another one possibly biting the east coast bullet (Reading, Lancaster: rentals, crime)

[pregodego2]

A little background. We're from NJ but have lived in Las Vegas for almost 9 years. I'm from AC, Ventnor, Margate, Absecon, and also Philly. Hubby is from Vineland/Millville area.

We're looking at a possible transfer to Valley Forge/KOP area. Have been for some time now. No matter how hard we search, we can't seem to find decent home renting prices out there. In Vegas, we have 1900 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, bonus room downstairs, living room, kitchen, large eat-in kitchen, 2 car garage & a backyard (hard to find these in Vegas!). We pay $1200/month. And most likely we'll be taking a pay cut to move back east. But our family is there and that weighs heavily.

Your lovely questionnaire:

When are you moving?
Spring 2012

Where are you coming from?
Las Vegas

Why are you moving?
^ ^

Where will you be working?
Valley Forge area

Have you been here yet?
^ ^ (however, we don't know much about this particular area)

Will you buy or rent?
Rent - single family house - not willing to pay more than $1200/month
Looking for same specs as above.

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
Married, 3 children, homeschooled - therefore we look for involved communities. We're very active - so safety, cleanliness and accessibility to kid activities, running, hiking, playgrounds, etc. are high priorities.

Do you have pets?
No

Do you want or need a yard?
Yes

Are you keeping a car?
Yes & no need to be close to public transportation.

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
quiet but not secluded & far from everyone/everything

What do you want to be closest to?
Valley Forge & Vineland (we don't mind living across the bridge in NJ if the traffic isn't bad to VF/KOP area, but this is the day-to-day kind of stuff we don't know about) We want to be someplace in between these 2 places so that it isn't far to work, family, and a day trip to the beach.

Grocery stores would be the only near-by "necessity", and Target/Walmart.

Would REALLY love to be near a health food store!

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
Near a nice Non-denominational Church if possible.

Coke or Pepsi?
Don't drink soda?


THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! From reading other posts, I know how much work you guys put into this. I appreciate it.

[maf763]

I don't know that you'll find a 4/2.5 single home with a yard and garage to rent for $1200 anywhere within the area you want, let alone in a good neighborhood. You'll have to decide what you're willing to bend on - price, size, safety or single. You'll probably come closest the closer you get to Vineland, but it would be a hellish commute to KOP every day, especially if you are going at anywhere close to peak times. Since schools aren't an issue, I'd recommend looking in the city neighborhoods of Roxborough (19128) or Mount Airy (19119) - you won't get all you want, but the commute would be much more manageable.

Anywhere in the area, you'll find that shopping and big box stores are never too far away.

[bryson662001]

Start by reading this thread:

//www.city-data.com/forum/phila...c-suburbs.html

[kidphilly]

Will you be working at the new Casino in VF; if so you may want to consider looking further out 422 toward or even as far as Reading area. The prices get much cheaper and if you are not doing a morning commute (assuming casino work though could be wrong) the trip isnt all that bad.

[pregodego2]

Originally Posted by bryson662001

Start by reading this thread:

//www.city-data.com/forum/phila...c-suburbs.html

Thanks bryson, I did read that post before posting. It seems as though that OP is willing to spend a lot more money and schools are very important to them (whereas they are not for us). I figured we have more flexibility considering that. **Hoping so**

[FindingZen]

That preferred price point will make it difficult to find the type of space you want anywhere that is reasonably convenient to Valley Forge/King of Prussia and moderately sought-after. The cost of comparable housing here has always been different than that of Vegas and probably more dramatically so since the downturn.

I'd sooner look into communities located towards Reading (and Lancaster) as suggested rather than the city as Philly's city wage tax would eat into your admittedly reduced pay. The commute might be a bit of a bear but you're more likely to find housing rentals in your range.

[rainrock]

Agree with everyone else. You need to look N + W of Valley Forge. The further you go the more house you get for the money.

Downingtown/Exton/Caln/Thorndale area is really growing and its a commute that can be handled via Rt 30 + Rt 202.

Pottstown
Lansdale
Also possibilities

Good luck.

[pman]

Originally Posted by rainrock

Downingtown/Exton/Caln/Thorndale area is really growing and its a commute that can be handled via Rt 30 + Rt 202.

Pottstown
Lansdale
Also possibilities

Good luck.

caln/thorn are pretty far out there and not near much

quiet but not secluded & far from everyone/everything

pretty much the definition of exurban sprawl

[bryson662001]

I found a 4 bedroom in Norristown. There were also several 3 bedrooms in Norristown for 1200.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by bryson662001

I found a 4 bedroom in Norristown. There were also several 3 bedrooms in Norristown for 1200.

While I'm sure the OP will appreciate your effort in finding that example, they may also want to know that Norristown is not among the more desirable suburbs due to its reputation of crime issues. Perhaps Norristown has improved - others here may know better than me - but there is surely a reason why those rentals are inexpensive by local standards.