How about KOP and the nearby areas? (Norristown, King of Prussia: obgyn, 2009)

[apms]

I am using the sticky/guide to ask for insights about about the area.

We are a couple in their 30s with a little dog looking for suggestions on where to live, apartment complexes, taxes in the area, restaurants to go, things to see, etc
And since I am pregnant I would also appreciate inputs on good and friendly OBGyns and Hospital for delivery.

Here is what we know so far: Philly is big and we do not like to commute more than 15-20min.

- When are you moving? JANUARY
- Where are you coming from? CHARLOTTE, NC
- Why are you moving? WORK TRANSFER
- Where will you be working? Right NEXT TO KING OF PRUSSIA MALL
- Have you been here yet? ONE TIME FOR THE WEEKEND (IF THAT COUNTS)
- Will you buy or rent? RENT FOR A YEAR, THEN BUY
- Looking for an 2 BEDROOM apartment OR a townhouse that is DOG - FRIENDLY . Apartment Budget= $1100
- Married + A bun in the oven (NO SCHOOL PREFERENCE AT THIS POINT)
What do you want to be closest to?
- Work --> CHECK
- Shopping --> CHECK
- Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)--> CHECK
- Nightlife --> NOT REALLY
- Some Restaurants--> CHECK
- Hospital or primary care --> CHECK
- Train or subway stations --> not necessarily
- Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? No preference, but diverse would be better.
- Coke or Pepsi? No soda for the preggo lady

[passdoubt]

King of Prussia should fit your criteria. Maybe not quite within that budget though, not sure about what the market is like there. Taxes in Upper Merion (the Township where KoP is located) are relatively low due to the mall. Lower Merion has more quaint small towns and is a bit more affluent in parts. The KoP area is more modern suburbia, probably more similar to Charlotte for you.

[orrmobl]

Check out Conshohocken, East/West Norriton, Jeffersonville, Blue Bell

Conshohocken is great for younger people who want a small walkable business district with bars and restaurants...

For hospitals, Bryn Mawr has a Neonatal ICU which is usually a good idea just in case...also Paoli hospital and Lankenau get good reviews.

[sbhubbell]

Actually I'd avoid East/West Norriton or Jeffersonville because they are in Norristown school district which is not good. Even if you think you'll move before your bun is in school, schools are important for resale. I'd look at Upper Merion, Wayne, Valley Forge, Collegeville, Devon, and Upper Providence. Methacton is the best school district on the west side of the mall, off the mainline. There are some nice townhouse developments that usually have rentals available in Audubon. Part of Audubon is in Norristown schools and part is in Methacton.

[mltimes]

Just to clarify a prior post: All of the hospitals mentioned have NICUs. Lankenau and Bryn Mawr are Level III; Paoli Memorial is "only" a Level II.

[orrmobl]

Originally Posted by sbhubbell

Actually I'd avoid East/West Norriton or Jeffersonville because they are in Norristown school district which is not good. Even if you think you'll move before your bun is in school, schools are important for resale. I'd look at Upper Merion, Wayne, Valley Forge, Collegeville, Devon, and Upper Providence. Methacton is the best school district on the west side of the mall, off the mainline. There are some nice townhouse developments that usually have rentals available in Audubon. Part of Audubon is in Norristown schools and part is in Methacton.

They are RENTING and not interested in schools at this point, just the cost of the rent...

[twinmma]

A good OBGYN practice is Penn Medical at Radnor. (Womens Health) I used them when I was pregnant with my twins.

[mltimes]

Twinmma, can I ask where you actually delivered and if you were happy with that hospital experience?

[apms]

Thanks for the hospital/doctor and location suggestions. Since I am still pregnant and we are just renting, school districs are NOT an issue at all. We just want to find an apartment that is dog and family friend at this point. Our budget is limited because we have a house on the market in another state. If you have **rented** in the area and could give a review of the place, that would be terrific. We do not want to get stuck in the wrong place for a year! I've check some apt reviews online and they mostly consist on bad experiences, maybe happy costumers wouldn't bother writting...

[apms]

Originally Posted by mltimes

Twinmma, can I ask where you actually delivered and if you were happy with that hospital experience?

May I also ask where you actually delivered and if you were happy with that hospital experience?