Young couple in Bensalem looking to move to different suburb :) (Philadelphia: apartment complex, rent)

[becca1769]

Hi everyone! My husband (28) and I (24) currently rent in Bensalem, and to be honest, we hate it we are really hoping to buy a home or at least get an apartment in a different suburb. We are working professionals and people who work seem to be few and far between in our apartment complex. Any advice? Would prefer NOT Philadelphia county because of the school district. I am from Johnstown, PA originally which is why I am unfamiliar.


When are you moving? Hopefully November-January
Where are you coming from? Bensalem
Why are you moving? We really do not like Bensalem. The area is certainly on the decline and is not particularly safe. The school districts also receive poor ratings.
Where will you be working? I work in Trevose, husband in South Philly
Have you been here yet? Yes

Will you buy or rent? Buy preferably
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? Around 230 K
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up?

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? Prefer PA

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married but we plan to have children soon
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public
Do you have pets? Yes a cat
Do you want or need a yard. Would be nice
Are you keeping a car? Yes 2
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? No preference

What do you want to be closest to?
Work most important
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) yes
Nightlife
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? We are Jewish so it would be nice to live near a synagogue- diversity is fine but we do not want to stand out so much like we do here in Bensalem

[pman]

jenkintown

[pookybean]

i was also going to say jenkintown, or maybe cheltenham.

[Snwmn5]

Check out Abington too.

[ElijahAstin]

Since you're Jewish, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, and Abington (East of Old York Road/611) are all good suggestions. Bensalem used to have a fairly high Jewish population, but it's dispersed over the years (due in large part to the decline you yourself have noticed). Cheltenham has declined slightly from its prime as well, and has transitioned from being "super-Jewy" (almost 40% in the '70s) to merely "Jewy" (thereabouts 15% these days, which is still high for a Philly suburb) although I'd still say it's a pretty nice place to live. If you're willing to settle for a condo or townhouse, I recommend looking into Newtown, Northampton, Lower Makefield, and Yardley as well.

Although you prefer PA, you might want to check out Cherry Hill as well, where you'd get the most for your budget (due in part to having higher taxes, though the taxes in Cheltenham are much worse). As a whole, West (where you'll most likely be able to find a single-family home in your price range) is less Jewish than East (295/the Jersey Turnpike is generally considered the dividing line), but there is a fairly sizeable community toward the Cherry Hill Mall. If you're ok with a condo or a townhouse, you could probably find something in the Eastern half. Voorhees too (which is pretty Jewy as well).

Also, a Jew from Johnstown, what a novelty! I'm actually the (indirect) descendant of a Johnstown Jew as well, but I digress...

Best of luck in your search!

[becca1769]

Thanks everyone. Does anyone have opinions on the Pennsbury school district area? Thanks!

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by becca1769

Thanks everyone. Does anyone have opinions on the Pennsbury school district area? Thanks!

Pennsbury is a good district but that area is so far from South Philly. Your problem is the huge distance between Trevose and South Philly. The East side of Abington Township (19046) or Lower Moreland/ Huntington Valley(19009) may be a good compromise but it may be a challenge with your budget. Access to South Philly would be via Red Lion Rd and the Boulevard but that is still a long trip. Also Langhorne (19047)in Middletown Township is a nice area and also Neshaminy/Trevose (19053). These are all close to Rt 1 that becomes the Boulevard which is no worse than i-95

You might take another look at Bensalem also. It has nice pockets further north on the west side of 95 near Trenton Rd.and also off of State Rd near Cornwells heights.

[becca1769]

Husband doesn't really mind driving- I do, mainly because I'm not used to the way you crazy Philly people drive So, Pennsbury is still an option.

We're still looking in Abington, LM (but that's definitely a stretch), and Langhorne. However, I'm not thrilled about the Neshaminy SD (or am I wrong?)

I've seen the nice parts of Bensalem, they're very pretty- but I really don't want to settle in an area where I felt that I had to move when I had school aged kids.

Thanks all!

Originally Posted by bryson662001

Pennsbury is a good district but that area is so far from South Philly. Your problem is the huge distance between Trevose and South Philly. The East side of Abington Township (19046) or Lower Moreland/ Huntington Valley(19009) may be a good compromise but it may be a challenge with your budget. Access to South Philly would be via Red Lion Rd and the Boulevard but that is still a long trip. Also Langhorne (19047)in Middletown Township is a nice area and also Neshaminy/Trevose (19053). These are all close to Rt 1 that becomes the Boulevard which is no worse than i-95

You might take another look at Bensalem also. It has nice pockets further north on the west side of 95 near Trenton Rd.and also off of State Rd near Cornwells heights.

[frankgn87]

Neshaminy sd is fine..

[becca1769]

OK great!