Where are some nice areas to live around Philadelphia?

Question

I'm looking for a nice, safe and wealthy area to live in around Philadelphia that is within 15-20 minutes driving distance from University City and Center City. I'm looking for an area compared to King of Prussia but is a bit closer to center city.

Answer 1

Not too far from Philadelphia are the towns along the "Main Line". There is Merion, Narberth, Wynnewood, Ardmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr. These towns are all affluent and safe. They are within minutes of Philadelphia. They are also served by commuter train and buses. They all have restaurants, shopping areas, and beautiful homes. I hope that this has been a help to you.

Answer 2

If you have the money, then stay in the City. The areas around the city are nice, but not worth the money and are never really only 20 minutes outside of the city. Anything west of Philadelphia usually requires you to drive on I-76, which is probably one of the worst, slowest and most congested roads in the country. If you buy new construction inside of Philadelphia, you receive a 10-year property tax abatement. That may only apply to Center City proper, and not the outlying areas of the city though. Either way, property taxes are pretty extreme all over the area. If you plan to rent, than look in parts like Society Hill, Old City, Fitler's Square (very close to UPenn) and maybe even just someplace downtown. In practical terms though, the City is going to be much more convenient than living in the burbs. Public transportation is awful in the city and traffic can get horrendous. I'd think too, that depending on your age, the city is going to make much more sense than trying to drive 60 minutes on a friday night to socialize.

Answer 3

I live in Upper Dublin township which is probably farther than you'd like from center city, but I'm biking distance from the Ambler train station. I live in Fort Washingon and it's about a 13-15 min drive to Chestnut Hill. Chestnut Hill is part of Philly, very nice, very expensive, lots of character. The NJ side is ok too, if you want to take the high speedline into center city. The drive is about 45-60 min in rush hour from Cherry Hill where I grew up. Gladwyne is considered a very wealthy main line suburb of Philly. Remember though that where there is lots of wealth there is usually a lot of attitude. We also have a great school system here if you are interested in that. Probably farther than you'd like but public transit out here is pretty good.

Answer 4

If you feel you can't live within the city for some reason, I'd recommend Narberth. Otherwise consider Society Hill or Rittenhouse Square in Center City. Convenient to everything. They fulfill all of your requirements....Beautiful safe historic (high end) neighborhoods within walking distance of stores, restaurants and anything you could want. Kind of like old money vs. new money...these are old money neighborhoods. Otherwise, hope you really like driving and spending time in your car because you'll be doing much of that.

Answer 5

Mt Airy's great (and really racially diverse), and is about 20-25 minutes away from Center City. South Philly's also good, but the neighborhood is pretty racially homogeneous, and which area you live in will depend on which kind of people you're most comfortable with.

I vote for Mt. Airy, though. :)

Answer 6

Winchester park is beautiful, about 15 minutes to center city. Its right near Pennypack park.

Answer 7

Elfreth's Alley might be good, its right near Penn's Landing, its located just off 2nd between Arch & Race Plus its the oldest continuously-lived on street in the US

Answer 8

Where the Mayor lives is safe. Beacuse he has body guards

Answer 9

live on the new jersey side in Marlton and commute