Relocating, near Philly airport (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh: apartments, rentals, mover)

[badgermover]

Hi, we're a mid-late 20's couple, no kids, lots of pets, moving to Philly area soon from rural Wisconsin. My job will be near airport, and would like to find apartment in that area or near enough (less than 30 min commute) that would also work for my wife, who does not drive (terrible driver), and would need public transportation most likely to get to a job.

She's from Pittsburgh originally and we've got friends in Philly so we're not totally unaware of what the city is like, but we'd love your advice as you have all been so helpful so far from what I've read in the forum. We're looking for a 2 bedroom place, pref not to spend more than $800 a month on rent alone...don't care what style (loft, house, apt, etc) but with all our animals house would be nice. We have 1 car, and prefer a good mix of quiet and fun - don't want to drive an hour to see a movie or have fun, but don't want to wake up everyday at 4 am with the traffic.

Most important factors are safety, proximity to both work and city, and finally, near public transportation (any kind). Somewhere we could go for walks and feel safe would be best.

I appreciate all your help in advance.

[niceguy19125]

Originally Posted by badgermover

Hi, we're a mid-late 20's couple, no kids, lots of pets, moving to Philly area soon from rural Wisconsin. My job will be near airport, and would like to find apartment in that area or near enough (less than 30 min commute) that would also work for my wife, who does not drive (terrible driver), and would need public transportation most likely to get to a job.

She's from Pittsburgh originally and we've got friends in Philly so we're not totally unaware of what the city is like, but we'd love your advice as you have all been so helpful so far from what I've read in the forum. We're looking for a 2 bedroom place, pref not to spend more than $800 a month on rent alone...don't care what style (loft, house, apt, etc) but with all our animals house would be nice. We have 1 car, and prefer a good mix of quiet and fun - don't want to drive an hour to see a movie or have fun, but don't want to wake up everyday at 4 am with the traffic.

Most important factors are safety, proximity to both work and city, and finally, near public transportation (any kind). Somewhere we could go for walks and feel safe would be best.

I appreciate all your help in advance.

Welcome to the area!

Finding anything in the city/immediate suburbs itself that's safe and close to the airport, is going to cost well above $800 per month.

Since you're going to be working near the airport, and your wife will be needing to needing to utilize public transit, I'd recommend North Wilmington in Delaware. All of your needs are addressed there. It's about 15 miles straight up I-95 to the airport, and typically northbound I-95 traffic in the morning doesn't become backed up until you reach the airport. DART (Delaware's Transit System) has extensive bus service through North Wilmington so your wife would have easy access. It's a very safe, walkable area.

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[orrmobl]

Drexel Hill has access to every type of transportation and older homes reminiscent of Pittsburgh. Places like Havertown, Springfield, Media and Swarthmore/Wallingford also have access to at least a train into the city and a trolley in the case of Media. Just depends what you can find for the price and how far you want to drive (Havertown is the furthest). Closer to your work are places like Norwood, Prospect Park and Ridley Park but these only have train and bus access, no trolley or subway.

Lansdowne would be the budget alternative - kind of like Drexel Hill but not as insulated from the city and bad parts of Upper Darby - liberal, animal loving people there, just don't leave your bike or deck chairs unlocked outside...

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

places like Norwood, Prospect Park and Ridley Park but these only have train and bus access, no trolley or subway.

I would start in Prospect Park near the train station.

[badgermover]

thanks everyone for your suggestions, really, they're a big help. I've probably put in a good week of research so far but I know that "user experience" generally trumps any statistic or anything like that.

That being said, since I can't seem to figure out just where exactly you mean by North Wilmington, Niceguy, are you referring to the areas such as Fairfax, Pennyhill, Bellefonte, Cool Springs, those areas? Or were you meaning further up even towards Brandywine?

Bryson and Orrmobl, I do have Drexel Hill, Springfield, Media, Swarthmore among the places we've been looking but there really isn't anything in our price range (around $800) that I've been able to find. Pickings are also fairly slim around landsdown and prospect park, at least on Craigslist.

There are quite a few South Philly areas such as the areas near Point Breeze and Grays Ferry that I've found 2-3 bedrooms for under $800/mo...those areas are a little more East to the airport but would they be terrible areas to look as well? Thanks.

[orrmobl]

You do not want the city for that kind of money - those areas you mentioned are bad news. Southeast Delco in the places I mentioned are where you should be looking.

You need to find a realtor or use realtor.com, hotpads.com, apartment.com etc. to find places in the areas I suggested. Lansdowne will most likely be the most affordable although the proximity to the city may have rents elevated a bit. There's always Clifton Heights which is right next door, as well as Secane and Aldan. These areas also have train, bus and some trolley access.

[niceguy19125]

Originally Posted by badgermover

thanks everyone for your suggestions, really, they're a big help. I've probably put in a good week of research so far but I know that "user experience" generally trumps any statistic or anything like that.

That being said, since I can't seem to figure out just where exactly you mean by North Wilmington, Niceguy, are you referring to the areas such as Fairfax, Pennyhill, Bellefonte, Cool Springs, those areas? Or were you meaning further up even towards Brandywine?

Bryson and Orrmobl, I do have Drexel Hill, Springfield, Media, Swarthmore among the places we've been looking but there really isn't anything in our price range (around $800) that I've been able to find. Pickings are also fairly slim around landsdown and prospect park, at least on Craigslist.

There are quite a few South Philly areas such as the areas near Point Breeze and Grays Ferry that I've found 2-3 bedrooms for under $800/mo...those areas are a little more East to the airport but would they be terrible areas to look as well? Thanks.

I'm referring to Claymont and the Naaman's Road area at the PA/DE state line.
With the $800 threshold it's going to be impossible to find anything in the PA/NJ suburbs, close to the airport, that isn't dangerous/crime ridden/depressing.

For whatever reason, the Wilmington area is not that expensive. Odd, since drive time is equal or less than other far flung Philly suburbs. SEPTA has regional rail service to/from Wilmington so it's not a case of inaccessibility to Philly in terms of transit. If you want a safe, decent place to live that's near your job and that fulfills your criteria...it's the way to go.

If you can deal with a slightly longer trip driving, and want to be in the city....you should consider the Fishtown/Port Richmond neighborhood. I live there and can tell you it's an area that's been rapidly improving for the past few years.

It's safe, and pretty quiet given the close proximity to downtown...a 10 minute drive. I have not experienced/heard of any crime in the neighborhood since I moved here other than the occasional petty bored teenager vandalism, etc.

The neighborhood is a 20-25 commute via bus and/or subway into the downtown center for you wife's work options, and the neighborhoods sit just west of I-95, so you could quickly get onto the highway and have yourself to work in 30-35 minutes at worst in the morning.

Parking is pretty easy which is unusual for city neighborhoods also.

My neighborhood didn't immediately come to mind when first mentioned, but given your criteria and the fact that you're going to have to expand your search area further. It makes much more sense and really is your best option if you want to experience more of what the city has to offer.

Let me know if you have any more questions about the neighborhood. I have a pretty good sense of which areas are best....and i'm happy to help.

As in any rapidly gentrifying area, there are a couple of pockets where it's taking longer to happen than in other sections. But all in all, a great place to live.

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[creagan12]

You can also find a place in Ridley Park at that price range, a 2 minute walk to the train running to Wilmington/Philadelphia. I stayed at Stonewood Village apartments for about the cost and there is a small strip of local shops around the corner that have bare essentials.

- Edit -- Also, the airport is a few mins up 95