Places to live in west/northwest Philly? (Girard: commute, best)

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by Muinteoir

You're saying beyond the library, going up Midvale, things get sketchy? That gets you into some of nicest parts of East Falls, which are relatively suburban in character. But yes, Scotts Lane is generally considered a cut-off, and most Fallsers wouldn't live south or east of it.

Hmm, you're right. Maybe Henry Ave. would be the "cut-off" there?

[Muinteoir]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

Hmm, you're right. Maybe Henry Ave. would be the "cut-off" there?

East Falls goes all the way up to Wissahickon Ave, and the entire area basically falls under the category of "pretty nice" to "affluent." A lot of the affluent families live in the tudors or detached houses you find past the library, and yes, even past Henry Ave. The affluence spills over into parts of Germantown past Wissahickon, like what you see "west" of Cheltenham, just over the border of East Falls.

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by Muinteoir

East Falls goes all the way up to Wissahickon Ave, and the entire area basically falls under the category of "pretty nice" to "affluent." A lot of the affluent families live in the tudors or detached houses you find past the library, and yes, even past Henry Ave. The affluence spills over into parts of Germantown past Wissahickon, like what you see "west" of Cheltenham, just over the border of East Falls.

Where the Drexel Medical campus is sketchy unless that area has changed. I think part of Germantown is near this section, but this is not part of the more affluent section?

[KansastoSouthphilly]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

Where the Drexel Medical campus is sketchy unless that area has changed. I think part of Germantown is near this section, but this is not part of the more affluent section?

I have never heard anyone claim the Drexel queen lane campus was sketchy. Does this look sketchy to you?

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.0200...7i16384!8i8192

As Muinteoir stated, the section of germantown that is nearby is the nicer section of Germantown. If you go south (?) on wissahickon things get sketchy on the other side of the expressway.

[BR Valentine]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

Where the Drexel Medical campus is sketchy unless that area has changed. I think part of Germantown is near this section, but this is not part of the more affluent section?

The area near the Drexel Medical campus isn’t sketchy and it hasn’t changed in years. Multiple houses across the street from Drexel sold for $500k+ in 2018. The houses on Midvale are similarly priced and the houses on The Oak Road are even more expensive. The blocks immediately east of Wissahickon are less affluent but aren’t sketchy either.

[scp2719]

Hey everyone, I visited Manayunk and Roxborough over the weekend. Absolutely loved Manayunk. Incredible. I can see how driving in it would be a pain, as well as parking and if the hills iced over. I'm still considering it big time though.


I'm also considering the other side of the river in Narberth or Bala Cynwyd too. Closer to work, although I imagine slightly less exciting? Can you walk from Narberth to Manayunk or is there too much traffic?

[Tweb66]

Narberth is very nice but it is significantly more mature and pricey. Could you walk from there to Manayunk? The only walkable connection is through the Ive Ridge Trail which is a park and technically does "close' at night. I would not move to Narberth thinking I could regularly and easily walk or bike to Manayunk. I don't know what your budget is but Manayunk does have some newer housing on Venice Island that eliminates the parking issue. If that is out of your range, I suggest Roxborough, its affordable and short (albeit steep) walk to Manayunk.

[scp2719]

Originally Posted by Tweb66

Narberth is very nice but it is significantly more mature and pricey. Could you walk from there to Manayunk? The only walkable connection is through the Ive Ridge Trail which is a park and technically does "close' at night. I would not move to Narberth thinking I could regularly and easily walk or bike to Manayunk. I don't know what your budget is but Manayunk does have some newer housing on Venice Island that eliminates the parking issue. If that is out of your range, I suggest Roxborough, its affordable and short (albeit steep) walk to Manayunk.

Hmmm, I'm not sure if I want to live in another mature town. Feels like I've been living in those for the past 4 years. I could easily take the train into Philly from Narberth, but I feel like there's something to be said about just walking out your door and living in a community that suits you. I'll have to think on it. I appreciate your insight!!!!!!!!!!!

[chessimprov]

Originally Posted by scp2719

. . .

I'm also considering the other side of the river in Narberth or Bala Cynwyd too. Closer to work, although I imagine slightly less exciting? Can you walk from Narberth to Manayunk or is there too much traffic?

There is not much of a walkway from either Rock Ridge Rd. or Jefferson St. past the highway toward Manayunk between Narberth and Manayunk.

You can make it work, but it's not particularly walkable. I've personally done it myself

You can also cross via the Manayunk walking bridge (used to be a Regional Rail bridge), but that's waaaay too round about. Most people would opt for driving, Lyft, or bus to go from Narberth to Manayunk.

[scp2719]

I've read around and heard about the commute out of Manayunk being absolutely awful. Especially across the bridges. I heard if I leave before 7:15, it's avoidable?