in Roxborough or East Falls. East Mt. Airy is a good place to look as well. Especially near the R7 rail line.

I would also check out Germantown, the part that's south of Germantown Ave. and north of Chelten Ave.

All of these places will keep you close to transit, will offer a yard, and should be reasonably priced.