Thinking of moving from Tampa to the Phil/PA area (Allentown: middle-class, for sale) - Pennsylvania - City-Data Forum

Spongedaddy · 08-04-2006, 07:02 AM

Hello all,

We have lived in Tampa, FL for the last three years, but are thinking of moving back to the N.E. to be closer to fmaily in NY. NY is out of the question for many different reason. We were originally looking at central Jersey, but it seems to crowded and expensive. I was thinking the PA/NJ border and Phiadelphia area might be a good place.

We are renting an apt and would be looking to do the same up there. My wife stays at home right now (we have a five yr. old, a 7 yr. old and a dog) and I work in sales for a major telco company. How are the apt rentals in the area? Schools? Job opportuinities?

Any help/information we get would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Andrew

enviroman · 08-04-2006, 08:16 AM

Well, a 2-BR apt that allows dogs in the suburbs will probably run you $800-900/month...maybe a bit more for a nicer area. Obviously, I don't know what your income looks like, but if you are in the "middle-class range", I'd say finding a job won't be hard (Verizon is a pretty big employer here) but living off of a single income might be.

Since your kids are presumably in school for a good chunk of the day, could your wife go back to work, at least part-time?

Mrs.Bewitched · 08-04-2006, 08:23 AM

Were you planning to put your kids in public schools? There aren't many good ones in Philly. I would check the report cards on the schools, and live somewhere in the vicinity of those kind of schools. Many apartments do take a dog, you just might have to pay a special deposit or a extra fee per month. What price are you looking per month? How much do you care about the safety of the neighborhood, and the quality of the schools?

Spongedaddy · 08-04-2006, 08:47 AM

We are in the middle-class range and do want to live in the suberbs not too close to the city. Schools and safety are important as well. We are hoping to stay close to the border so we can make it to see my wife's family in NY within three hours.

enviroman · 08-04-2006, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spongedaddy

We are in the middle-class range and do want to live in the suberbs not too close to the city. Schools and safety are important as well. We are hoping to stay close to the border so we can make it to see my wife's family in NY within three hours.

Where in NY? Albany, NY is much further than 3 hours (probably closer to 5) from Philly, for example. Metro NYC can be less than 2 hours.

Like I said before, you're probably looking at around $800-900/month for a smallish 2BR apartment in the average Philly burbs. If you don't feel like you can cram two children into an apartment bedroom, you're looking at $1000+ for a 3BR.

Have you considered buying a home?

bamboosmom · 08-04-2006, 10:56 AM

Hi Spongedaddy,
we are doing the same as you. We miss the family in NY and NJ. We are heading to Wayne or Susquehanna Counties when we sell down here in Punta Gorda. Jersey is way too expensive as is New York.
We are going to rent while we build a home up there.

newmarlig · 08-04-2006, 01:10 PM

I would look into Bensalem or Cornwells Heights in Lower Bucks County.

Spongedaddy · 08-04-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enviroman

Where in NY? Albany, NY is much further than 3 hours (probably closer to 5) from Philly, for example. Metro NYC can be less than 2 hours.

Like I said before, you're probably looking at around $800-900/month for a smallish 2BR apartment in the average Philly burbs. If you don't feel like you can cram two children into an apartment bedroom, you're looking at $1000+ for a 3BR.

Have you considered buying a home?

We are looking to stay under $1200. My wife's family lives in Long Island and Dutchess County (near Fishkill). I don't mind being three hours away

Are the areas mentioned suburbs near the border? Is it better to look for sales positions (and I mean the more professional type positions not selling in a circus environment) in Philly or Central Jersey?

Thanks for all the great info so far.

newmarlig · 08-04-2006, 08:10 PM

The places I mentioned Cornwells Heights and Bensalem are close to I-95 which takes you into NY. They are also close to the New Jersey Transit Trenton train station. Center City Philly is closer to South Jersey, but you won't find housing at the price.

SteelCityRising · 08-04-2006, 08:15 PM

SpongeDaddy, have you considered the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton?), or even the Southern Poconos (The Stroudsburgs?) for that matter? The cost-of-living in both of these areas is MUCH more affordable than the ritzier Philly 'burbs, and the commute to metro NYC is typically only about 90 minutes from each of these locations, via I-78 or I-80. As far as employment is concerned, you can probably find a great job either in the Lehigh Valley or just a half-hour or so into NJ. Both areas have some stellar schools for your children, and both have a plethora of inexpensive rentals that are pet-friendly. I don't know if you have your heart set on Philly in particular or not, but even so, the Lehigh Valley is only about an hour from the Philly area and 90 minutes from the NYC area. (Probably two hours from Long Island, or a bit more depending on traffic congestion through the boroughs).