Moving and debating between Philly or NJ (Girard: short sale, real estate)

[Make-upMamma]

I read the advice of a senior poster suggesting that you if you're moving to the area start a new thread and give as much in for as possible so here goes.

My husband is being transferred to Philly (Center City) for work.
I work as an aesthetician/spa therapist/make-up artist.
Our price range ends at $200,000.
We don't have to worry about schools the kids are off in college etc.
We do have 3 dogs.
We're in our 40s.
We wouldn't mind city living except it would be great to walk to shops and dining. However, I think our price range is a little too low for the city.
The suburbs are ok but I'm worried there may not be enough work for me.

[pman]

you didn't say what you want for $200k. a full house, small rowhouse, condom condo with garage for one car?

[Make-upMamma]

We"re open to it all. Just needs to be someplace dog friendly. We could cut down to one car with the great transportation the city offers.

[OrtMove2009]

I am not sure what you can get for $200K in the city, but if you are open to the suburbs there are many great suburbs in South Jersey (about 20 min from Center City, depending on how far South you are going). Towns like Cherry Hill, Marlton, Voorhees, Mt. Laurel are great areas. There are a lot of restaurants and things to do. Cherry Hill especially is full of strip malls (either good or bad depending if you like to shop). Look into those areas... with the housing market the way it is, you might find something great for that price.

[kimrocktherealtor]

I agree with looking in South Jersey, I work in both PA and NJ and there are definitely a lot more deals to be had in south jersey - ie; a very nice 3 bedroom home in Collingswood for 190k

[pman]

I've seen condos around 28th and Girard for about that price and I know a family in a very similar situation that lives there (kids are out of the house). It's quite close to the park. the area is the northern section of fairmount. you may also like the city's NW section, namely west germantown and mt. airy which is further removed and leafy

[Make-upMamma]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I really like the idea of living in the city with shopping, restaurants and parks within walking distance. I'll going to pull up real estate listing for pmans areas.

[2legit2quit]

Look into the condos in center city that are being auctioned, foreclosed and short sale. They are a steal. They are very spacious and my brother, whose a realtor/loan officer, just represented a potential buyer for $100k. Call their leasing office first, you may get some good properties at half the price. My only issue with the suburbs is that the commute may get on your nerves if there's no access to public transportation (Im referring to Septa's regional rail, not the 1-hour-long bus rides)

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by 2legit2quit

Look into the condos in center city that are being auctioned, foreclosed and short sale. They are a steal. They are very spacious and my brother, whose a realtor/loan officer, just represented a potential buyer for $100k. Call their leasing office first, you may get some good properties at half the price. My only issue with the suburbs is that the commute may get on your nerves if there's no access to public transportation (Im referring to Septa's regional rail, not the 1-hour-long bus rides)

Some suburbs have great access to public transportation. Check out SEPTA's map: http://www.septa.org/maps/click_map.html