Safest, walkablest most dog-friendly neighborhood for poor retired liberal types? (Chester: real estate, rent)

[dlcarrington]

Hi guys, hope I did this right....I grew up in NJ (West Orange) and have relatives in Villanova. I am currently in exile in TX and want to go home. My husband will be retired in 5 years and we will be living essentially on SS and my income...i.e., not that much. I am writing to find out if there's anyplace we can afford that's relatively safe and walkable.

When are you moving?

I hope in five years

Where are you coming from?

45 miles east of Austin TX

Why are you moving?

I want to go home to be near friends and family

Where will you be working?

I hope to be working part-time in medical transcription or coding, at home.

Have you been here yet?

last visit October 2011 -- but stayed in the Main Line

Will you buy or rent?

probably rent since I doubt retired folks on social security can buy...

If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?

small 1-2 bedroom house with fenced yard because we have four dogs, which I hear can be a major problem

Are you married or single? Do you have children?

Married 32 years, no kids, 4 dogs

Do you want or need a yard?

Need fenced yard for dogs.

Are you keeping a car?

Yes but since I don't drive I'm looking for something very walkable and with good public transit -- grew up with commuter trains

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?

a little of both

Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?

Neighborhood as diverse as possible -- I'm a Jewish Buddhist car-hating vegan childless by choice Democrat, gay-friendly

I've heard good stuff about Mt. Airy, Manayunk, Drexel Hill, Jenkintown and Roxborough in Philly but wonder if there are any commuteburbs that retired folks could afford as well? Have BFF in the KOP area but seems too car friendly for me. Like Conshy also but keep hearing about its "tough" parts, wherever they are.

Thanks for all your help.

[ElijahAstin]

It all depends on your definition of "affordable." Obviously, you'd like to pay as little as possible, but it would help if you listed a price ceiling.

[kimeleon]

Originally Posted by dlcarrington

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?

Neighborhood as diverse as possible -- I'm a Jewish Buddhist car-hating vegan childless by choice Democrat, gay-friendly

I just had to tell you that I love your answer!

I wish I could help you but I'm in a similar boat as you. Well, kinda sorta not really. But I am looking for diversity, convenience, car-friendly and pedestrian but not country living. Oh and I'm 35! Was just in Philly last week looking and I think I missed most of Main Line area. So it's back to the drawing board. Oh, I should mention that my mother is moving also and isn't much of a driver so that's where our similarities cross paths once again.

Good luck and I'll be checking back to see if I can get any hints for my mom. BTW, she's 65 and quite capable of getting around by herself but since I'm her daughter I gotta make sure she's happy!

[2e1m5a]

Mt Airy and West Germantown would be the most affordable (although possibly not 5 years from now) and diverse. Most houses in the Northwest section of the city also have pretty large yards plus great access to the Wissahickon Park, which is great for dogs.

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

Mt Airy and West Germantown would be the most affordable (although possibly not 5 years from now) and diverse. Most houses in the Northwest section of the city also have pretty large yards plus great access to the Wissahickon Park, which is great for dogs.

Mt Airy (East and West) and W. G'town are great for dogs. You not only have Wissahickon Creek, but there's also an ad hoc/informal dog park at Pastorius Park in Chestnut Hill. There are also quite a few businesses (smaller shops and some banks) that don't get twitchy when you enter with a leashed dog. Also, last year (and, I'm hoping, this year as well) Valley Green Inn had a dog-centric happy hour every Tuesday during the winter months - they had a secure, closed-in and heated area where you could let your dog socialize. There were biscuits and water for them, and a limited food and drink menu for Us.

[rotodome]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

Valley Green Inn had a dog-centric happy hour every Tuesday during the winter months - they had a secure, closed-in and heated area where you could let your dog socialize. There were biscuits and water for them, and a limited food and drink menu for Us.

I didn't know about this. Nice!

[Pine to Vine]

The city neighborhoods you mentioned sound like a good fit, without knowing your budget. As for 'burbs, Collingswood, NJ has a great little walkable downtown and you can take a train and be in Center City in about 20 minutes (Collingswood, New Jersey | Collingswood, New Jersey). Real estate seems more affordable there as well. PA has some really nice suburbs, but those I am familiar with seem expensive though Media might also be worth looking into. The college town of West Chester is really charming, but it might be too far afield for you.