Trying to decide on Center City vs Philly Suburbs (Philadelphia: real estate, apartment)

[hilsy85]

In any of these suburb towns, is it realistic to find a house/town where we could walk to elementary school, a drugstore, and the library, for instance? Or is it pretty much driving everywhere?

[timeEd32]

Can't speak to Wayne or others (I think Media's elementary school is right near town and Media has a walkable downtown as well - I'm not sure what the housing stock is like in your range though), but that would be difficult in Lower Merion just because the elementary schools are not near the towns.

But walking to other things - restaurants, stores, etc. - is certainly possible if you prioritize that. Narberth is very small (it's a borough surround by Lower Merion township but shares schools) so I think just about anywhere in Narberth would be walkable to the town. If you like Ardmore then you'd want to be looking north of town in either Ardmore or Wynnewood. There are some options that would put you very close (and would also be walkable to Lower Merion HS when the time comes.

[Flyers Girl]

As a suburbanite, I would say that the biggest advantage you'd have in moving to the burbs is that you could buy a single-family home, and thereby avoid both the townhouse and the condo option. With your budget, you could certainly do it. And to answer your question about Ardmore and Wayne, yes, they have walkable areas, Wayne a bit moreso than Ardmore. Add Bryn Mawr to the list.


You also may want to check out this website: Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia


As far as the city is concerned, I think Fitler Square is a beautiful area. Lots more to do in Rittenhouse Square area, but also more expensive (although Fitler Square is nothing to sneeze at price-wise).


ETA: I just saw your post about walking to school, etc. I can only speak from my experience of living in Havertown, which is just off the Main Line and not as walkable as other places. The middle school and the high school are both in residential areas and tons of kids are always walking up and down our street to get to and from school. I'm right off of Darby Road, which is one of the main thoroughfares in Havertown, and I can walk to at least four restaurants, a sports bar, Wawa, CVS, a park, and the high school track.

[cpomp]

I think Media is turning into the regions premier walkable town, due to the several major projects popping up, however the housing stock in the actual borough is limited and usually a townhouse type set up. The area surrounding Media is generally very beautiful, large homes in developments or on a private plot, however you would have to drive everywhere. If you decide to leave the city.. I would focus on Lower Merion or Media (19063) areas: top schools, very safe, decent entertainment options for the suburbs, a decent commute to Bala. Media also has a very high amount of parks, swim clubs, and recreational activities for kids and families to enjoy.

[PHL10]

We live in Rittenhouse and have two school aged kids (our home budget was a third of yours but we still have a 1500 sqft row north of Lombard St.). We don’t use Greenfield but it is now almost all catchment kids in the lower grades which wasn’t the case even a few years ago. Very well educated and very well to do parents in our neighborhood send their kids there without hesitation. As far as recommending living in the neighborhood, I’d say it is all that it is advertised to be and more – virtually all your daily errands, including activities for the kids can be done on foot.

[BK_PHL_DEL]

We lived in Ardmore last year before buying in Philly. My wife is from Long Island and me from Brooklyn. Even though she grew up in (a very walkable) suburb (Massapequa), we still found Ardmore to be boring. Yes, it is walkable but mainly to the extent of having sidewalks to walk to Suburban Square. Narberth is very charming, but there are only so many options/amenities on a short main street. You cannot beat the scale of the amount of things available in the city. We are really happy being back in the city and not too concerned about the local elementary school. I hope more DINK's like us stay in the city and help improve their local schools and communities.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by timeEd32

It does sound like you'd probably be happiest lifestyle wise in the city. However, since you're already in the area go check out the town centers of Ardmore, Narberth, and Wayne. All fit the excellent school criteria and have walkable downtowns of varying sizes. You would have lots of beautiful houses to choose from in your budget, no private school tuition, and no city wage tax (but higher property taxes).

I would add Media to that list. Great school and town center. They do lots of activities. Seems like there is a festival or parade going on every weekend, cool theater, Dining Under the Stars all summer, concerts in the park, etc. Also easy public trans into the city.

[rainrock]

One aspect of Media is that the better housing stock is out in the surrounding woods. Ridley Creek State Park and Springton Lake which backup to Media are filled with an impressive housing array of old and new.

It will be a challenge to find a suitable house in and around downtown Media imo.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by rainrock

One aspect of Media is that the better housing stock is out in the surrounding woods. Ridley Creek State Park and Springton Lake which backup to Media are filled with an impressive housing array of old and new.

It will be a challenge to find a suitable house in and around downtown Media imo.

You will not get a large yard in downtown, but there are certainly beautiful homes that are walkable to everything.

Check Realtor.com and use zip code 19063. These three homes are all walkable to downtown Media, shops, restaurants, etc. Just to give you an idea of what you can get. Of course, most of the townhomes listed on there have a great location too (and the new ones are very nice), but you may want more yard.

This first one is right in the heart of everything:
24 E Jefferson St, Media, PA 19063 - realtor.com®

1 Ebie Cir, Media, PA 19063 - realtor.com®

7 Rachel Dr, Media, PA 19063 - realtor.com®

[Dangerous-Boy]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

I wish I could help more. All I have is my stupid opinion. But I do think a family gets so much out of being in a place like Rittenhouse/Fitler. Also, don't discount other great parts of Center City (not sure if only Rittenhouse/Fitler part of CC is under consideration).

And I respect not liking townhouse living. There probably aren't many great options in Fitler because it's so townhome based, but maybe something along the river. Either way, best of luck to you!

I agree. Also, look at south philly.