Commuting from Harrisburg to Philly area? (Ardmore, Paoli: apartment complex, credit card, home)

[espojc587]

Here's my situation: I am a recent Penn State grad (age 23) that has lived in the Harrisburg area my whole life. It's not a bad place to live, but the Hburg suburb area is truly ideal for families as opposed to young professionals. And yes, I go to 2nd Street on weekends with my friends. I know the city scene here quite well. I have a job now for the last 3 months within VERY short walking distance to the Amtrak station (important mention) in Harrisburg. I have a very good paying job, not in the six-figures or anything, but very good for my age. I have zero debt, a car, and I have been living back at home with my mom saving up money. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE IN THE PHILLY AREA MY WHOLE LIFE. Hburg feels like an island because I want to live in an urban area and it's close to several major cities that I all enjoy (NYC, Balt, Philly, DC, Pitt), but not close enough. I know the Main Line is expensive. I have a friend or two that may move to Philly soon, so I'd have someone to room with if I wanted to move there. I checked the Hburg commute on the Amtrak website and it's about 1:10 to Paoli/Malvern, 1:20ish to Ardmore (30th st station is too far I think). Would it be reasonable for me to live out there? I figure with the train commute too I can be on my laptop and get everything done I want to then as opposed to just doing it when I get back from work anyway. I also have weekends off. I work a standard work week (8:30/9am-5pm 5 day/wk) since I work for the State. What do you guys think? I figure to live right near the Main Line in an apartment, suck up the commute during the week, and then party it up and enjoy the scene on weekends in the City. There is so much more to do in Philly than Hburg. I have really been thinking about this for a while now...

[PeeAye Native]

I think Paoli/Malvern does not have an urban feel, it is distinctly suburbs. Ardmore has a more urban feel, in an "inner ring, close in suburb to a major urban city" way. But for a true urban feel and lifestyle you do need to live in the city. Also, be prepared for delays from snow, ice, leaves on tracks (Oct and Nov), windstorm (downed trees on the tracks), etc., etc.

I see this is your first post. I have to add you'll get more responses if you make it readable, i.e, use paragraphs, looking at and reading that post is painful on the eyes to me.

[espojc587]

Yes, I am new here. I appreciate the advice...perhaps i'll re-post in the Philly thread to get more responses as well.

[pman]

paoli is about 50 min by septa train..trains run til 145 am.saturday nights. all amtrak trains stop at paoli. there is a decent apartment complex next to the station which would.mean a short walk to the train. paoli is a quiet town but there is tjs near the station and its 25min shorter than 30th. youll.be accumulating points for free travel to nyc or dc. ardmore is only 20 min by septa train to the city. ardmore.has more on its own including suburban square shopping center but youre commute is longer and not all amtrak trains stop there. be sure to sign up for amtraks.credit card to accumulate points faster

[espojc587]

thanks for the help. it seems like ardmore might work better. the amtrak schedule says it has stops for the morning for me to go to hburg and has stops in the evening for me to return which is good.

u said there were some appt complexes near the Paoli station, but do u know anything decent next to the Ardmore station?

...and the amtrak credit card sounds cool.