Michele

I really don't have a travel question per say but I didn't know where else to turn to? I am getting married this summer and might be relocating to the Philly area. Can anyone help me out and tell me which suburbs are good to move to (i.e. good school district, etc.) Any info would be greatly appreciated!

John

Michele,
Congrats on your wedding. Pointing you in the right direction of suburbs has a lot to do with how much money you have and where you and your husband will be working. There are great nieghborhoods less than 10 miles from the city. But, the house prices can be (for a single) anywhere from 130K to 500K and more. Give me a better idea of you expectations and where you will be working and I would be happy to help you. [email protected]

John.

janet

I was in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, and I was very impressed with the Chestnut Hill area. It is just north of Center City Philly, and on the train line. I don't know what houses cost there, but it seemed to be a really great area.

mark

I'm not sure of your family plans (you mentioned school districts), but as a young married couple in our late 20's, my wife and I love living in the city. There's so much to do and everything is convenient, so you might want to consider it as an alternative. We'll probably move out when we decide to have children (private schools are expensive), but for now, we're having a lot of fun without the worry of doing yardwork on the weekends...
As far as the burbs go, it really depends on where you plan on working (so as the commute doesn't want to make you commit suicide). Another good thing about living in the city is that you're always commuting in the opposite direction of everyone else, so there's rarely traffic...

Liz

Think about New Jersey. Gloucester County is nice, has good neighborhioods, good school districts, relatively safe. About 20 mins. from Philly if you need to commute, good for travelling. You're an hour from the ocean, and can drive to NY, VT, ME, etc for skiing, if your need be. But definitely Gloucester County somewhere. Good luck.

Joe

Are you ever lucky! Philadelphia is America's unique city. A little quirky and rough around the edges in places, but with personality to burn and loads of charm. We lived in Center City for 12 yrs. and loved it. I agree with Mark -- if you don't have school-age children try the city. If you do, then you might want to go to Chestnut Hill or Mt. Airy. But you can't go to far wrong.

Diana

The western suburbs are the more upscale, and the ones w/colleges (Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr) have good schools as do some of the ones nearby. Elkins Park is a really family-oriented place, too.

It's a great city. Tell us more re:your circumstances, and maybe we can be more helpful.

Paul Rabe

Philadelphia has an excellent mass transit system, but it's best if you choose a side of the city where your job is. West Chester is a great place to live, but NOT if your job is in Yardley!! If you could be more specific on where you'll be working, it would cut back a LOT on your commuting!

elaine

michele,

I've lived in Philadelphia and the 'near' suburbs my entire life. Think the locals could be more helpful, if you gave us a bit more info., i.e., you mention 'relocating', so assume this is for a job. What is the location of the job? That alone, would at least narrow the locales for looking into an apt. or home.
Best wishes on your marriage!

Sarah

I agree with Liz, that gloucester county is ideal to live in. Lived there as a child, and wish I never left. City is also nice, but this county of suburbs is perfect for raising a family.

julie

We lived very happily in a little town called Wallingford, about 10 minutes from the city, and good to the freeways. Some new homes, and some great historic places. Great schools, lots of woods and woodland walks. Great variety of townhomes, single homes,etc. Ours was at the end of a lane, a new home in old neighborhood, lots of hardwood trees, flowers and wonderful birds. You will like it.