Looking for the Best in Philly (Philadelphia: 2013, lease, house)

[mjking1]

I know a lot of people post about moving here and soon of my questions/comments/concerns are answered in here but I just cant make up my mind on neighborhoods.

So My girlfriend and I will be moving to Philly in May 2013. It will be just us two and we have a dog. A small dog at that. We are from Arizona and live in Phoenix area. We are both in our late 20's early 30's and are young professionals. My girlfriend is an interior designer and most likely will work in the downtown area. I am going to being getting my Masters at Temple and I work for National Guard. We want to buy a house somewhere from 100,000 to 300,000. So it is a big range we can afford but do not really want to spend that much. I hate to say this but I think I need to...We are a white couple and like to live in a white predominately neighborhood. I know there a lot of African Americans that live in the Philly area. I like a the suburbia feel but my girlfriend wants more a city feel. I just do not know what neighborhoods are good, fun and safe.

Some desirable's:
Near a Park
Yard for Dog
Parking for at least one vehicle
A Walkable area close to shops grocery stores and restaurants
Safe
Near public transportation

[new-era]

I would stick to the burbs because the city of Philadelphia has a very large black population and you said you prefer a white neighborhood and while I'm no expert on Philly burbs I don't see you getting a place for under 250k.

Also curious did you visit Temple and Phillly yet? Far cry from Arizona. Not trying to discourage you but I assume it's night and day.

[Jeanie Beanie]

I think you're in for a culture shock. Population density, weather, attitudes (not saying better or worse, just different). Slow down on the house hunting. First, rent in an area that appeals; then, see if you love it at the end of your year lease. Do-overs much easier with a rental. May I say: Welcome to the area. It is so exciting to have a big move like this to look forward to. Good luck.

[toobusytoday]

I agree with Jeanie Beanie, unless you already own a home, there's no reason to buy right away. If you dislike an area after buying it might not be easy to sell quickly. I know with a few of our house purchases, I wish I could have rented for a year prior.

[mancat100]

I was going to recommend West Mount Airy to you. It's not far from Center City and combines a city and suburban feeling quite well and has a commuter rail line running through it. However, you might end up with a black person on your block. Maybe you could buy special sunglasses that have a skin lightening effect when you look through them so you can tolerate the blacks. Perhaps, more likely, Philadelphia is not your kind of town.

[newmarlig]

^ true.

[new-era]

Mancat,

The poster is being honest don't see the need to take shots at him. If a black guy came on here and said he would prefer a black neighborhood would you call him out? Lots of folks in Philly experienced some racial tension and it surely isn't always from white people.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by new-era

Mancat,

The poster is being honest don't see the need to take shots at him. If a black guy came on here and said he would prefer a black neighborhood would you call him out? Lots of folks in Philly experienced some racial tension and it surely isn't always from white people.

I think some clarification on what "predominantly white" means to the OP might be helpful. If they simply wish to not feel outnumbered, finding a nice city neighborhood won't be tough at all. If they wish to be somewhere that's lily-white, then they probably should live in the suburbs. Collingswood across the bridge in Jersey may be a good compromise.

[mancat100]

Originally Posted by new-era

Mancat,

The poster is being honest don't see the need to take shots at him. If a black guy came on here and said he would prefer a black neighborhood would you call him out? Lots of folks in Philly experienced some racial tension and it surely isn't always from white people.

New-era. I appreciate your viewpoint, but I expressed my visceral reaction to the post. Now that I've had some time to think about it, I stand by what I said. Maybe if it had been a black poster expressing a preference for a black neighborhood, my reaction would have been softer. That would have been inconsistent on my part. Thanks for pointing that out. I'll be sure to be consistent going forward.

[RightonWalnut]

You won't find anything fantastic in the city for $100,000 to $300,000. You could be in the city if you rent, and you may eventually find a good place for $200,000 or $300,000, but I would stick to the suburbs.