Living in Philly / Working in Moorestown, NJ? (Philadelphia, Franklin: renting, neighborhood)

[A2Core]

I'm going to be graduating college soon and will be working for Lockheed Martin in Moorestown NJ (199 Bortons Landing Rd, Moorestown, NJ‎)

I have a few questions:

1) Would you suggest either living in Philadelphia or Moorestown? I've lived in NYC before, so urban living isn't an issue. I would like to have a decent social life, hence I'd guess Philadelphia is probably the place to be... but then again, I'd like to be closer to work, etc.

2) Which is cheaper? Rent, taxes, utils/electricity

3) Obviously, Philadelphia has the nightlife, but does anyone know if Moorestown has _some_ nightlife at all? I get the impression that its mostly a family type neighborhood.

4) Is there a sizable number of 20 year olds in Moorestown/Maple Shade area?

5) If I live in Philadelphia and travel to Moorestown, is there a toll I would have to pay to get to NJ? Perhaps when traveling over the bridge? Also, how's the AM/PM traffic commute?

Thanks

[newmarlig]

Personally, I think you'd enjoy living in or close to center city Philly more than Moorestown. I suggest you live closer to the Delaware River, either Society Hill or Queen Village would be good choices. So would Old City and Northern Liberties. You will be closer to the Ben Franklin Bridge than you would be in the Rittenhouse Square section. You need to walk around those areas to see where you will be the most comfortable. The bridge toll is $4.00, but you only pay one way. You can also get an EZPass. Welcome To E-ZPass Traffic should be ok, because most people will be traveling in the opposite direction coming into the city.

[MoorestownResident]

Moorestown is a dry town, no alcohol, no night life. For a 20-something it will be boring but there's plenty to do in Cherry Hill, Collingswood and some other towns with bars and clubs. I suggest renting in Collingswood which has a thriving 20s scene and is right on the Patco train line to Philly as a way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Easier commute to Moorestown as well.

[A2Core]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Personally, I think you'd enjoy living in or close to center city Philly more than Moorestown. I suggest you live closer to the Delaware River, either Society Hill or Queen Village would be good choices. So would Old City and Northern Liberties. You will be closer to the Ben Franklin Bridge than you would be in the Rittenhouse Square section. You need to walk around those areas to see where you will be the most comfortable. The bridge toll is $4.00, but you only pay one way. You can also get an EZPass. Welcome To E-ZPass Traffic should be ok, because most people will be traveling in the opposite direction coming into the city.

I see on the E-Z Pass website there is a discount for frequent usage. Which one would apply to me? I'm very unfamiliar with the area and the transportation route, so I don't know which one would be applicable. Could you perhaps help me identify which discounted plan would work for me? Thanks

Looking at the map from your suggestions, is it safe to live in the eastern part of Philadelphia, near the river? I'm guessing so since you suggested those areas.

[JerzBoy]

A2Core - I just responded to your post in the NJ forum. The EZ Pass discount is going to be phased out by 2010 at which time the daily toll will be raised to $5

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by A2Core

Looking at the map from your suggestions, is it safe to live in the eastern part of Philadelphia, near the river? I'm guessing so since you suggested those areas.

Living in the Center City section of Philadelphia - which includes the neigborhoods mentioned - is as safe as any urban downtown. As with any larger city, common sense and street wisdom are always helpful.

[newmarlig]

I live in center city and don't have a car, so my knowledge about the EZPass is nil. I didn't know it was being phased out. As Tone said, the area is safe, but use common sense. It's a great part of the city.

[Sassygirl18]

I second the suggestion to check out Collingswood, NJ. It has a young, hip vibe, suburban-yet-slightly-urban vibe, a cute downtown with lots of restaurants and shops, has the PATCO train running through it which can zip you over to Philly for nightlife and entertainment, and yet is also a reasonable commute to Moorestown (about 20 minute drive). You'll probably find the rents more affordable in Collingswood than in Center City too.

[PalmBeach1]

My girlfriend and I live in Society Hill and it is awesome. I work in center city but she does commute to work out in Stratford, NJ. It is a reverse commute so the traffic isnt bad in the am or pm. I would recommend living in the city while your in your 20's versus living out in NJ, not that there is anything wrong with living there, but there is always something to do in Philadelphia.

[snuffster]

I live in Mount Laurel, work at Princeton Univ,and could never imagine living in Philly. I moved here two years ago, live literally 5 minutes from Philly have have been there a total of three times, not including trips to the airport. It is one of the biggest arm pits of America.