What's the real deal on Wyncote? (Philadelphia, Jenkintown: real estate, house, neighborhoods)

[Ecdeluca]

Looking to move to the Philly area soon and I can't figure out Wynecote. The historical homes there are so cool, very inexpensive compared to other areas with a significant lot of historical homes (Narberth, Wynwood, Chestnut Hill etc). Many sites tote the great schools of this area, which, considering the average home taxes being around 12k-14k, it seems like they would be the best or at least ranked better than an 8. From the school stats it seems to be a very diverse mix of students but when you look at the data for the area itself it's primarily white older people.

My spouse will be commuting into center city, we've got two kids under the age of four and would like an easy commute to the city, a cool house with character that's got some peace and privacy, but also like our "granola" therefore access to health food stores, farmers markets, outdoor activities are very important. Also, we'd like to be in an area that has more young kids than WWII vets (I mean no offense, thank you for your service). The areas just off the main line seem great but a little cramped and expensive. Please let me know if you have any suggestions that keep a commute a half hour or less into the city. Also... Anyone know if you can have chickens in Wyncote?
Much appreciated!

[NYtoNJtoPA]

My ex had cousins who lived in Wyncote. It was a very nice house with character on a quiet street. And believe it or not their neighbors were raising chickens. They actually invited us over to see the babies hatch, no joke! But it is definitely not a rural area by any stretch. Not sure why it would be cheaper than places like Narberth. Isn't Chestnut Hill part of Philly though?

[maf763]

I don't know about chickens, but part of the reason prices seem lower in Wyncote is the real estate taxes compared to surrounding areas. Jenkintown is also high, but Abington and Philly are much lower. You also want to check on problems with flooding in the area, as some lower priced homes might be in low lying areas.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by NYtoNJtoPA

My ex had cousins who lived in Wyncote. It was a very nice house with character on a quiet street. And believe it or not their neighbors were raising chickens. They actually invited us over to see the babies hatch, no joke! But it is definitely not a rural area by any stretch. Not sure why it would be cheaper than places like Narberth. Isn't Chestnut Hill part of Philly though?

Yes, Chestnut Hill is in Philadelphia.

[Ecdeluca]

I'd love to know if there are young families or professionals making their way up in that area. Or that side of Philly burbs vs the main line area. Thanks!

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by NYtoNJtoPA

My ex had cousins who lived in Wyncote. It was a very nice house with character on a quiet street. And believe it or not their neighbors were raising chickens. They actually invited us over to see the babies hatch, no joke! But it is definitely not a rural area by any stretch. Not sure why it would be cheaper than places like Narberth. Isn't Chestnut Hill part of Philly though?

High taxes and less desirable (but by no means bad) school district.

Originally Posted by Ecdeluca

I'd love to know if there are young families or professionals making their way up in that area. Or that side of Philly burbs vs the main line area. Thanks!

What do you mean by "making their way up?"

[Ecdeluca]

I mean literally making their way up from the city.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by Ecdeluca

I mean literally making their way up from the city.

If you mean migration from adjacent city neighborhoods, there's more people moving from Cedarbrook and Oak Lane to Cheltenham these days than Wynnefield and Overbrook to Lower Merion.