Should we live in the city or suburbs? (Philadelphia, Ardmore: transplants, renting)

[MoorestownResident]

But that's exactly the point. R/E is all about location. Rocker and others might want to argue till the cows come home but reality is reality. We all make choices in life. Some want to live in the heart of NYC, many others are happy to be in NJ's prominent suburbia with access to two cities, others like the NJ shore town destinations and still others choose to live in Philly/PA burbs. It is what it is. That's the point.

[Tone509]

boringmember,

I had meant to say that your choice to give downtown a shot is understandable. The way that the city is set up, it would take you more than your preferred half-hour door-to-door commute to get to most relatively economical yet comfortable city neighborhoods and virtually all suburbs besides those in South Jersey.

To all others,

Regarding realtor recommendations, feel free to mention a general company - e.g, Allan Domb, Weichert, etc. - but please do not provide a link or contact info as that would constitute advertising.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

But that's exactly the point. R/E is all about location. Rocker and others might want to argue till the cows come home but reality is reality. We all make choices in life. Some want to live in the heart of NYC, many others are happy to be in NJ's prominent suburbia with access to two cities, others like the NJ shore town destinations and still others choose to live in Philly/PA burbs. It is what it is. That's the point.

NYC is NYC. Only residents from Tokyo would envy its stratospheric real estate prices. It's only natural that a plethora of commuter towns would develop in the top half of the state (north of Trenton, let's say) as well as businesses that needed breathing room and lower expenses that couldn't be had on Manhattan.

While I really have nothing against NJ, one common ongoing complaint I have heard about is the overall tax rate. Obviously for some such as yourself, the perceived amenities of NJ are worth it. Others' mileage often varies, taking them to PA or even DE. I would suggest to boringmember to check out the New Jersey forum to hear more views of "the good and the bad" of living in the Garden State.

[orrmobl]

Hate to say it but the reason New Yorkers live in NJ is because it's there. An afterthought. An also ran. I knew a guy from Voorhees who went to Lancaster every chance he got - just loved it there and dreamed of living there. I always took it for granted as a place to drive by on the way to Penn State.

I'm not saying NJ doesn't have a lot to offer, but as far a living in close proximity to Philadelphia, PA has it all over NJ.

[john_starks]

I'm not saying NJ doesn't have a lot to offer, but as far a living in close proximity to Philadelphia, PA has it all over NJ.

i don't know, its pretty easy to get into philly via the BF and Betsy Ross bridges. few minutes... the traffic on the BR is non-existent. coming from KOP into Philly can be a bear at times. although NJ drivers do have to pay a toll to get in.

[orrmobl]

Originally Posted by john_starks

i don't know, its pretty easy to get into philly via the BF and Betsy Ross bridges. few minutes... the traffic on the BR is non-existent. coming from KOP into Philly can be a bear at times. although NJ drivers do have to pay a toll to get in.

I was more speaking of the population density, taxes, insurance, lack of green space and 60's subdivision housing.

[john_starks]

oops

[boringmember]

Originally Posted by Tone509

boringmember,

I had meant to say that your choice to give downtown a shot is understandable. The way that the city is set up, it would take you more than your preferred half-hour door-to-door commute to get to most relatively economical yet comfortable city neighborhoods and virtually all suburbs besides those in South Jersey.

Thanks a lot. We can't be too far because of work requirements (need to be within 30 minutes as a physician on call!). Plus, when it's late at night and you're called into work, who wants to drive 45 minutes each way?

[openheads]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Please take his advice with a mound of salt...

Grain of salt maybe?

[openheads]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Hate to say it but the reason New Yorkers live in NJ is because it's there. An afterthought.

Ummmmm............. They could have just as easily chosen Long Island, Westchester, Rockland or even Southern CT. Yet many, many NY'ers decide on NJ.
Before the economic collapse, there were tours for Brooklyn residents to check out real estate in Montclair & Maplewood in Essex Co. It was packed on the weekends.
Residential & corporate space in Jersey City is in direct competition with Downtown Brooklyn.
Every high rise condo or office building constructed in JC is food taken out of BK's mouth & vice versa.
Your perception is not the reality.