Main Line Towns (Philadelphia, Lancaster, King of Prussia: apartment complexes, crime, houses)

[navesinknight]

Hi,

Could anybody tell me which Main Line towns, if any, are more young professionals/singles oriented?

Also, are there more crime problems in some of the Main Line towns vs. others?

Thanks in advance!

[Tallybalt]

The Mainline towns aren't geared for singles or young couples. The typical Mainline household is a middle aged family with children or empty nesters. As you can imagine, the cost of housing on the Mainline is quite high, and there are few amenities geared towards younger people (bars, clubs, hip restaurants). If you really want to be on the Mainline, your best bet may be the apartment complexes along City Line Avenue in Bala Cynwyd.

I'd suggest you look at Manayunk for a singles scene, or even Chestnut Hill.

[vwscottie]

Explain to me the reference to "Main Line" when referring to the Philadelphia area please.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by vwscottie

Explain to me the reference to "Main Line" when referring to the Philadelphia area please.

I tried to find a very good post that someone (perhaps rainrock) put here but I couldn't find it, so I'll provide my own version (borrowing liberally from my recollection of previously referenced post).

Physically speaking, one could say the Main Line comprises several towns that lead NW of the city on or near route 30 towards Lancaster County. The Main Line used to mean the Pennsylvania Railroad on which early suburbanites commuted into the city. Today it is still served by a commuter rail train; however, as with other metros, there is more and more reverse commuting going on as opportunities grow out there.

Socially speaking, one could say that the Main Line is a "state of mind". It's the wealthiest area in the metro and has an "elitist" reputation although, from reading here, it appears that is more an alleged attribute of the "new money" families than the "old money".

All of that concentrated wealth bodes well for the schools in that area as they are generally considered the best in the region. (There are certainly many other reputable schools elsewhere in the suburbs and, dare I say, even the city.) It has also been said here that while the Main Line is ideal for families who can afford the price tag, singles may be lacking options that can be found in the city proper. However, I can say from personal experience that I found Bryn Mawr interesting. I have also heard (but not yet experienced) that Wayne has a vibrant "town center" that is attractive for singles as well.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by Tone509

However, I can say from personal experience that I found Bryn Mawr interesting. I have also heard (but not yet experienced) that Wayne has a vibrant "town center" that is attractive for singles as well.

Wayne is very Family oriented, small boutique-like shops too. I would say that Main Line area is home to a lot of small colleges, Villanova and St Josephs being the biggest and most famous (basketball teams). Also Bryn Mawr College, which tho' small has a monster endowment due to its rep as a Seven Sister to the original mens Ivy Leagues. So, although MainLine is all about old money and huge houses, (Andy Reid, the Eagles coach lives in Villanova), theres plenty of Coeds walking around. But strangely, not the college commercial scene you'd find at the big universities (big bars, lots of youthful funky shops) like at Wisconsin or UCLA or Boston College.

For a 20's single scene, you should try Manayunk. If older, Center City for sure.

[newmarlig]

Pennsylvania Main Line - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ETA - I see Tone started a thread with this site.

[vwscottie]

Thanks to all for explaining

[navesinknight]

"For a 20's single scene, you should try Manayunk. If older, Center City for sure.[/quote]"


Thanks for your message. Yeah, since I'm single and in my late 30s Center City would be ideal. However, I just got a job in King of Prussia and I hear the commute would be crazy.

The main line towns though did seem really charming. I was just hoping there were going to be some young single professionals around there.

[newmarlig]

Check out Narberth and Ardmore.

[leighland]

Originally Posted by navesinknight

The main line towns though did seem really charming. I was just hoping there were going to be some young single professionals around there.

There are single professionals here for sure. Living in one of many "Charming Vintage" (read old and run down) apartments on Montgomery avenue, mostly owned by marks apartment company. But I would say the yuppies do most of their socializing downtown and use the R5 a LOT. You could live up here and just use SEPTA to hit the more mature scene in CC on your off time. There are a FEW hang out places here, such as Borders or the Milkboy coffee shops on Lancaster, but not many.