Conshohocken v Manayunk (King of Prussia, Plymouth, Plymouth Meeting: apartment, renting, how much)

[thechainrule]

Hey all, Im sure this is a well beaten question but I figure I'll ask anyway. I'm moving up to the area for a new job I just took in King of Prussia, PA. After a quick look at the KOP area, I have already decided I have no interest in living in that town. I would prefer something with a bit more "charm" and younger professionals and some night life (I'm 27 and have already spent too much life in suburbia). Which town would you pick between conshohocken and Manayunk?

I am willing to pay the city wage tax if Manayunk is worth it.
How bad is the traffic from these two towns to KOP during the rush hours?
I am a cyclist (off road) being next to the trails or having trails close by is ideal.





When are you moving? Within 30 days
Where are you coming from? Baltimore (Federal Hill)
Why are you moving? New job
Where will you be working? King of Prussia
Have you been here yet? For a day, yes.
Will you buy or rent? Rent

If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? up to 1200/mo. but the cheaper the better!
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? either.
Are you married or single? single
Do you have children? no
Do you prefer public or private schools? N/A
Do you have pets? no
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? Yes but I want to be close to the train. Easy access to Amtrak preferred.
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? either.

What do you want to be closest to?
convenience to work, walking distance to grocery/gym/bars is ideal.
Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? any.

Thanks!

[maf763]

It will be easier in Conshohocken with the car, it's a shorter commute, and there's no wage tax. Manayunk is closer to the city and has more nightlife options, though there are a few places in Conshy. Bike trails are a wash as both are convenient. It sounds like both meet your criteria, and it may come down to what is available and personal preference.

[el don]

Originally Posted by maf763

It will be easier in Conshohocken with the car, it's a shorter commute, and there's no wage tax. Manayunk is closer to the city and has more nightlife options, though there are a few places in Conshy. Bike trails are a wash as both are convenient. It sounds like both meet your criteria, and it may come down to what is available and personal preference.

Adding on to this, Conshy and Manayunk are only 15 minutes apart by car driving the 55 mph speed limit on 76, or you could just hop on the norristown regional line that connects the two. If you get tired of the Conshy nightlife, which you will eventually since there are only about 4 good poppin spots, good restaurants and another 3-4 good bars, you would be able to get into manayunk and expand your horizons easily. While still being able to be closer to work.

[RightonWalnut]

I agree... both are great and they're very close to each other, neither would cause a commuting hassle to KOP. It all depends on you personal preference, do you want to be in the suburbs or live in the city... that's what this decision will come down to.

[thechainrule]

Hm. How late do the trains run? Is there a train that goes up to the Plymouth area. It looks way cheaper up there across from the mall.

[RightonWalnut]

Originally Posted by thechainrule

Hm. How late do the trains run? Is there a train that goes up to the Plymouth area. It looks way cheaper up there across from the mall.

Trains only run to about midnight unfortunately... 12:30 I believe. I think the closest train to Plymouth Meeting is the Conshohocken stop.

[thechainrule]

Hmmm 12:30 am is kinda lame, I guess I could always cab it back though. What about Bryn Mawr? Is their a city wage there? Any night life?

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by thechainrule

Hmmm 12:30 am is kinda lame, I guess I could always cab it back though. What about Bryn Mawr? Is their a city wage there? Any night life?

agree, that's country out there

[egolise]

i've lived in both and there are pros and cons to each. for mtn biking, manayunk is a great spot. you have access from your doorstep to top notch trails in the wissahickon/forbidden drive area of fairmount park. there are tons of access points off of henry ave. so this is more convenient if you live a bit further "up the hill" in manayunk as opposed to closer to main st. though the train will be nearer to main st.

manayunk also has more nightlife going on, but be aware that manayunk is riddled with college students/post college 20 somethings that love to party. weekends can get pretty loud so do some research before finding a place about your neighbors, check out the place late on a friday or saturday night to get a feel. lots of party houses out and about. if that's your thing you will have a blast. if not, it can get annoying.

[speener]

From Conshohocken to King of Prussia, you don't have to take 76 - you can take back roads, which at rush hour will save you a ton of time. Also, if you decide on Conshy, add West Conshohocken to the list - it's a different borough on the other side of the river - but equally convenient.