Moving to Philly area from Milwaukee (Chester, West Chester: apartment, renting, condo)

[diggity801]

I want to find a nice apartment building that is near night life, a running trail, and highways. Conshohocken has already been recommended to me because it is near the highways (i will be going to buildings all around PA). What do you guys htink?

When are you moving? July 1st or July 15th
Where are you coming from? Milwaukee
Why are you moving? Job Promotion
Where will you be working? Langhorne
Have you been here yet? yes, twice

Will you buy or rent? rent
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? apartment or townhouse. Looking to spending up to maybe 1100, but preferably less.
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? walk up

Are you married or single? Do you have children? single
Do you prefer public or private schools? im a recent college grad
Do you have pets? 1 cat
Do you want or need a yard? yard would be nice, but not needed.
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? a little of both

What do you want to be closest to? Within 40 minute drive to Langhorne (only have to go to drive to work 3 days a week, otherwise I work from home)

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? similar age of around mid twenties (im almost 26)

Coke or Pepsi? water

[killakoolaide]

Far Northeast Philly is what you want. Fox chase or Maybe Tacony

[FindingZen]

As you may have already figured out, while Conshocken is convenient to a couple major highways for you to visit clients, it's rather far from Langhorne. That said, there aren't really any 20something suburban havens out in the direction of Langhorne. If that's truly important to you, then "Conshy" may be a good compromise as it has a relatively small but popular social scene. Other suburban areas with decent nightlife - e.g. Wayne, West Chester, Media - would be even further.

[kidphilly]

I would also look at No Libs - 30-40 minutes up 95 to langhorne and in the city. Rents should be in the range. Only issue is the 4% city wage tax over a typical 1% in the burbs

Conshy as mentioned may not be bad bad either if you want a little mix and also commutable 30-40 minutes and no city wage tax.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

I would also look at No Libs - 30-40 minutes up 95 to langhorne and in the city. Rents should be in the range. Only issue is the 4% city wage tax over a typical 1% in the burbs

Conshy as mentioned may not be bad bad either if you want a little mix and also commutable 30-40 minutes and no city wage tax.

For the OP: NoLibs is shorthand for Northern Liberties.

[GraysFerryB4]

Northern Liberties just had another brutal murder. Its nice and trendy but it is still not safe to live in, especially if living alone. I think Conshohocken is a good start, especially to avoid that wage tax. Keep in mind the traffic alone the turnpike to US1 can be a nightmare commute. You may also consider S. Philly (East Passyunk Crossing?) where rents are cheaper, the young profs are increaseing and the commute north on I-95 is usually against the flow of traffic. The 4% wage tax and tight parking will be your biggest issue.

[orrmobl]

Jenkintown, Abington, Ambler, Doylestown get my vote!

[pman]

I think northern liberties/fisthtown is worth a look. yes, there was just a murder, but it's far from the most dangerous place in the city. there's a lively nightlife, it's right off 95, and you can catch the el to center city. I also think that the art museum area is worth a look.
as for suburbs, that's tough. conshy might be too far with too much traffic for someone who has few obligations tying them down. jenkintown might be a decent compromise, there are a few places there, and it's not too far from the city. the downside, if you're a bar goer, is there's no late night train service to the city. abington is really a place between places and quite bland, decent place for a family, but not for a twenty something. I think at 26 the wage tax is a worthwhile tradeoff. you might also look at queen village, just off 95 south of center city.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by GraysFerryB4

Northern Liberties just had another brutal murder.

another brutal murder? I guess you're referring to the drug related one last year?

Anyway, newscasters are as clueless as realtors when it comes to city neighborhoods. 4th & Thompson isn't in Northern Liberties.

[kidphilly]

Originally Posted by solibs

another brutal murder? I guess you're referring to the drug related one last year?

Anyway, newscasters are as clueless as realtors when it comes to city neighborhoods. 4th & Thompson isn't in Northern Liberties.

I agree and have felt safe any time I have been in No Libs - that murder does sound tragic though.