Please help my Portland, OR family find our new home in Philadelphia (Horsham: transfer, neighborhoods)

[paulinegnesin]

Thanks for all the great replies - very helpful! Just to clarify - my husband will be driving back and forth to work, not taking public transportation.

So I have 3 days in Philly the week after next to check things out. So far my neighborhood list consists of Mt.Airy, Fairmount/Art Museum, Rittenhouse square,.... Where else?

[bryson662001]

Well you should take a look at Horsham To see what's involved in getting there from Mount Airy, Roxboro and the Art Museum neighborhoods. Much of the route will include RT 611/ Broad Street/ Old York Road which runs from City Hall (city center) north to Horsham which is close to the intersection of I-276 (PA Turnpike) and PA Rt 611. I personally like Bing maps because it has the ability to switch to birds eye view so you can actually see real buildings. Three days isn't much time because the area you have to cover is huge and densely developed. There are some freeways but not many to help getting around. BTW the older, denser Beaverton like suburbs I mentioned are all on or close to Rt 611 half way between Horsham and Center City. The most walkable of those neighborhoods is Glenside in Abington and Cheltenham townships. 19038,19095

[paulinegnesin]

Thanks! We aren't interested in living in a suburban area, though.

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by paulinegnesin

Thanks! We aren't interested in living in a suburban area, though.

I understand . I sugest you hit a CVS, Walgreens, Barns and Noble etc and purchase a philly metro Atlas which will run 35 or 40 dollars but will be a life savor in your search and your new life.

[Ms_Christina]

Just remember to take your husband's commute into consideration. There really is no section of Philly that will be 30 minutes from Horsham. Horsham is pretty far out there. His commute with traffic will be 1-1 1/2 hours each way depending on traffic.

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by paulinegnesin

Thanks for all the great replies - very helpful! Just to clarify - my husband will be driving back and forth to work, not taking public transportation.

So I have 3 days in Philly the week after next to check things out. So far my neighborhood list consists of Mt.Airy, Fairmount/Art Museum, Rittenhouse square,.... Where else?

I'd also look at South Philly-specifically East Passyunk, Italian Market, Bella Vista, Queen Village-as well as University City in West Philly.
But if you are intent on keeping the commute less than 30 Minutes, that may limit you to Mount Airy and I'd definitely look at East Falls too.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by paulinegnesin

Thanks for all the great replies - very helpful! Just to clarify - my husband will be driving back and forth to work, not taking public transportation.

So I have 3 days in Philly the week after next to check things out. So far my neighborhood list consists of Mt.Airy, Fairmount/Art Museum, Rittenhouse square,.... Where else?

If you are open to Mt Airy then Chestnut Hill is worth a look as well. I kind of disagree with the sentiment that Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill do not have a suburban feel. Compared to Center City and Portland they definitely have a suburban feel imo. But they are awesome neighborhoods, especially Chestnut Hill, that you should take a look at them.

Back in Center City neighborhoods - Add Society Hill,Old City,Graduate Hospital, Fitler Square,Old City, Queen Village. Across the Schuylkill River University City/Spruce Hill.


From your emphasis on culture, museums, home schooling (Free Library of Philadelphia) sounds like the Art Museum Area/Fairmount may be your best match.

[123noname321]

I would say Chestnut Hill or Mount airy

One of the closest neighborhoods to Horsham
Within Your Price Range
Shops on Germantown Ave will be good for you living carless with kids
Since your a runner Valley Green is the largest urban park in the country and is awesome (I run there at least once a week)
You can have a small yard so you can garden and kids to play (while still being urban)
There are a lot of other nice parks
Your neighbors seem to be your type of people
One of the safest Neighborhoods in the city
Outdoorsy neighborhood
Many great restaurants along the Ave.
Mt Airy is very different in areas west mount airy is very suburban while east is urban and Chestnut hill as long as your close to the Ave its urban
I think those neighborhhods are perfect

[EveKendall]

I put forward another bid for West Philly. Most of my crunchy yet professional friends with young kids live around the Cedar Park area. Somewhere like the Garden Courts Plaza has nice, well built, safe apartments close to public transportation and parks. My husband I lived there for our twins' first two years and it worked out well (and our neighbor swore she never heard them crying!). Graduate students live there but it tends to be more quiet and serious. the rent is on the high side but it could be worth it for you. Best of luck.

[paulinegnesin]

Thanks so much you guys!
.
Mt Airy is starting to sound tempting...... I really appreciate the poster who clarified the suburban vs urban parts. My husband is trying to talk me into it.... When I visit in a few weeks we will be staying at Rittenhouse sq. Will it be hard to get to Mt Airy for a visit on transit from there? My mom will have a car but I like to practice using public transit to see how its going to be.

I'm thinking if we like Mt airy on this visit we might stay there in November when we visit again with my husband. Our final move date is January 1st.