Your opinion please: Best areas to live right OUTSIDE of Philadelphia??

Question

Safe, somewhat friendly environment, not too cramped, decent homes, and most important, affordable?

North, south, east, west? City suggestions?

Thanks for any opinions: I've never been there but need to move there in just two weeks!

Answer 1

It really depends on what you're looking for. There are four counties surrounding Philadelphia plus New Jersey across the river.

1. Delaware County: Just south of the city. Has the best deals on houses of the four counties. A 3 bedroom single can be found for under $200K. Very accessible to center city via the SEPTA regional rail. Some parts are just a 20 minute drive to Center City Philadelphia. Good schools and okay taxes. Some of the safer/affordable areas that I'm familiar with are Norwood, Glenolden, Brookhaven, Drexel Hill, Aldan, Aston. Avoid Chester, Morton, Darby, Essington and some parts of Landsdowne. There's a slightly higher concentration of people per square mile in DelCo but I've found neighborhoods to be much more close knit because of this. We bought a home in Delaware County after moving from Philadelphia. We love it!

2. Bucks County: This is north of the city and pretty expensive. You'll have trouble finding a good home for under $300K. However, it's very spread out and safe. Doylestown is still within commuting distance of Center City and a nice area. So is Feasterville, Trevose, Bensalem and those parts of lower Bucks County. I would avoid Bristol.

3. Montgomery County: I think I heard this is the richest county in the state. It's just west of Philadelphia. I don't know too much about it but have heard that East and West Norriton are nice affordable areas. Avoid Norristown though.

4. Chester County: I know even less about this one. Sorry. :-(

If you go over to New Jersey you'll be paying $3 in tolls to come to Philly. But I know there are some good deals over there. You might want to post a seperate question about that and see who answers. Also, craigslist discussion forums were helpful to me when I was searching for a home/area to move to.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have lived in Quakertown (Bucks County) and really loved the area. I noticed on my last visit to Quakertown that it's developed a lot more since I lived there but, it still seems lovely.

I have family living in Doylestown (also Bucks County) and have visited them there many times. Another great place to live but, more expensive than Quakertown I believe.

Both are within a 30-45 minute commute to Philly, depending on which part of the city you're trying to reach and traffic.

Answer 3

If you don't mind a commute to Philly, some of the areas closer to Harrisburg might be a good bet. The housing is much more affordable for some of the suburban areas around there.

Answer 4

I stay in bucks County purely outdoors Philadelphia. that is valuable. i'm close to to the dep. shops(Neshaminy and Franklin generators mall). that is honestly not severe priced. Sir Bernard Law county highly west of the city is severe priced. Chester County may be severe priced yet has some parts that are not that prime priced yet. Delaware county is honestly not severe priced. bucks county nonetheless has some deals as far as housing. bucks county is north on I-ninety 5. jap Sir Bernard Law county is West of I-ninety 5. Western Sir Bernard Law County which incorporates the King of Prussia Mall is west on I-seventy six. Chester county and delaware county is south of the city on I-ninety 5. in my opinion stay out of the city all mutually. that is a lot to congested and they'll tax you to lack of existence.

Answer 5

I have no idea, just wanted to let you know I love that pic!!