Looking for suburb suggestions (Philadelphia, Drexel Hill: townhome, established neighborhood, school district)

[mavailnowhere]

My family will be relocating to Philly very soon and I need some direction on where to focus for housing options. Here is the scoop and our priorities:

1. We have 2 small kids, one starts kindergarten in the fall. So we want a good school system.

2. A reasonable commute to downtown (like 30-45 min) so that I will actually get to spend time with my husband.

3. Safety (obviously)

4. 3 br. home in the $300K price range (if that is even possible). I realize we might need to consider something more expensive.

Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide!!!

[mavailnowhere]

And with my husband's job, he can't take train or other public transportation.

[maf763]

Parts of Abington (19001) would work for your priorities, though you would be pushing commute time and cost.

[DailyJournalist]

Take a look at the New Jersey suburbs of Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel. All provide easy access to Center City.

[RSign]

Try Havertown, Wallingford (Nether Providence), Springfield, Ardmore, and parts of Drexel Hill that fall in the Haverford school district (Pilgrim Gardens). These are all in Delaware county and have nice houses that will fall in your budget.

[shannybannany]

Hi,
I live in Cherry Hill, NJ and I work in South Philly. My commute is 25 minutes, easy! You can find something in your budget here. Cherry Hill has superb schools!

GL!

Shanny

[niceguy19125]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

Take a look at the New Jersey suburbs of Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel. All provide easy access to Center City.

I agree, especially Collingswood and Haddonfield. Very well established neighborhoods with solid schools, a nice housing stock and quick access to the city. Check out the PATCO website for neighborhoods to consider.
PATCO :: Woodcrest Station
PATCO :: Woodcrest Station
Washington Ave at Kings highway Haddonfield nj 08003 - Google Maps

[MoorestownResident]

Can't get anything for $300K in Haddonfield. In Cherry Hill you'll likely find a 70s bi-level or ranch, especially in Cherry Hill west. Taxes will be extremely high though. Some Burlington County towns like Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown, Cinnaminson offer great schools and to me a generally nicer and newer area than Camden County. Although you will still have access to Patco, it will be a farther drive and add 15-20 minutes to your commute to philly. 300K won't go that far for a house especially in Moorestown where a small 3 bedroom house that needs work can be listed around 400K. However, if you consider a newer 3 bedroom townhome in Marlton or Mount Laurel you can find a great place with garage in your price range. If you could up your price closer to 400K and negotiate you can get a decent but smallish 4 bedroom house in these towns in quality communities.

[thesixth]

For your price range, I would say that Havertown and Springfield in Delaware County are very good options. Your commute time from Havertown might be a bit better than Springfield, but you will be within the range you're looking for.

[Sassygirl18]

Cherry Hill, NJ definitely meets your criteria, especially the west side, zip 08002. Easy commute to Philadelphia - about 5 miles to the BF Bridge. Great schools, very family-oriented, nice area with tons of restaurants and shopping and the nicest public library I have ever set foot into. Lots of nice houses in your price range. Feel free to private message me.