moving to philly/working in north wilmington (Philadelphia, Chester: apartments, home)

[dnj7665]

I will be moving to the philadelphia area to work in north wilmington. I am in my mid 20s, unattached, and at this point in my life, it is very important for me to live in a larger metropolitan area. A friend suggested that I live in Center City, Philly and commute to my job (mapquesting sites around center city = around a 35 minute commute). Does anyone else make this commute? If so, how do you find the traffic (is it better considering I will be driving against rush hour?) I hear that Wilmington is a great, smaller city but Im worried I will not be happy there and think the commute may be worth it for quality of (social) life...

[fifi le pew]

My husband works in downtown wilmington and we live in center city. It takes about 40 minutes for him to get door to door. He usually leaves home at 8am and leaves work right at 5pm, so this commute time is smack during rush hour. Occasionally he can make it in 35 and in rain or snow or the occasional accident it can take up to an hour. If you are in North Wilmington, you might knock 5 minutes or so off that commute time, depending on where in N. Wilmington. The train (Septa Regional Rail) also goes to Wilmington, but no sure if you will be working near a train station. In addition, we have found that the trains do not run as frequently or at the best times, but it's always an option.

But, overall, it is not a bad commute and he routinely makes it in about 4o minutes. The worst thing is actually getting to 95. Once he makes it onto 95, he can be in Wilmington in 25 minutes. When you are considering apartments, make sure you see how easy it is to access I95.

We love the city and that's why we stay. I think a person in your situation would enjoy Center City much more than downtown Wilmington. You should be aware, however, that Philadelphia will charge you the city wage tax (approx. 4%) if you live in Philly. This is definitely a financial downside, but you have to weigh that against all the positives of being young and single, in a fun place. I would definitely choose to live in Center City and commute, but I'm a city person and the tradeoff is worth it to us.

[orrmobl]

Check out West Chester before committing to Center City - has a walkable city vibe without all the dirt and danger...and you get a shorter commute as well.

[rainrock]

I agree with both le pew and orrmobl. West Chester is worth a look, it doesnt have nearly the vibe that Center City does but its a much easier commute, no 4% wage tax , and parking in Center City is a nightmare. If i were in your shoes Id probably live in West Chester and visit Center City when I had the chance.

West Chester is a college town and the county seat of Chester County so there are lots young professionals and students in the area.20 minutes from KOP, the Main Line,Exton,Media etc..

[dnj7665]

rainrock: By 'parking in center city is a nightmare,' do you mean that it is expensive to pay for parking if you live in the area?

[FindingZen]

The downtown core is dense as are many surrounding neighborhoods. So the chances of driving up to your own free parking space right in front of your home would be akin to winning the lottery. You're likely to make an investment in paid parking, whether it's a garage, surface lot or neighborhood permit.