Best places close to Philly w/ a reverse commute? (taxes, suburbs) - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania (PA) - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

kidphilly · 01-29-2010, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnZ963

Unless you've got time to kill, I'd avoid commuting from the city. A friend of mine used to drive from the Society Hill section of Philly to Collegeville every day, and it took him at least an hour each way. And the ride home on Friday evenings was brutal. I think sometimes he took Rt. 23 instead of 76 but it was still painful.

I can concur

unc_spark · 02-18-2010, 07:47 AM

Thanks for all the info. What about Manayunk? I hear great things about the area (arts, food, shops, walking, etc.) but wasn't sure if there were houses in my price range (450-500K) and whether the commute would just be killer. Anyone have a sense of the commute time in the morning (say 8am) from Manayunk to Collegeville? Would that be any better or worse than from Conshohocken or Bryn Mawr?

kyle19125 · 03-07-2010, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unc_spark

Thanks for all the info. What about Manayunk? I hear great things about the area (arts, food, shops, walking, etc.) but wasn't sure if there were houses in my price range (450-500K) and whether the commute would just be killer. Anyone have a sense of the commute time in the morning (say 8am) from Manayunk to Collegeville? Would that be any better or worse than from Conshohocken or Bryn Mawr?

You stated initially that you were looking for a place with 30s-40s professionals and a house with a yard. Manayunk wouldn't fulfill either. Manayunk is made up primarily of former (and current) white frat boys and old mill homes with concrete pads in lieu of grass.

I would agree with the other recommendations of Wayne, followed by Bryn Mawr.

Another great option would be Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood within Philadelphia (extreme NW side). It has a nice downtown with shops/restaurants, good walkability and excellent access to Center City (downtown Philly) via regional rail trains.

newmarlig · 03-07-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Another great option would be Chestnut Hill, a neighborhood within Philadelphia (extreme NW side). It has a nice downtown with shops/restaurants, good walkability and excellent access to Center City (downtown Philly) via regional rail trains.

Chestnut Hill would mean having to pay the city wage tax (as would Manayunk).

Joe84323 · 03-07-2010, 05:02 PM

I drive this every day. The part that kills me is the 76 part. The 422 part isn't bad at all. E/W. Norriton (Norristown burbs) are the best in terms of proximity. you can get a really nice house, in a nice development, bypass 76 (traffic nightmare) but still have late night train service to/from Philadelphia.

selhars · 03-08-2010, 01:23 AM

Definitely if you don't WORK in the city, then don't LIVE in the city. The difference in taxes and car insurance alone makes in not worth only living in the city.

Also how often would you honestly and truly go into the city? EVERY weekend, or just now and then? Would you drive in, or ONLY take public transit?

All of the options listed so far are possibilities - depending on what you're truly looking for.

unc_spark · 03-09-2010, 06:58 AM

[quote=kyle19125;13190423]You stated initially that you were looking for a place with 30s-40s professionals and a house with a yard. Manayunk wouldn't fulfill either. Manayunk is made up primarily of former (and current) white frat boys and old mill homes with concrete pads in lieu of grass.

Thanks for that - I had no idea that was the demographic for Manayunk! You're right, I would prefer to stay with the info I gave earlier - 30-40's and a yard.

Wisertime · 03-10-2010, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Chestnut Hill would mean having to pay the city wage tax (as would Manayunk).

Does anyone know the boundary that excludes you from paying this city wage tax? I may be relocating this summer due to GFs job offer in Foxchase.

So I am gathering the wage tax is living withing Philly county? or only the city?

I had a friend who lived in Conshy and worked in the city and had to pay it, so I am only drawing conclusions.

selhars · 03-10-2010, 07:25 PM

Phila city and county are one and the same. Just look at a map to get the boundaries, any part of phila pays wage tax.

IF you only work in the city, and don't also live in the city, you'll pay a lesser amount, but still pay some.
IF you live and work in the city you'll pay the full amount.

Which is why IF you don't work there, it doesn't make sense to LIVE there. Unless you're more than willing to pay high taxes and insurance for amenities, you could get just as well by living a across the street from the city line.

gwillyfromphilly · 02-12-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by selhars

Phila city and county are one and the same. Just look at a map to get the boundaries, any part of phila pays wage tax.

IF you only work in the city, and don't also live in the city, you'll pay a lesser amount, but still pay some.
IF you live and work in the city you'll pay the full amount.

Which is why IF you don't work there, it doesn't make sense to LIVE there. Unless you're more than willing to pay high taxes and insurance for amenities, you could get just as well by living a across the street from the city line.

I assume you mean the PA suburbs because the taxes are pretty high in the New Jersey suburbs as well.