West Chester, Ardmore, Horsham or Wyndmoor - HELP! (Philadelphia, Lancaster: neighborhoods, school district)

[CandyDog1]

My husband and I are considering making a big move from central IL to the Philly area for a job. After another posting on this site, we've narrowed down where we want to live to these communities:
West Chester
Ardmore
Horsham or
Wyndmoor

My husband's job would be at 5000 Wissahickon Ave., so I know that West Chester would be somewhat of a commute, but if this is a good area we might be willing to do that. I grew up in Chicago, and a 30 mile commute was not unusual. Is this true for the Philly area as well? OR would we be better off choosing one of the other areas?

We have 2 young children and schools, safety and an overall "friendly" environment is very important to us.

So, what do you think? I know very little about the area (except for the research I've done) and any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!
Cara

[maf763]

I'd vote on Wyndmoor:
- closest to work (Ardmore would also be close)
- nice neighborhood, very safe
- variety of housing options
- good schools
- close to Chestnut Hill and pretty easy access to downtown

Ardmore would be my second choice, a lot of the same benefits, but I dislike how busy Lancaster Avenue/Route 30 is - seems like a constant pain.

[orrmobl]

Substitute places like Media/Wallingford/Swarthmore and Springfield, Delco for West Chester and see what you think. These areas have good to great schools and great people...worth a look!

[Ohiogirl81]

I work at 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, and would opt for Wyndmoor. It's not as congested as Ardmore, and is about a 15-minute drive to work.

[MoorestownResident]

Originally Posted by CandyDog1

My husband and I are considering making a big move from central IL to the Philly area for a job. After another posting on this site, we've narrowed down where we want to live to these communities:
West Chester
Ardmore
Horsham or
Wyndmoor

My husband's job would be at 5000 Wissahickon Ave., so I know that West Chester would be somewhat of a commute, but if this is a good area we might be willing to do that. I grew up in Chicago, and a 30 mile commute was not unusual. Is this true for the Philly area as well? OR would we be better off choosing one of the other areas?

We have 2 young children and schools, safety and an overall "friendly" environment is very important to us.

So, what do you think? I know very little about the area (except for the research I've done) and any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!
Cara

I strongly recommend you look in NJ - Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Marlton before you settle on one of those PA towns. These NJ towns are superior to anything in PA with way more to do.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I strongly recommend you look in NJ - Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Marlton before you settle on one of those PA towns. These NJ towns are superior to anything in PA with way more to do.

If you are working on Wissahickon Ave you do not want to live in New Jersey.

Dont mind Moorestown Resident he's a little overzealous, his knowledge of the region is extremely fuzzy and at times spatially disoriented.He's always good for a chuckle although I personally dont think the kid has ever set foot outside of the Moorestown city limits.


Best to heed the advice of the people who live closest to where you will be working.

Good luck

[CandyDog1]

Wow! Thanks for the great advice. It has made my search a lot easier and a big move less stressful. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions!

[Ohiogirl81]

CandyDog, other communities in the same school district as Wyndmoor (Springfield Township school district) are Flourtown, Erdenheim (where I lived for a couple of years), and Oreland. They're all a quick and easy drive to your husband's job through Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy (which are neighborhoods within the city of Philadelphia). Traffic at rush hour is generally reasonable and hassle-free.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

I strongly recommend you look in NJ - Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Medford, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and Marlton before you settle on one of those PA towns. These NJ towns are superior to anything in PA with way more to do.

Offering comparisons between the four towns originally asked about - or at least comparable communities near them - would probably be the most helpful to the OP.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Offering comparisons between the four towns originally asked about - or at least comparable communities near them - would probably be the most helpful to the OP.

One thing you'll learn with moorestownresident is that being the most helpful isnt his motive.