Young couple moving back to PA (Reading, Lancaster: apartment, rental, townhouse)

[louis86]

Hi, we are a young couple (20s) and are planning to move back to PA soon. We both grew up in Downingtown and West Chester so we are familiar with those areas and our families still live there. We want to be near our families but not TOO close (if you know what I mean) and are looking for some other good options in the general area. We will be looking to rent an apartment/townhouse for the first year. We aren't really into partying, so nightlife doesn't really matter to us.

Our general criteria is:

- within 1.5 hrs of Philly
- good selection of shopping and restaurants
- nice downtown area
- parks for walking/biking
- safe
- cheaper cost of living is a plus

Areas that we are considering are: Lansdale, Sellersville, Collegeville, Lancaster, Phoenixville, and the list is growing.

Any other suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

[Tone509]

Where will you each be working? What is your preferred rental budget?

While I'm not familiar with Sellersville, I believe the other four locations you picked are safe. Lancaster has a nice downtown but some iffy parts are just south of it. Generally speaking, safety won't be an issue in the exurban areas you're looking into. Reading may be an exception.

[louis86]

Thanks for the reply. I will actually be working from home or looking for a shared studio space (I am a graphic designer). My wife is a dental hygienist so she can pretty much work anywhere.

We would like to keep our rent under $1100 for a 1-2br townhouse or apartment.

[solibs]

Ambler.

It puts a little more distance between you and the fam.

[longtoe]

I agree with Ambler. Phoenixville is good too, quite a few restaurants opened there within the last 5 yrs. Collegeville = snoooozecity (my parents live there). I lived in Lansdale for 18 yrs, it's ok, but I would say Phoenixville is better for a young couple nowadays...there's places to kayak nearby and you can hike/bike in valley forge park.

[killakoolaide]

Media, Pa in Delco is clearly the best option for you and yours

[orrmobl]

Phoenixville or Conshohocken would be my pick for your age etc...

[kolokol]

Originally Posted by louis86

Thanks for the reply. I will actually be working from home or looking for a shared studio space (I am a graphic designer). My wife is a dental hygienist so she can pretty much work anywhere.

We would like to keep our rent under $1100 for a 1-2br townhouse or apartment.

Townohomes generally start at 1400 without utilities in Montgomery and Chester County.
You can rent a townhome or a house in Lancaster, PA within your budget, but it is not within 1.5 hours from Philly.

[Jfoldno7]

Echoing the comments of others: Phoenixville, Ambler, and Conshy.

As a younger (25 years old) resident of Phoenixville, I'm obviously a little partial to the borough. The town is great. The downtown is a great area with a good selection of restaurants and a few shopping options. Stop in on a Friday evening if you want to see the town in full swing.

Valley Forge is a short bike ride or drive away, and there are some good parks and paths inside Phoenixville. It's very safe and the cost of living is cheaper than being a little closer to Philly. One of the big reasons I moved up here in the first place was because of the affordable housing. I commute to Philly for work every day and I typically drive to Villanova train station (25 mins) and hit an express train. Commutes usually take 40-60 mins total, door to door but my work is right next to an R5 stop. If you need to know more about Phoenixville, shoot me a PM.

[SD70]

All of the suggestions made are very good.

As a resident of Sellersville, I can vouch for the safety of the Sellersville/Perkasie area. Sellersville and Perkasie meet most of your requirements...

- About an hour to the city

- Low cost of living (relatively speaking)

- Safe

- Biking and walking trails: A 155 acre park system that runs right through the middle of both towns will meet your needs here. There are also ball fields, fishing, a water park, and a historic carousel that is opened on special occassions.

- Restaurants: Washington House, Perk, Maize are my favorites. There are also ice cream/ water ice places, pizza shops, cafes, etc. A lot of these places are within walking distance depending on where you live in town and how far you like to walk. I often enjoy walking through the park to get to many of them.

- Shopping: Although there are a few small shops/ boutiques, you won't find yourself doing a lot of shopping in town. However, Montgomeryville and Quakertown are both a short drive away with all of the shopping you could want or need.

If you want a little night life, the Washington House has beer and wine tastings regularly. Right next door, the Sellersville Theater has live performances by singers, bands and comedians. It is a beautifully restored theater.

My only hesitation with recommending the Sellersville/Perkasie area to you is that it is a bit more family oriented than some of the other towns mentioned. In other words, its not exactly busteling with excitement for the younger crowd. Ive noticed a lot of positive changes over the last few years and there is potential for more. However, if you need more excitement, Pheonixville may be the ticket.