Married Couple/Late 20s/Townhome/First Home. (Philadelphia, York: to rent, condo)

[iaze]

Oh dear, I suppose I placed my question in the wrong part of this forum. A user suggested I make a thread in the Philadelphia section. It does make sense, as I am looking to be near Center City.

Let’s try this again


When are you moving?
Eh ... maybe 1 year, 2?? Not sure. Hopefully soon.

Where are you coming from?
New York City.

Why are you moving?
Change of scenery. Struggling to keep up with how expensive this city is. Saving money for a down payment at the moment.

Where will you be working?
Husband will work in Center City. I work from home.

Have you been here yet?
Yes, many times. Love the atmosphere.

Will you buy or rent?
Buy. Don’t want to deal with renting anymore.

If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
Townhome. 200k or lower. 2 bedrooms at least. If we have to go any higher, at least below 250k. Though we hope that isn’t the case. First time home buyers. Don’t want to spend so much for our first home.

Are you married or single? Do you have children?
Married. No kids yet.

Do you prefer public or private schools?
Public, for when we eventually have a child.

Do you have pets?
No.

Do you want or need a yard?
Would love one, but won’t complain if not an option.

Are you keeping a car?
One car. Husband drives. I don’t.

Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet?
Hmm .. We want to live in the suburbs, with access to public transport. Bus, trolley, or train. Whichever is available. As I don’t drive, it would help to get around the area (run errands, go to the doctors, etc), maybe even to Center City from time to time.

Husband would like the option of driving or taking the Septa to work. Less than an hour commute.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work, as mentioned above. Would be great to have a grocery store, hospital, possibly shopping center/mall/parks in the area.

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood?
Husband and I both grew up in predominantly Caucasian areas. What we are used to. We would like to stick to that. Just looking for something familiar. The important thing, is that we are looking to live in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.

Phillies, Pirates or Mets? Neither.


Right, hopefully this is okay. Thanks.

[iaze]

Update:

I don’t want to seem super picky. Let me fix a few things. I didn’t want to come off as asking for too much.

- Diverse, safe, family-friendly neighborhood. Still in the suburbs.
- An hour or less via car to Center City. Up to an hour and a half via Septa. For the Husband that is.
- For me, as long as I have a Septa option somewhere in the area.

Everything else I filled out before stays the same. Hoping to figure this all out soon. So excited to start the next chapter of my life. Buying a home, starting a family one day.

[iaze]

I’ve tried doing some of my own research. Ridley Park looks like it could have a few options. However, those options would be semi detached homes. Which, at this point, is fine by me. Almost no transit options. Yes, I see a regional rail line passes through. Still seeking help. Thanks

[KansastoSouthphilly]

I would recommend looking at Glenside and Ambler near their respective train stations as long as you are ok with rowhouses.


Maybe also look at Bridgeport. Bridgeport is considered "up and coming" and is in the upper merion school district. It can appear rough in parts but is generally considered safe as far as I know. I believe it has a train station but check into its frequency. Maybe also look at Collingswood NJ

[iaze]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

I would recommend looking at Glenside and Ambler near their respective train stations as long as you are ok with rowhouses.


Maybe also look at Bridgeport. Bridgeport is considered "up and coming" and is in the upper merion school district. It can appear rough in parts but is generally considered safe as far as I know. I believe it has a train station but check into its frequency. Maybe also look at Collingswood NJ

As long as the neighborhoods are safe and family friendly. So thanks for the info I’m looking to stay in PA, rather than NJ. But I will take what you’ve written on board.

[1ondoner]

I think you are asking for a lot with a limited budget. In addition, it costs more to buy in walkable suburbs.

Keep in mind, town homes are referred to as row homes in Philly (I say this because one of the posters asked if you are OK with row homes).

Although you don't want to rent, you are in a good position to rent first while you try and figure out the areas. Unfortunately, you will move twice.

Originally Posted by iaze

As long as the neighborhoods are safe and family friendly. So thanks for the info I’m looking to stay in PA, rather than NJ. But I will take what you’ve written on board.

[iaze]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

I think you are asking for a lot with a limited budget. In addition, it costs more to buy in walkable suburbs.

Keep in mind, town homes are referred to as row homes in Philly (I say this because one of the posters asked if you are OK with row homes).

Although you don't want to rent, you are in a good position to rent first while you try and figure out the areas. Unfortunately, you will move twice.

Oh, I see. Thank you. Sigh ... just really want to get out of renting. Badly. And I want to buy so that I don’t throw my money away. I’d rather invest it. But it looks like I’ll never get out of where I’m at.

Literally can’t do a higher budget

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by KansastoSouthphilly

I would recommend looking at Glenside and Ambler near their respective train stations as long as you are ok with rowhouses.


Maybe also look at Bridgeport. Bridgeport is considered "up and coming" and is in the upper merion school district. It can appear rough in parts but is generally considered safe as far as I know. I believe it has a train station but check into its frequency. Maybe also look at Collingswood NJ

One of my cousins lives in Bridgeport about a block away from the NHSL so transit is definitely there. Not sure I would describe it as "up and coming" but it seems safe.

My cousin is in his early 30s, married, no kids yet.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by kyb01

One of my cousins lives in Bridgeport about a block away from the NHSL so transit is definitely there. Not sure I would describe it as "up and coming" but it seems safe.

My cousin is in his early 30s, married, no kids yet.

There seems to be a belief among a lot of people that Bridgeport will be the next Conshy. There has been a LOT of construction and a slow trickle of new businesses opening up; perhaps most notably is the new Conshy Brewing location in Bridgeport. What is interesting to me is that the locals seem to welcome gentrification. It is in a great location and in a good school district so I definitely understand the sense of inevitability of it's gentrification.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by iaze

Oh, I see. Thank you. Sigh ... just really want to get out of renting. Badly. And I want to buy so that I don’t throw my money away. I’d rather invest it. But it looks like I’ll never get out of where I’m at.

Literally can’t do a higher budget

There is stuff in your budget. You are not asking for a lot of space with your house so I think you will definitely be able to find something as long as you are not expecting the house to be completely updated. The only walkable towns I think you will be priced out of are the mainline towns (Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Radnor, Malvern, Wayne etc.), Media, West Chester, and Conshohocken. Probably wont be able to afford Jenkintown either. Don't despair!