Family of four, relocating to Philadelphia area. Need advice.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

Also, be aware that Rendell is increasing personal income tax in PA for a minimum of 3 years. Chances are it will be a lot longer than that.

That's funny. I thought the high taxes in NJ were one of your bragging rights. However, Rendell's proposed tax increase (the proposed 3.57% flat rate, which is currently a 3.07% flat rate, BTW, will still be one of the lowest rates in the country) is now being used by you to scare people away from PA.

[Jennifer19027]

I'm from Madison, Wisconsin and I'd second Jenkintown, or Elkins Park Cheltenham as places to check out. Both are older neighborhoods, but for $400,000-$500,000 you should be able to locate a house where someone else has done a lot of the work.
Both have train stations within an easy walk--20-25 minutes to Center City so the commute is easy.
We moved here 13 years ago, and looked everywhere--we liked the "feel" of this side of town best. Bonus: Elkins Park is about to open a co-op!

[Ready555]

This discussion is perfect for me. I appreciate the detailed information. Like Moody75, I'm considering a move to the Philadelphia area.
My priorities are:
1. top notch schools, especially public elementary and middle
2. commuter community with train line and walkable downtown
3. open, somewhat liberal community

Can someone write a litlte about the personalities of the communities that MR recommended or even others that haven't been described here? I am open to NJ or PA and don't yet understand what it means to be in one state vs the other.

Cherry Hill
Voorhees
Haddonfield
Moorestown
Mount Laurel
Marlton

[Eyes]

Sounds to me .. you may want to ...........

Move to Fishtown and put half that money in the bank.

$250,000. will buy a nice large home .. some blocks are better than others ..

train
diverse
not snobby
sidewalks
bike lanes
Bus/train/taxi to anything center city offers

Reading terminal market whole foods .. trader joes .. chinatown and others nearby ..

Walk to Delaware river for fun music and fireworks ..

For children.. softball, t-ball, soccer, playgrounds and many opportunities to learn conflict resolution.

The money you save by having only one car .. pays for private school.

One of the "hot spots" is Johnny Brenda's .. in the evening there are so many bikes it looks like Denmark ... the place is often full of families in the evening.

[Jennifer19027]

I'm from Madison Wisconsin. I hear your issues with where you are now, and found that Cheltenham fit my bill. Drive around and look for what feels right. Our SEPTA stop is 22 minutes to Suburban station. Jenkintown would be similar. $500 would get you a large yard, a minimum of 5 bedrooms and enough left over to make the house what you want it to be. This is a liberal area, with a strong population of artists. The schools are great--Jenkintown is really little, Cheltenham is medium-large. I have a 9, 11 and 13 year old and I simply LOVE the public schools.