College Grad moving from FL to Philly (Philadelphia, Chester: apartment, rental)

[bpg1988]

Hey, I am moving to Philly in mid June to work for Boeing in Ridley Park. Ive lived in Florida for the past 10 years so it will be a change for sure. I'm a recent college grad currently living in Daytona Beach. I wouldn't say nightlife is of utmost importance, but Ive gotten accustomed to Daytona and don't want to get bored. I'm a 22 year-old straight, single male and would like to be around other young professionals

I'm not sure if the city life is right for me, i like my space and have always had a yard (although i don't particularly need one..) I also need space for a car and motorcycle.

Manayunk seems to be where i want to be, but Ive heard the commute is less than desirable..

Ive heard Media also isnt too bad, its very close to Boeing which is good. but it looks very small on the map, almost too small. Im afraid it wont be what im expecting..

Im prepared for a commute in the range of 30min, but obviously, the less the better.

Im going to visit next week to look at areas and try to finalize an apartment, im just having trouble on deciding where to look so I can look at some places ahead of time.

When are you moving? mid June
Where are you coming from? Daytona Beach, Fl
Why are you moving? Starting new job
Where will you be working? Boeing in Ridley Park
Have you been here yet? No, but will visit in late May June

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Apartment, around $1000/month
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? No preference

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? would be nice, but dont need
Are you keeping a car? Yes, and motorcycle
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Activity

What do you want to be closest to? In order: Nightlife, Work, Basic services, Train, Shopping

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Young Professionals

[solibs]

Your car and motorcycle clash with your desire for nightlife so Media is really your best bet but you're probably going to need a roommate. Media isn't cheap, especially if you're looking for a yard and a driveway.

Westmont, NJ is within 30 minutes of Ridley Park, has a small bar scene and a 24 hour train/subway that will get you to Center City in 14 minutes. Collingswood is right next door and has a great BYOB restaurant scene but no bars.

The only other place I could think of that is remotely convenient to Ridley Park is in South Philly south of Oregon Ave. They're all townhouses but all of them have garages and driveways. They're all pretty big and my guess is that rents will probably start around $1600 so a roommate if probably a good idea.

[longtoe]

Media is very nice, as are parts of South Philly. Manayunk wouldn't work for you. West Chester could be another option. It's a bit farther out than Media, but it's cheaper. It's about 30 minutes from Ridley Park w zero traffic so it would be longer during commuting hours. It's a true college town so that comes with its pros and cons...plenty to do, nightlife, your money will go further there, but it's still a ton of college aged kids and fewer professionals than in a place like Media.

[GraysFerryB4]

If you want space, then West Chester or Collingswood is where you may want to consider. The Philly scene is vibrant for young professionals (make sure you look into Philadelphia Sport & Social Club to meet tons of YP's) but the West Chester area isn't too shabby either. It tends to be 20 somethings right out of college but would work for you. Commute is a little long and the Blue Route can get crowded. Living in Philly will get you for Philly wage tax (4%) but commuting from NJ on a rental would save you wage tax AND property taxes. You have to weigh what you want but I think Westmont or Collingswood might me worth the look if you want to be close to Philly and have some green space.

[bpg1988]

Thanks for the input guys

West Chester might be to far as i would like to have easy access to the city, Media has a train but Ive heard that it doesn't have late night service. How would some of the places of the Main Line (Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Villanova, Radnor, Rosemont, etc) be? there a little further away, but if they would be more fitting then it might be worth it.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by bpg1988

Thanks for the input guys

West Chester might be to far as i would like to have easy access to the city, Media has a train but Ive heard that it doesn't have late night service. How would some of the places of the Main Line (Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Villanova, Radnor, Rosemont, etc) be? there a little further away, but if they would be more fitting then it might be worth it.

Ardmore might be the place to check out on the main line. Couple of bars, the R5 and the Route 100 trains and relatively close to 476 . . . but I would really look into Collingswood and Westmont. They're going to be cheaper than those main line places, closer to center city and an easier commute.

[JHG722]

Yeah, Ardmore would be your best bet on the Main Line.

[pman]

Originally Posted by bpg1988

Thanks for the input guys

West Chester might be to far as i would like to have easy access to the city, Media has a train but Ive heard that it doesn't have late night service. How would some of the places of the Main Line (Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Villanova, Radnor, Rosemont, etc) be? there a little further away, but if they would be more fitting then it might be worth it.

The Main Line communities might work pretty well, primarily:
Wayne, Bryn Mawr, and Ardmore. Wayne and Bryn Mawr have a decent local scene and are close to the blue route (476).
Ardmore is close to Route 1, if that's the way you'll go to work, and also has a decent local scene plu suburban sq shopping (a 1920's outdoor mall).
All of them are on the R5 Malvern train line (www.septa.org) which has late night service (1:15 am Fridays, 1:45 am Saturdays) from center city. Ardmore is about a 20 min ride