Anyone know information about Woodlyn, PA (Philadelphia, Chester: apartment, condo, first time home buyer)

[schturn]

My husband and I just relocated back to Philadelphia and have been house hunting in Delaware County. We came across a great single, but it's located in Woodlyn, PA. The house is located along the far north border of Woodlyn (above MacDade Blvd) bordering Swarthmore. Literally you drive .3 of a mile and you're in Swarthmore. Does anyone have anymore information about this area? Another concern is resale value in this area since we are first time home buyers and will likely only stay in this house for 5-7 years. Any information is helpful! Thank you!

[LuckyPenny57]

Woodlyn is part of Ridley Township. The "main drag" in the area is MacDade Boulevard and Woodlyn is quite close to I-95 and the Blue Route (the mid-county expressway), making commutes to Center City and/or Radnor/King of Prussia area very accessible (but not necessarily fast or easy! ) Schools would be in the Ridley School District, but I can't offer any personal comments about the quality of the schools, although I think it is generally considered to be a good district. (I've lived in Ridley Township my whole life, but I attended parochial schools. ) Housing seems to be mostly singles (many of the Cape Cod style) and twins (townhouses). The area seems to contains a good many older "starter" type homes; i.e., first-time home buyers with smaller families. Nearby towns include Milmont Park, Folsom, Crum Lynne, Eddystone, Chester (Widener University is close by) and, as you mentioned, Swarthmore. I can't really comment on resale values at this time, although the proximity to Center City makes the general area attractive to those who are looking for a "easier" (access-wise) daily commute into the city and/or areas like Wilmington, DE or South Jersey. I think the homes in the area generally hold their value fairly well.

Swarthmore is a nearby borough. Many of the homes are older, quite large and contain a fair amount of acreage, although there is some newer construction in the area and some apartment/condo complexes. The school district is Wallingford-Swarthmore, which is highly regarded. There is a nice little town center with some nice eateries, basic services, and shops.

[lititzman2003]

Woodlyn is okay, but it has declined somewhat over the last several years. The fact that the house you're looking at is very close to Swarthmore should be a positive factor when you sell later on. You may want to have a frank discussion with a realtor about this, though. Good luck.

[chessimprov]

Ridley is a decent school district. Mainly full of working class people. Nearby Swarthmore is much better, you pay for it with your taxes. I-95 is probably somewhat of a helpful barrier in a sense. Even though Upland is on the other side and is okay, next to Upland is Chester, which does not have a good reputation. Chester just started two new magnets last year and I expect some good and exciting things to come out of them, but it will be a tough road for all.

[AKR27540]

Having grown up in that area and knowing it well, I'd tell you to keep looking. Try Ridley Park, especially the lake area. Woodlyn is too close to Chester and the problems associated with it. I wouldn't be comfortable walking through there at night yet I'd definitely walk through any area of Ridley Park. Prices have dropped drastically over the past few years. You should be able to find something in your price range with a decent lot and you'll be in a good school district. Ridley Park is not part of Ridley Township but a borough on its own.

[buttonwood]

Originally Posted by schturn

My husband and I just relocated back to Philadelphia and have been house hunting in Delaware County. We came across a great single, but it's located in Woodlyn, PA. The house is located along the far north border of Woodlyn (above MacDade Blvd) bordering Swarthmore. Literally you drive .3 of a mile and you're in Swarthmore. Does anyone have anymore information about this area? Another concern is resale value in this area since we are first time home buyers and will likely only stay in this house for 5-7 years. Any information is helpful! Thank you!

If it's on the North side of Woodlyn bordering Swarthmore , it shouldn't be too bad . Is it also bordered somewhat by Wallingford ? Ridley schools aren't too bad . They are big sports district-highly competative.