Moving from Chicago to Philly (Philadelphia, Chester: new home, neighborhood, buyer)

[Lindsaychicago]

We are moving from Chicago suburbs to Philadelphia area. Looking to move to a suburb that is close to the city, walkable, cute downtown with restaurants and coffee shops, and ideal for a young family. While schools are imp. we do not have any kids YET Looking at houses in the price $300,000-350,000. Husband will be working from home. By browsing, I am not seeing a whole lot of new construction in this area, is that uncommon? Thanks for any advice!

[Lindsaychicago]

less than 30 min from city

[pman]

the city and its suburbs have been developed for a long time so there isn't much room for new construction (new construction also has its pitfalls). outside the new construction piece, there are a lot of places that fit the bill. narberth, ardmore, jenkintown, swarthmore (dry town though)

[NJhighlands87]

If you don't have kids yet, you might consider living in the city itself (many here will recommend this). Mt. Airy or Chestnut Hill have a quieter vibe than Center City, but still feature very charming housing stock and downtown strips.

Outside of the city, aside from the PA suburbs mentioned above, you could try Collingswood in NJ. Great main street and 15 minutes to Center City on the PATCO, any time of day. Probably not too much in the way of new housing though...that'd be more towards Cherry Hill, which does not have a downtown.

[Lindsaychicago]

When are you moving?
Where are you coming from? Chicago suburbs
Why are you moving? husbands job
Where will you be working? husband-from home. I will be looking for a job as a NP.
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? buy

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

Are you married or single? Married Do you have children? Married, no children yet, but in the near future
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? YES, 2 large dogs
Do you want or need a yard? YES
Are you keeping a car? 2
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Calm/quiet

What do you want to be closest to? downtown, basic services
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
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? Late 20's, white, Catholic; Similar but not a big deal

[rainrock]

Walk-able suburban towns within 1/2 hr of the city:

Media
Swarthmore
Merion Station
Bala Cynwd
Wynnewood
Narberth
Ardmore
Haverford
Bryn Mawr



1/2 hr-1hr from city

Wayne
Paoli
Malvern
West Chester
Ambler
Glenside
Jenkintown
Doylestown
Newtown
Yardley
New Hope

New construction in those towns is going to be in the form of rebuilds/renovations.Was in Media last week and saw a few total rebuilds on the market. Tend to be smaller 1,000-1,200 sq ft. Lots of new residential construction on the outskirts of all these towns but they tend to be at a higher price point.$500 K on up, hidden in the woods.

FWIW finding any kind of housing in the center of these quaint towns is a challenge which makes you wonder why there is so much suburban sprawl in the suburbs.

Good luck.

[GraysFerryB4]

I'm biased towards Collingswood....

[Lindsaychicago]

thank you so much!

[chrischung110]

I would check the free 'buyer's guide' in Montgomery. There are new homes selling around 300k near Pottstown but those are probably sold out.

[RE Expert]

Originally Posted by NJhighlands87

If you don't have kids yet, you might consider living in the city itself (many here will recommend this). Mt. Airy or Chestnut Hill have a quieter vibe than Center City, but still feature very charming housing stock and downtown strips.

Outside of the city, aside from the PA suburbs mentioned above, you could try Collingswood in NJ. Great main street and 15 minutes to Center City on the PATCO, any time of day. Probably not too much in the way of new housing though...that'd be more towards Cherry Hill, which does not have a downtown.

I agree with Chestnut Hill; you will experience the suburban feel and still be in the city. There are tons of shops and coffee shops along Germantown Ave. Surrounding areas of Whitemarsh and Mt Airy are great as well with great schools. There are many new developments in Montgomery County in your price range. Although, as a realtor, I have to say new isn't always the best option. The winter we have just experienced experienced is a true testament. Many of my clients complained about their heating bills; most newer construction doesn't feature an all brick or stone exterior. Chestnut Hill is more of a historical area (lots of stone), but very much alive. Mt. Airy are feature big historical homes, but really depends on what street you are on. Most homes are brick and stone.