Nice rural/suburban areas within one hour commute of Philadelphia (Lansdale: condos, low crime)

[marinomelissa2]

Hello,

My husband might be getting a job in Philly. We have no desire to live in the city. We like rural/suburban life much better. Can anyone point out some areas of philadelphia where the asking prices of a two bathroom two bedroom house is under $150,000 and you have some distance from your neighbors? I'm shocked because I know that even in NJ home prices are dropping below $150,000 with the recession, so I hope there are houses like this in PA too.

I like Tobyhanna PA, however this is not a commutable distance to Philly. We are looking for a 45 minute or less commute. What would be even better is if there was a train (SEPTA) I could drop my husband off at so we would only need one car and his commute wouldn't be crazy. 45 minutes of course including the traffic.

[JacksonBradu]

The obvious answer here (for me) is Glenside. Extremely close to city, not expensive, suburban, low crime, moderatelt diverse and easy access to SEPTA.

Cheltenham would also fit the above description.

[Angus215]

i think if you look at some of the older towns along the SEPTA lines, you will find 2/3 bedroom rowhouses/twins in that price range. of course, they aren't going to be real big or very modernized, but you can probably find something. towns like Ambler, Lansdale, and Downingtown come to mind. those towns all have train stations. as you move closer to the city, you will likely find that either it is more expensive or the areas are bad.

you aren't going to find many, if any, "rural" areas inside a 45 minute commute to center city and your suburban developments with larger lot sizes may be out of your price range. maybe townhouses though.

[bambiying]

Careful with Cheltenham though....some of the highest property taxes around.

[tom_567]

I know you mentioned PA only, but you may want to consider a town like Oaklyn, NJ or a fixxer upper in Haddon Township, NJ. Taxes are higher in NJ ($4500-6000), but you would get a NJ State income tax credit for your 4% Philadelphia wage tax, bringing your overall tax liability down some. The PATCO train into Philly is shorter (10-20 minute ride), more reliable, cheaper ($5 round trip), and runs 24/7. Just another option to consider. Good luck!

[ixi10]

Consider Elkins Park. I grew up living there, it's a great neighborhood (i think so anyways ) . It's within the distance you're looking for.

[bryson662001]

None of the towns mentioned so far are even close to rural. They are all older, densly developed suburbs. If you can deal with that you might consider a condo in a luxury building in an upscale suburb, Bala Cynwid, Wynwood, Jenkintown, Cheltenham, Abington which can be had in your price range only because suburban condos in this market are incredably undervalued. A single family house in any suburb for $150K won't be much more than a shack.