Possible transfer to Malvern..good place for a single 48 yr old Woman? (Philadelphia: apartment complexes)

[curlygirl61]

Hi. I am considering taking a transfer to Malvern and am wondering what would be a good community for a single, 48 year old woman who enjoys the outdoors and running. My kids are out of or in college and so schools are not an issue and I am thinking I might be more interested in a condo than a house.

Also, I want close proximity to Philly if not in Philly, because I know there are several running groups there that run from the art center and I would like easy access to that.

This comes as a complete shock and is due to a consolidation so it is not necessarily a positive move in my opinion.

[rainrock]

I'd recommend the West Chester area. Its an easy 10-20 minute commute to Malvern.WC has a very nice walkable town, lots of condo twonhouse + apartment complexes along RT 3. Its only 10-15 minutes to some great running trails in Ridley Creek State Park. WC is pretty far from Philly though, close to an hour.

If you really want to be closer to Philly I would suggest the Main Line towns.From West to east Wayne,Radnor,St Davids,Rosemont,Haverford,Bryn Mawr,Ardmore,Narberth,Merion,Wynnewood,Bala Cynwd.

Good luck.

[curlygirl61]

My brother lives in Bala Cynward and it seems expensive. Is it very far from Malvern? Are there condos there?

[pman]

Originally Posted by curlygirl61

Hi. I am considering taking a transfer to Malvern and am wondering what would be a good community for a single, 48 year old woman who enjoys the outdoors and running. My kids are out of or in college and so schools are not an issue and I am thinking I might be more interested in a condo than a house.

Also, I want close proximity to Philly if not in Philly, because I know there are several running groups there that run from the art center and I would like easy access to that.

This comes as a complete shock and is due to a consolidation so it is not necessarily a positive move in my opinion.

taxes an issue? Are you referring to the Fairmount Art Center or museum? either way, that would be a PITA from WC. If you plan on driving to work, I'd recomend checking out East Falls or the "art museum area" in the city or Malvern/Wayne on the Main Line. If you're open to taking the train, you could live in center city or Ardmore. where are you coming from?

[curlygirl61]

Originally Posted by pman

taxes an issue? Are you referring to the Fairmount Art Center or museum? either way, that would be a PITA from WC. If you plan on driving to work, I'd recomend checking out East Falls or the "art museum area" in the city or Malvern/Wayne on the Main Line. If you're open to taking the train, you could live in center city or Ardmore. where are you coming from?

I am moving from Maine if I come.

[curlygirl61]

Ok..adding more details about me.
When are you moving? Aug 1st
Where are you coming from? Maine
Why are you moving? Job relocation
Where will you be working? Malvern
Have you been here yet? no

Will you buy or rent? Not sure, depends if my house here sells
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? Condo. 260-300?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Townhouse 1200
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Not sure

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single children either in college or out.
Do you prefer public or private schools? n/a
Do you have pets? dog but he may be gone by then
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? both

What do you want to be closest to? work and social life and shopping
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Prefer single people

Coke or Pepsi?

[pman]

fairmount/art museum area. I'm assuming you'll drive to work, should be under an hour. Fairmount is a nice neighborhood with a mix of condos, highrise apartments, whole rowhomes, etc. parking can be tight if you don't get a dedicated space but not impossible. it's extremely close to the parkway, the jogging trails, art museum and art center, and the nightlife isn't all young. there are a fair amount of places with a mixed crowd with people well into their 30's, 40's and 50's. Maine's a big state, Portland, Bah Hahbah, Boothbay, moose country?

[PABoy]

Malvern is a great area, if not the best outside Philadelphia. Willistown Twp is the place you want to consider. Nothing compares to it, beautiful area. Horse fields, lots of protected land, but all with minutes to shopping and the new Worthington town center coming soon.

Stay away from Bala Cynward, very dumpy. Many of the main line areas are old, over crowded and dumpy as well.