Newbie needs help figuring out where to live... (Philadelphia, Media: sales, 2014)

[mtoure80]

Hello everyone!

I'm moving to the Philly area in a couple of months and need a bit of advice as to where to live.
This move is for a new job and would really like to keep my commute under 30 min. I tend to like nice areas and would love one that's walkable. I would like at least 2 br, since family comes to visit... and can someone explain the income tax situation in the Philly area?

When are you moving? January/Feb 2014
Where are you coming from? The DC Area (Rockville, MD)
Why are you moving? New job
Where will you be working? Logan Township, NJ - It's a sales role, so I will be traveling a good bit (up to 50%)
Have you been here yet? I went to high school in Newtown, PA - but it's been a while!
Will you buy or rent? Rent (with an intention to buy within a year - I really like the row-homes, but I want a garage - I also want a townhome/rowhome that will be easy to rent and be a good investment)
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend?
Ideally $1.5K or below but I do have some wiggle room.

Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Doesn't matter; I want to be close to amenities

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? This is where I need help!!!
I was thinking of downtown Philly, but I've read about the income tax. Is there a way to avoid the tax and get a city feel?

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no kids
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? No... patio is necessary though!
Are you keeping a car? Yes, but want to be near train or subway station
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Happy medium

What do you want to be closest to? I want a walkable area that has things nearby - restaurants, , parks, etc.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Would love areas with young professionals. I am a early/mid 30s male professional

[mtoure80]

What do you guys think of Society Hill?

[maf763]

You might try either Collingswood, NJ or Media, PA which both have good access to the city, a walkable center, and would avoid the wage tax. In Society Hill, you'll have wage tax and potential parking issues every day since finding a place with a garage and patio may not work on your budget.

[MikeNigh]

You'll have to be in the city if you want the city feel. 1.5 in a safe area near a subway with a patio should be possible with roommates.

Keeping your car comes with a draw back, it means you'll be in one of the areas where you will also depend on it (sometimes). Depending on a car takes away a part of the city experience.

Imo if you drop immediate subway access fairmount and university city might be good choices. I'm thinking fairmount would be best.

[mtoure80]

What's the combined wage and city tax in Philly? (approx 8%?)

What would it be outside the city limits? (4%??)

And 6% in NJ?

[Aimewitue]

Originally Posted by mtoure80

What's the combined wage and city tax in Philly? (approx 8%?)

What would it be outside the city limits? (4%??)

And 6% in NJ?

City of Philadelphia: Wage Tax

If you work in the city and you live in the city you pay 3.9 percent

If you work in the city and you live in the suburbs you pay 3.495 Percent.

If you work outside the city and live outside the city you pay 0 Percent to the city of philly. however some of the suburbs have wage taxes that can be 1 or 2 percent as well. You still have to pay Pa state tax as well.

[mtoure80]

Do you guys think the city wage tax is worth it?

For a single guy who won't be working downtown?

[rainrock]

Parking in Center City is quite the challenge especially if you are focusing on a row home. Keep in that mind if you decide to live in CC, garages can get expensive if u go that route and you also will have the Bridge Tolls. Right now the toll is $5 on the 4 DRPA main bridges which you have to pay to get into Pa from NJ.

Center City would be a pretty good spot for a single person .But imo You should take a ride up and check out both Center City and NJ to see what is the best fit for you.

In NJ. Haddonfield, Collingswood, and Moorestown are excellent walkable towns and Cherry Hill is a pretty big hub for more traditional suburbia. That would put you a quick 1/2 hour or so from Logan Township via 295.

[RachelGorelick]

Hello,

Just to give you an idea...We are currently renting a condo in Logan Square 2 bedrooms & for 2 Bathrooms with a 1 car parking spot for $2,295.00 per month plus utilities.

Hope this helps

[MikeNigh]

Originally Posted by mtoure80

Where will you be working? Logan Township, NJ - It's a sales role, so I will be traveling a good bit (up to 50%)

Do you mean that you won't be sleeping at home 50% of the year? If that is the case then I would recommend getting within walking distance of PATCO and just visit on the weekend when you can.