The Mainline or Media (Pittsburgh, Chester: apartment, houses, purchasing)

[ScottyG]

I moved from Pittsburgh two years ago, met a beautiful Philly girl, married, and we have been living in a very small apartment in West Chester. West Chester is a great area, but single houses are too expensive and twins aren't worth it; as far as the amenities that West Chester offers, Septa, shopping, distance to Philly, etc...

We are torn between purchasing in Media or Ardmore (Ardmore Park – Haverford Twp/Delaware Co.). I personally like the Media area better, but she likes Ardmore better. Does anyone have an opinion on either or able to compare the two? As far as schools, home appreciation/resale, shopping, restaurants, traffic, government, crime, commuting to the city (Septa), etc...... Thanks for any and all input.

[rainrock]

They are pretty similar towns. I personally like Media. Its cleaner, better kept, better restaurants, a bit more insulated from potential crime, and closer to the big box retailers, lifestyle centers, and malls. Plus you cant beat being 5 minutes from Ridley Creek State Park. Media has a train station, trolley and great schools.

I dont think you can go wrong either way but I think Media is the way to go.

Good luck

[thesixth]

both areas are very good re: schools, shopping, commute times, etc. I'd plan to house hunt in both areas. Once you fall in love with a particular home, and can afford the price, you're golden - either area is great to live in.

[Multitasker Too]

[quote=ScottyG;2681783]I moved from Pittsburgh two years ago, met a beautiful Philly girl, married, and we have been living in a very small apartment in West Chester. West Chester is a great area, but single houses are too expensive and twins aren't worth it; as far as the amenities that West Chester offers, Septa, shopping, distance to Philly, etc...

Media has Trader Joes....I don't know that the houses are cheaper than the West Chester area though, particularly when you add in taxes. If anything, they are more expensive.

The Media area is so convenient to everything. I wouldn't live anywhere else around here.

[ScottyG]

We did decide to bid on a house in Media, it's right in town and within our price range. We're still waiting for a reply from the seller. I don't think you can go wrong with either Ardmore or Media, but Media does seem a little more family friendly and it doesn't feel like you're boxed in. It seems to be centrally located to everything, the mainline feels a little closed off to the rest of the metro area. Thanks for the input.