Compare Doylestown, Ambler, Abington (Horsham, Dallas: real estate, houses, neighborhoods)

[renlouis]

My husband is looking at a job in Horsham. I am looking to find a home within walking distance of shops, restaurants, etc. (w/ good schools). Three towns that I have identified as possibilities are Doylestown, Ambler, Abington. I am wondering if those of you in the know could compare these towns with regard to 1: price - hoping to find something "in town or boro" in the $400 - 450 range with some character (and an attached 2-car garage) and that doesn't need much work. 2: diversity - I would love a diversity of both race and socioeconomic status. If you can think of other towns within a 30-35 min.drive in rush hour that fit the bill, please let me know! Thank you so much in advance!!

[maf763]

OK, here goes. . .

On price, Abington and Ambler would probably be pretty easy to find something in your range. While Abington has some neighborhoods, especially around the Abington Hospital area that would put you within walking distance of shops and a couple of restaurants, it does not really have an 'in town' feel to it, whereas both Ambler and Doylestown do. Doylestown would be considerably more expensive than either A, but also has a nicer 'downtown' with more choices than Ambler. Ambler has the indy film movie theater (as does Doylestown) and a few restaurants and bars. Doylestown has more restaurants and also has the museums which host a lot of events over the year. In terms of schools, all are good, though with any school district, you can run into a bad fit some years. Abington school district would have the most diversity of the three, followed by Wissahickon (Ambler) and Central Bucks (Doylestown). Ambler is probably more diverse, but you can check the City-Data front page to confirm that. All three areas are primarily white. The plusses for Ambler over Doylestown are price, it's closer to Center City, and closer to Horsham.

Based on what you have posted, I'd have to say Ambler looks like the best fit. You can use 19002 for Ambler real estate postings, but realize that a number of the houses in that area are not in the actual boro of Ambler, even though the address might say Ambler.

[renlouis]

Thank you so much maf - Sounds like D-town wins on the "best walkable town". The A-'s win on more reasonable home prices, and Abington wins on diversity. That is consistent with my limited research at this point. I appreciate your insights!! More opinions would be appreciated as well!

[maf763]

Just to note - the township of Abington may be more diverse overall, but the 'midtown' section around the hospital is not.

[renlouis]

Thanks - opinions from others??? I'm actually leaning towards Doylestown and a smaller home in the boro. I just really want that in-town experience with the ability to walk to a restaurant or shop instead of driving everywhere, as I have had to do in our VERY suburban North Dallas community. I'm tired of being in the car so much!! We will miss out on the increased diversity, but I realize from reading these boards that no town is going to give you everything! Oh, I also realized from looking at real estate that a 2 car garage is going to be pretty unlikely in the "in-town" scenario. That will be a major adjustment!!!

[buckscountyer]

Hello again. I will only chime in to say that it would not be too difficult to find an attached 2-car garage in Doylestown Borough, although you may not get the "character" that you seek. Just as an example, look at houses in the Doylestown Hunt neighborhood. You can walk right into the center of things from there. Also, my husband has commuted from Doylestown to Horsham for the last 6.5 years. If you have any specific questions related to that, just ask. Good luck!

[frankgn87]

keep in mind if you require diversity, Doylestown is out. No blacks there. Abington has a good mix of all races and they all get along good. I work in Abington