Nice towns with a reasonable commute to Widener? (Philadelphia, Lancaster: to rent, home)

[luger24]

I have an opportunity to take a position at Widener University in Chester. I grew up in South Jersey and just spent a year living in Philly (NoLibs). Now, ideally, I'd like to live in a small town that is somewhat walkable but has a nice community vibe and isn't completely isolated.

I'm a single male in his early 30's and am looking to rent a place initially as opposed to buying right away (provided that I can find a good place to rent as well). So, school districts and such aren't a major concern for me.

In a brief stop there months back, I liked Kennett Square's vibe but don't know a ton about it outside of that. Is that a recommended place and, if so, would that be an unbearable commute to Chester?

What are other towns to keep in mind? Since Chester is so close to DE, I'd be willing to consider areas there as well if there are good places.

[LibraGirl123]

Have you considered Media? It's the county seat of Delaware county...

Media - Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia

[templeu]

Agree with LibraGirl123 - Media was the first burb that came to mind assuming you want to stay in PA. If you were willing to consider NJ, Collingswood / Westmont area could be a good option (though it's about 30 minutes from Widener). I've heard downtown Wilmington (the Trolley Square neighborhood) is pretty cool, but have never been.

[luger24]

Originally Posted by templeu

Agree with LibraGirl123 - Media was the first burb that came to mind assuming you want to stay in PA. If you were willing to consider NJ, Collingswood / Westmont area could be a good option (though it's about 30 minutes from Widener). I've heard downtown Wilmington (the Trolley Square neighborhood) is pretty cool, but have never been.

Great! I don't know much about Media but it seems pretty neat. I'll check it out!

I was considering Collingswood originally actually but a 30 minute commute does seem just a little long and I was worried about paying the bridge toll every day and that the NJ taxes are higher for my bracket so it seems like living in PA would save me a bit of money. I wouldn't totally rule out NJ though as that's where a majority of my friends and family are.

[rainrock]

Kennett Square would be a town you might want to visit on occassion but thats a pretty long commute everyday to Widener. An hour or so depending on traffic.

I would agree that Media is your best bet. West Chester an option and You may as well take a look up on Lancaster Ave (route 30) Many walkable towns including Wayne,Bryn Mawr, Ardmore,Narberth among others.

FWIW Rt 30 is home to many colleges/schools including Immaculata,Valley Forge Military Academy,Villanova,Rosemont,Haverford,Bryn Mawr, St Josephs.

[qworldorder]

Originally Posted by templeu

Agree with LibraGirl123 - Media was the first burb that came to mind assuming you want to stay in PA. If you were willing to consider NJ, Collingswood / Westmont area could be a good option (though it's about 30 minutes from Widener). I've heard downtown Wilmington (the Trolley Square neighborhood) is pretty cool, but have never been.

"Trolleywood" is my neighborhood, and though it isn't downtown (1-1.5 miles away), it's probably the most vibrant neighborhood in the entire state outside of Main Street Newark during college and the beach towns during the summer. Definitely a great, historic neighborhood that isn't too pricey and has good nightlife (by DE standards). Probably, along with the Riverfront and Little Italy, the most desirable neighborhood in city limits. Not sure about the real world commute to Widener, but Google Maps is only saying about 20 minutes up 95 this morning.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by LibraGirl123

Have you considered Media? It's the county seat of Delaware county...

Media - Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia

It's not as "happening" as Media, but there also Swathmore which is near Media.