Moving from NC to Philly Amidst a Pandemic (Clarion, Penn: home, neighborhoods)

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by Flyers Girl

It seems like you want to provide some advice to the OP regarding New Jersey; why don't you just let him know what you're thinking?

Not New Jersey, specifically Clayton.

[TownDweller]

It's hard for me to imagine shared living in a studio apartment. Especially during the Covid pandemic. And in Center City, no less.

A 1 BR or a small rowhouse/ trinity would be much more appealing.

[banjozac]

I know you said no suburbs, but you didn’t say no to a dense town with a great Main Street and direct subway access to Center City. I’d consider getting a place in Haddonfield or Collingswood NJ and skip the wage tax altogether.

It’s easier to get to Center City from those two towns than a lot of Philly neighborhoods...

[Pennsport]

Originally Posted by banjozac

I know you said no suburbs, but you didn’t say no to a dense town with a great Main Street and direct subway access to Center City. I’d consider getting a place in Haddonfield or Collingswood NJ and skip the wage tax altogether.

It’s easier to get to Center City from those two towns than a lot of Philly neighborhoods...

I believe they are both dry towns though. Haddonfield might have a brewery now, but really, both are extremely family oriented and nothing like the city. They are conveniently located and somewhat busier than most typical suburbs - have a fair number of restaurants, stores, etc... - but I get the sense from the OP that he is looking for a true urban experience. In our area, I don't you think you could say any of the surrounding towns mimic city living well like say Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark to name a few to the north. Obviously these are cities unto themselves, but you know what I'm saying...

[toobusytoday]

If the OP is interested in South Jersey, you all can move the conversation over there. He specifically said he wanted Philly, so let's keep the talk about those possibilities. Does NJ interest you BrianGC?

[BrianGC]

Hey guys, OP here...sorry for the slow response. Some things have shifted, and our move to Philly has been postponed for the time-being. That being said, this thread is still helpful as there's a good chance we'll still end up in the area later in the summer or fall.

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Does NJ interest you BrianGC?

I was just specifically looking at Philly, unless an NJ town (commutable to Clayton) can offer a very similar experience to the Philly neighborhoods in my OP.

Originally Posted by Pennsport

I believe they are both dry towns though. Haddonfield might have a brewery now, but really, both are extremely family oriented and nothing like the city. They are conveniently located and somewhat busier than most typical suburbs - have a fair number of restaurants, stores, etc... - but I get the sense from the OP that he is looking for a true urban experience. In our area, I don't you think you could say any of the surrounding towns mimic city living well like say Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark to name a few to the north. Obviously these are cities unto themselves, but you know what I'm saying...

Exactly. If Haddonfield and Collingswood are indeed more family-oriented, then that is exactly what we do not want lol. Nothing against couples with kids, but we find it easier to make friends with people who don't have them.

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Have you visited Clayton?

To be completely honest, nope. I snooped around on Google Street View, and it didn't look all that interesting, but of course that only tells you so much. What's the town actually like?

In reference to some of the other suggestions, we've definitely shifted our search towards places with closer bridge access. We found some great contenders in Old City, Queen Village, and Passyunk (550-600ish sq ft, small 1 bed / large studios) in our budget, so that's likely where we will focus when our moving plans resume. I know the apartment size is a concern for some, but my wife and I both love smaller spaces (currently in a 600 sq-ft 1 bedroom apartment).

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by BrianGC

Hey guys, OP here...sorry for the slow response. Some things have shifted, and our move to Philly has been postponed for the time-being. That being said, this thread is still helpful as there's a good chance we'll still end up in the area later in the summer or fall.

I was just specifically looking at Philly, unless an NJ town (commutable to Clayton) can offer a very similar experience to the Philly neighborhoods in my OP.


Exactly. If Haddonfield and Collingswood are indeed more family-oriented, then that is exactly what we do not want lol. Nothing against couples with kids, but we find it easier to make friends with people who don't have them.


To be completely honest, nope. I snooped around on Google Street View, and it didn't look all that interesting, but of course that only tells you so much. What's the town actually like?

In reference to some of the other suggestions, we've definitely shifted our search towards places with closer bridge access. We found some great contenders in Old City, Queen Village, and Passyunk (550-600ish sq ft, small 1 bed / large studios) in our budget, so that's likely where we will focus when our moving plans resume. I know the apartment size is a concern for some, but my wife and I both love smaller spaces (currently in a 600 sq-ft 1 bedroom apartment).

Clayton is 3rd in line on Delsea Dr of 3 towns. The Borough of Pitman, then Glassboro, which has a University, then Clayton. Clayton will remind you of very rural NC.

Glassboro has the college, Pitman has a decent downtown. Haddonfield has the best downtown in South Jersey with events with appeal for families and singles-no wet tshirt contests, it's a Quaker town. Cherry Hill will remind you of urban NC.

If, in fact, this is a one year gig, go for Philadelphia. I think that you'll think of it as a bigger version of Charlotte with history and row houses. It oozes history. If this is going to morph into a longer gig, think about Cherry Hill, which has the most apartments of the variety that you are looking for and bars, Haddonfield, check the Borough's website for events, or Pitman. Cherry Hill and Haddonfield have extremely easy access to Philadelphia. Check the PATCO website.

If this will be a more than one year gig keep in mind that the drive will get on your nerves, but it will be mostly against the flow of commuter traffic, coming out of the city. Although I think you'll enjoy living in Philadelphia, beyond a year, it might end up being a bit much, drivewise.

[AJNEOA]

Clearly the OP should be in the city. But what if he/she could park their car and take Patco out to a station that maybe has cheaper storage? Has anyone ever done this? Insurance would be cheaper and the commute may be more palatable. I don't know the logistics, which may prove it to be more hassle than it's worth.

I always thought that there should be monthly parking down by the stadiums in South Philly. You could easily hop on the subway, get your car and then catch the Walt Whitman over to S. Jersey. It would really make parking better for those that have to commute to a job over the bridge. I mean, it's not uncommon to circle for 30 - 45 mins in South Philly looking for a lousy street spot.

[TownDweller]

Originally Posted by AJNEOA

It would really make parking better for those that have to commute to a job over the bridge. I mean, it's not uncommon to circle for 30 - 45 mins in South Philly looking for a lousy street spot.

Yikes! Can it really be that bad?

[AJNEOA]

Originally Posted by TownDweller

Yikes! Can it really be that bad?

At certain times in certain neighborhoods, yes. And if you can't parallel park really well, it's way worse. I was pretty good at finding spots aggressively and parking with very limited room. It would take me 20 - 30 mins especially around 6pm on a week night. Others had worse luck.

On a Tuesday morning at 10am, you can find quite a few spots because people left for work. I lived around Clarion St and Tasker in Passyunk Square.