Moving to Philly, commuting to South Jersey (Philadelphia, Franklin: apartment, car insurance)

[sjimsorry]

I currently have a job in South Jersey, about 50 miles outside of Philly. I'm planning a move to Philly (Northern Liberties maybe, or South Philly) in about a year or so, after I have minimized my expenses by paying off a few loans. The pay at my job isn't the greatest (50K) but the phenomenal benefits are better than I can reasonably expect to ever see again. If at all possible, I'd like to try to keep the Jersey job as long as I can and do a reverse commute from Philly to South Jersey. Is this doable?

The commute looks to be about an hour each way. At $3 a gallon for gas, it will cost me roughly $325 a month for gas and tolls to and from work. I'm hoping to find an apartment for under $700/month - $600 would be ideal. Is this unrealistic? I really have no idea what to expect as far as utilities are concerned, or for car insurance. Can anyone help me estimate what these costs are going to be living in the city? Are there any other costs that I might have overlooked? I will probably be taking my chances with street parking; I don't think I could afford a garage. I'd also love to hear experiences from anyone else doing a reverse commute from Philly to the outer-lying suburb areas.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[Boeing]

Is it anywhere near the PATCO high speed line?

[sjimsorry]

Unfortunately no, it's not. It's in Cumberland County; I'd have to drive.

[Boeing]

Ouch. A cheaper part of town near bridges would be Port Richmond or Fishtown, they're decent neighborhoods, lots of kids though. NoLibs is just west of Fishtown. NoLibs is expensive but cheaper more sketchy you go (north and west) and hipster. Richmond and Fishtown are both strongholds of working class Philadelphians, a bit clannish but they're good people, mostly. And you have the Betsy Ross or Ben Franklin bridges close by.

[MoorestownResident]

Live in South Jersey. It's better than Philly anyway.

[sjimsorry]

Thank you Boeing, actually I have considered Fishtown. I like the area and I think that might be perfect for me given the proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge. But would I shave any significant time off my commute if I lived closer to the Walt Whitman bridge instead?

One of these days I plan on doing the 6am drive from Philly to Cumberland Co. (and then the reverse in the evening) to see how bad it actually will be.

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

Live in South Jersey. It's better than Philly anyway.

I do live in South Jersey. I've lived here for nearly 5 years now, and I'm dying to leave.

[MoorestownResident]

LOL, you want to move to Philly to work in Cumberland County?

[toocan-anj]

sjimsorry - My husband and I are doing the same thing except he is working in Voorhees and reverse commuting from Graduate Hospital area. Two blocks south of South. After eight years in Jersey, we were more than ready to move, so far we are really enjoying it, although the commute is a lot easier than yours will be. Good luck whatever you decide.

[sjimsorry]

Thanks toocan. Can you tell me how the traffic is for your husband going in and out of Philly, and which bridge he takes? Walt Whitman I assume...

[Boeing]

Thank you Boeing, actually I have considered Fishtown. I like the area and I think that might be perfect for me given the proximity to the Ben Franklin Bridge. But would I shave any significant time off my commute if I lived closer to the Walt Whitman bridge instead?

During the school year I take the el to college every day, and 95 doesn't look all that backed up, but then again it may be better to look into living in south Philly.