Live in Philly/Work in Wilmington (Chester, West Chester: violent crime, home, neighborhoods)

[LBren82]

Hi all,
So I am a native Delawarean and work in Wilmington. I currently live in Carney's Point, NJ but want to move in the New Year. The area is dead and I have found the burbs are not for young singles. I have to get to a more vibrant area or I am going to become the crazy cat lady I am tired of having to drive to get anywhere I want to be.
I am looking for any tips on living in Philly and working in Wilmington. Do people do it and find it okay? Are there townships outside of Philly, but close that anyone would recommend? I was looking at Ridley Park and didn't know what people think of it. I have also looked at Media but am afraid of the commute down the Blue Route to 95.
Thanks for any help!

[solibs]

Do you work in downtown Wilmington, ie, is your job near the train station in Wilmington?

I'm sure Carney's Point isn't very exciting . . . and yes, Media is a pretty cool town, but i'm not sure you'll find the rest of Delaware County that exciting.

Have you considered moving to Wilmington?

I have a friend who lives near 22nd & South. He works in Wilmington but not downtown. He's been driving it for about 4 years now. He says it takes him about 40 minutes barring any major accidents.

[Tone509]

How about West Chester? It's a little further than Media - and I'm not sure if 202 would be a "reverse" commute to Wilmington - but it may be the only other reasonable active suburb on that end that is somewhat convenient to Delaware.

[chessimprov]

Is it worth considering living near a stop off of the R2 since it will go to Wilmington and Philly?

[Joe84323]

I don't know why you would consider Ridley Park. If you're gonna move to Philly, move to Philly.

People do it all the time, and you get used to the drive. You pay more gas, more tires, more brakes, but it works.

A good place for you guys would be maybe South Philly, near the Broad Street line, and also near 95. If you know how to drive, you can get to North Wilmington in 30 mins, and Newark in 45. The Broad street line would give you easy access to South Street, and CC, when you don't need to drive.

Also, the benefit of Living in the largest city in the area, and commuting to the second-largest is there are plenty of backup transportation for you. Car breaks down, take R2. Sunday, take Greyhound. Absolutely screwed? Take Delaware Express. Also, in Philly, you have two carshare programs, and there are many other strong infrastructure connections between the two to keep your career secure.

Philly is also going to be the best option for your lifestyle, and the best to keep you busy. Don't be scared of Philly, either. You won't be moving into the ghetto, plus you drive anyway. Just do it. You won't look back.

[LBren82]

[quote=Joe84323;11344920]

A good place for you guys would be maybe South Philly, near the Broad Street line, and also near 95. If you know how to drive, you can get to North Wilmington in 30 mins, and Newark in 45. The Broad street line would give you easy access to South Street, and CC, when you don't need to drive.

[quote]

You mean if I know how to drive the 95 corridor, lol. I just made it home from NYC in an hour and a half the other day so I think I will be okay on that front.

I only looked at Ridley Park b/c of its proximity to 95 and lack of city wage tax. I will be paying two, Wilm and Philly, but after a day in NYC, I will be moving into the city not around it I don't care about the wage tax.

I have zero interest in living in Wilmington. I have lived near it all my life and I work in it. There is nothing here. Even the thugs are pathetic. Trolley square does not even come close to Philly.

So in terms of So. Philly, how do people feel about Italian Market, Bella Vista, etc.? I am not worried about living in a "hard" area (i.e. blue collar, hardworking), I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I just would definetely prefer an area where violent crime is not everyday (I understand crime happens everywhere, just trying to avoid a SW Philly type of area). Also, how is parking, recommendations on a garage, street?

Thanks everyone for the responses and hope to hear from you soon!

[solibs]

The part of the Italian Market north of Washington Ave. is Bella Vista. South of Washington is Passyunk Square. Both are great neighborhoods with BV obviously being the nicer, more expensive one.

Either way you can't go wrong.

With BV you will definitely need a parking permit. Passyunk Square is a little easier, you don't need a permit on every block yet and you can usually find a spot within two blocks of your house.

[LBren82]

Thanks solibs, I will check Passyunk Square out, I don't know all the particular neighborhood distinctions.
I just think the Italian market looks awesome...I actually am smacking myself for never having been there as close as I am. I am going to take a drive in the city and check it out soon.
Not Sunday though because So. Philly will be a madhouse