Moving from NC to Landsdale (Philadelphia, Norristown: apartment, for rent, transfer)

[khan112794]

Hey Guys,

Need help here, I will be moving from Raleigh to Landsdale for a job with big pharma. My job is located in landsdale but I am trying to live in Philly. Do you guys think it will be possible to commute from fishtown area to Landsdale daily. I will be making around 47k so and having a really difficult time trying to find a budget.

Any advice I am 23 btw and I would like to be around the city. Thanks for the input.

[FrankInPhilly]

That'd be a gruesome commute. You'd have to drive, and it'd be about an hour each way. Plus, any of the routes you'd be using (Schuylkill Expressway, PA Tpk, I95) are either smooth sailing or, more frequently, congested. The variability and uncertainty alone would be a deal-breaker for me.

If you want the city vibe then maybe Manayunk would be a better location. You'd probably still have to use the Schuylkill, but you would be on the other/west side of the city (and closer to Landsdale).

And to further dampen your spirit: parking in both Manayunk and Fishtown can be problematic.

It might be helpful if you give a bit more detail about why Fishtown appealed to you. There are probably other 'hoods that have some or all of what you're looking for, and some of them might give you more favorable commuting times.

[BR Valentine]

Originally Posted by khan112794

Hey Guys,

Need help here, I will be moving from Raleigh to Landsdale for a job with big pharma. My job is located in landsdale but I am trying to live in Philly. Do you guys think it will be possible to commute from fishtown area to Landsdale daily. I will be making around 47k so and having a really difficult time trying to find a budget.

Any advice I am 23 btw and I would like to be around the city. Thanks for the input.

You’ll hate your life if you try to commute to Lansdale from Fishtown. During rush hour you’re looking at 1hr 15min minimum commute time and it could easily take 90+ minutes. Manayunk would be a much better option. Lots of people your age and a much more manageable commute. From Manayunk you can get to Landsdale via surface streets and the PA 309 expressway or I476 and avoid the Schuylkill Expressway and 95 entirely.

[Maddie104]

As a 23 year old, I understand the appeal of Fishtown but the commute would be rough. A better commute situation might be from Conshohocken via the PA turnpike to Lansdale. Conshohocken has a young adult vibe -- restaurants, cafes, a beer garden and fun local events. Not sure the rents compare with Fishtown, probably higher, but if you lived in Fishtown you would pay a city wage tax.

[Wells5]

Get a nice apartment in the general area of Upper Gwynedd Township (where Merck is located). Visit Philly on the weekends. Otherwise you'll be a nervous wreck from commuting every day either by car or SEPTA.

[Maddie104]

I did a lot of commuting when I was young; center city via public transportation (bus; frankford el to center city and then walked a few blocks); driving down 95 South into center city and driving from Bucks County PA to Mt. Holly, Nj. Never really had a local commute. So different strokes for different folks.

[Duderino]

One option to look into is whether there's a shuttle connection running from the Lansdale regional rail station to your place of employment. In that case, you could conceivably reverse commute on the train from Philadelphia (although that would of course depend on your proximity/connections to the train line in the city, as well). From Fishtown, there'd certainly be a transfer involved. May be more time consuming than driving, but likely less stressful.

Good luck!

[Patmcpsu]

Consider Phoenixville. It’s the only town near Landsdale that has nightlife and low cost of living. Doylestown and King of Prussia are also options, but more expensive.

[Marv95]

Is it Merck? If you live in Phily you'll be paying an est. 4% city wage tax on top of the PA state tax, and on top of the commute. If you're bent on driving but prefer a more "urban" vibe you can try Ambler, or Doylestown (from where you can take SEPTA regional rail into North Wales, or the train to Lansdale and a bus or shuttle if the company has one).

[Mr. Map Man]

I would echo the other comments made about the commute. I think they are actually being generous and would bet on a 2 hr commute each way (Lansdale/Fishtown) during peak traffic! Merck (definitely your company) is a massive employer and you'll have a decent opportunity to talk to others your age about where they live/work/party --could even find a roommate.

I would throw Norristown/Bridgeport in the mix, just because you are young and don't have a family. It is a little gritty like Fishtown, has a commuter rail connection to Philly, and is by far the cheapest option you will have for rent. You could save a lot of money living there compared to some other suggestions.