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Old 05-13-2010, 02:15 PM
 
49 posts, read 252,700 times
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Hi,
I'm a middle aged single woman and would like an "easy" commute into Wilmington. While I'd consider wilmington it doesn't seem to offer the kind of theatre, yoga, bookstore, coffe shop (think Manhattan) activities, (and people--as wilmington seems really young family). On the other hand I don't want an hour commute and haven't lived in snow in over 20 years. So, any suggestions...are trains doable, are their "midway" points to live? I really don't want to worry AT ALL about plowing snow, shoveling sidewalks, shoveling my car out of a drive way, so I'm thinking more in terms of highrise with heated parking. Other options would be great as long as I don't have to shovel sidewalks. I am over 55 so 55+ communties would be fine, though I don't plan on owning. Thanks.
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Old 05-13-2010, 03:01 PM
 
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Ha! I just responded to your post on the DE thread.

I wouldn't say there is any true high-rise living in the PA 'burbs between Philly and Wilmington. Media might be your best compromise as it has a walkable and interesting "main street" that might satiate you until the weekend when you can drive or ride to Philly within a half hour. West Chester might be even better although it would mean a slightly longer commute. Neither town is on the train line to Wilmington, however.

But as I said in my DE response, living in Center City and commuting by train to Wilmington may be your best bet, assuming that you're working in downtown Wilmington.
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Old 05-13-2010, 03:29 PM
 
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Wilmington, though small, has a certain charm to it and some exposure to the arts, etc. I would highly recommend you check it out and find a place you like; it is far easier to be 10 minutes from work every day than it is to travel an hour plus...coming to Philly, DC, Baltimore at night or on the weekends is much more doable outside of rush hour...
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Old 05-13-2010, 05:28 PM
 
Location: South Philly
1,943 posts, read 6,954,529 times
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If you work in downtown Wilmington (where the train station is) then taking the train there is certainly a realistic option. Plenty of people do it everyday.

If you live near one of the Center City train stations then you won't have to worry about shoveling. Snow removal in CC is handled in part by the city, by the Center City District and by private contractors.

That said, this past winter was a 'once in a hundred years' anomaly. We're not Boston or Chicago. Philadelphia really doesn't get that much snow (even compared to the suburbs to the north and west) and much of the snow that does stick to the ground is gone within a day or two.

IMO, if you're not going to live in Center City then you should go for Wilmington. No point in having a long commute just so you can drive places on the weekend.
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Old 05-14-2010, 01:21 PM
 
Location: Sanford, FL
596 posts, read 1,699,784 times
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I agree with those who recommended actually living in Wilmington. The city of Wilmington has worked hard to make its downtown more livable and that certainly is true with the several blocks surrounding the train station/riverfront.

Riverfront Wilmington - Arts & Culture
Riverfront Wilmington - Living

The Trolley Square neighborhood of downtown Wilmington fulfills your living criteria fairly well and I would recommend checking it out. It has much more of an urban vibe than you might think.
http://www.visittrolleysquare.com/index.cfm

I also would think twice before putting SEPTA in control of such a long (and regular) commute.
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