does this place exist? (Philadelphia, Reading: car insurance, crime, first time home buyer)

[crzyfrmkids]

Looking to possibly making a move for husbands job to the Philly area. We are originally from NJ but will not move back there for many reasons--mostly property taxes, housing and car insurance prices. Currently have a 5 bedroom house on almost on acre. We need space to park 5 vehicles and a fifth wheel camper, place for 2 large dogs to play and kids to play. We want a very safe city with excellent schools but still be within a 10-20 minute drive for shopping, restaurants, etc. This is where it gets more tricky---we are looking for a house--could be one that needs some polish and shine but otherwise in good condition---4-5 bedrooms, (around 2,000 sq ft.) 2 bath, large yard to park all our vehicles and camper. We will have 2 college age kids who would attend one of the colleges in the area as well. The price would have to be under $150,000. The driving/train distance to Philly could be up to an hour in order for us to get the kind of city we are used to and like. We currently live in a city where the population is 1,000. It is rural with no crime except for the occasional domestic disputes. Just getting to Wal-Mart or the grocery store takes 15 minutes. Please tell me that this type of place actually exists in that area----somewhere between Wilmington, DE and Philly and a little north, west, northwest or southwest of Philly. Thanks in advance for any help!

[toobusytoday]

Let's see, do I have this right?

House hunting
City between Wilmington and Philadelphia or in the general area
Very safe
Price under $150,000
Excellent Schools
Parking for 5 vehicles AND a 5th wheel camper
large yard for 2 dogs
4-5 Bedrooms (around 2,000 sq. ft)
House needs spit and polish but mechanically sound - not a fixer upper.

I'm not hopeful but maybe if you can prioritize this someone can help. Your price point is extremely low for your wish list, IMHO but I can understand you wanting everything on your list. Good luck!

[kimrocktherealtor]

Honestly you would need to head out NE towards the Poconos or out W to the Lancaster/Reading to find that pricepoint.

[crzyfrmkids]

That's what I thought, but that would make for a long commute for my husband. We're in the thinking/planning stages for a job change for him and are trying to get all the info we can. Thanks!

[swp4lfe]

150,000?? Thats not going to happen. Im a first time home buyer and i paid 160,000 in S.Phila rowhome 4 bedrooms 1.5 baths and street parking (which is not so difficult) BUT FOR 1 car.

You will have to spend altleast 250,000 to meet all those goals, You will never find a 4-5 bedroom house with a yard to fit your camper for 150,000 no matter what conditon. Sorry to say. Goodluck and prove me wrong!!

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by swp4lfe

150,000?? Thats not going to happen. Im a first time home buyer and i paid 160,000 in S.Phila rowhome 4 bedrooms 1.5 baths and street parking (which is not so difficult) BUT FOR 1 car.

You will have to spend altleast 250,000 to meet all those goals, You will never find a 4-5 bedroom house with a yard to fit your camper for 150,000 no matter what conditon. Sorry to say. Goodluck and prove me wrong!!

250K? I highly doubt it. All of that is probably in the 350+ range

[sj08054]

You will have to head east of Lancaster for that type of pricing. Houses in Lancaster isn't that cheap anymore. I used commuted from York to Philly everyday (about 10 years ago). Even with Amtrak, it's a long commute and lots of folks do commute from Lancaster to Philly.

You need to be spending closer to $300K with your criteria. $150K don't get you much even in the Philadelphia suburb.

[Consent Withdrawn]

If you don't mind the commute, Lebanon County has very low taxes comparatively speaking.