Advice on Retiring to Philly Suburbs, DelCo, MontCo (Drexel Hill, Springfield: apartment, low crime)

[Dinty]

My wife and I are planning a move to the greater Philly area in the coming months (after the world re-opens post-virus) and so far we have identified Media, Havertown, and Ardmore as likely locations. We prefer DelCo or MontCo, with good public transportation into the City, low crime, some walkability, but given our current situation, schools don't really matter. We don't need a big house, but at least 1,200 square feet, and 1,600 would be better. Single family home or twin preferred. Maybe a townhouse rowhome. If our range is in the area of $300k-$350K, are there good neighborhoods we are overlooking?

[cpomp]

Do you prefer a townhouse, apartment or single family home?

Media and Ardmore are always great options, providing a bit of energy and walk-ability, but these days, $300-$350k will limit you a bit, especially around Ardmore. Havertown is the most affordable of the 3.

[TownDweller]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Do you prefer a townhouse, apartment or single family home?

Media and Ardmore are always great options, providing a bit of energy and walk-ability, but these days, $300-$350k will limit you a bit, especially around Ardmore. Havertown is the most affordable of the 3.

Ambler is another option to consider. It's farther to the city but has rail service there. And for seniors I believe it's either free or practically free. Springfield might also work and it's better served by rail to the city than Havertown. A few rowhomes in Bryn Mawr also pop up from time to time.

In general, you will find property taxes lower in Montco than Delco which could stretch your budget some. In which case Conshohocken might also work.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Dinty

My wife and I are planning a move to the greater Philly area in the coming months (after the world re-opens post-virus) and so far we have identified Media, Havertown, and Ardmore as likely locations. We prefer DelCo or MontCo, with good public transportation into the City, low crime, some walkability, but given our current situation, schools don't really matter. We don't need a big house, but at least 1,200 square feet, and 1,600 would be better. Single family home or twin preferred. Maybe a townhouse rowhome. If our range is in the area of $300k-$350K, are there good neighborhoods we are overlooking?

Fyi, all of Havertown and Media are in DelCo. Ardmore is split between between DelCo and MontCo.

[Maddie104]

Originally Posted by Dinty

My wife and I are planning a move to the greater Philly area in the coming months (after the world re-opens post-virus) and so far we have identified Media, Havertown, and Ardmore as likely locations. We prefer DelCo or MontCo, with good public transportation into the City, low crime, some walkability, but given our current situation, schools don't really matter. We don't need a big house, but at least 1,200 square feet, and 1,600 would be better. Single family home or twin preferred. Maybe a townhouse rowhome. If our range is in the area of $300k-$350K, are there good neighborhoods we are overlooking?

You might consider Drexel Hill in delaware county. Some lovely homes on pretty leafy streets in your price range.

[Mayvenne]

Fwiw, there are townhomes in Media which are in the 300 and under range. If you do a search on realtor or redfin or whatever, you will see there are some. So your price range does not exclude Media. I am not sure how walkable that part of Media is, but it's a good area. Some are right near a lovely park Rose Tree Park.

[rowhomecity]

I would suggest Narberth. You can get a twin home that is walkable and it truly is a great picturesque community.

You will find Media is getting a bit pricey and the walkable homes are closer to 400k+

[Avalon08]

Originally Posted by Maddie104

You might consider Drexel Hill in delaware county. Some lovely homes on pretty leafy streets in your price range.

But don't forget the property taxes are gi-normous there.

[KoNgFooCj]

You're moving to Pennsylvania to retire?