23 Year Old recent grad looking for good place to live around philadelphia (Norristown: apartment)

[struby]

I am a recent graduate living in Phoenixville, PA in a studio apartment. I work for the state in Norristown and id like to stay within 30 - 40 minutes of work in traffic. I am looking to rent a small apartment for myself or possibly a 2 bedroom with a friend. I am single and hoping to be in a place that has its own things to do, but i would also like to be able to walk to the train to center city. I like to go out at night and dont like to worry about a ride. I am curious if, where, and how much city wage tax should be a concern of mine. I dont need much space. I dont have pets. I am slightly cheap, but i want a good location. My price range might be below what i could actually spend. Id like to stay under 8 or 900 with with all bills totalled. If i am going to have a room mate, id want it to save me a couple hundred dollars a month in rent. I would like to feel safe. If i go out drinking id like to be able to stumble home with the biggest threat to my safety being myself. Im an average sized guy, so i wouldnt call myself unmuggable. Id like to be where there is plenty close by to do, people to meet, and convenient public transportation. I guess my favorite hobby that could be location affected is volleyball, which i play at a low end competitive level. I have considered conshohocken, but that is when i was not looking to be east or work. i would be looking to move any time between a couple months from now and a year from now. My family and friends are from pottstown, which is a half hour west of norristown, that is an influence to some degree. Thoughts or questions?
Thanks in advance.

[khlavguy]

I worked for the state in Norristown too. When I moved to Philly the additional taxes reduced my paycheck $45/biwkly. Worth it in my opinion. Conshy might be a good place for you.

[Duderino]

Conshohocken sounds right up your alley and would give you a pretty quick commute, although your price range might be difficult to accommodate by yourself -- a roommate would definitely make it doable. Possibly Ardmore, but it's even more expensive and much harder to find a cheaper, more modern apartment on the Main Line.

Ambler or Lansdale could be other options for you, although I'm not as familiar with those towns.

Good luck.

[struby]

I dont mind a studio place at all, but even with that i understand. I have a friend who wants to move to conshy or philly, but his price range is lower than mine. What are the bars like there. I like a good mix. Some irish pub, a place with phillies game specials, maybe a quizzo game, and a night club where i can say is dumb as **** but end up there once in a while anyway. Phoenixville has all those things within a short walk from my place, so if im gonna move there, i would hope conshy does too.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by struby

I dont mind a studio place at all, but even with that i understand. I have a friend who wants to move to conshy or philly, but his price range is lower than mine. What are the bars like there. I like a good mix. Some irish pub, a place with phillies game specials, maybe a quizzo game, and a night club where i can say is dumb as **** but end up there once in a while anyway. Phoenixville has all those things within a short walk from my place, so if im gonna move there, i would hope conshy does too.

Yes, everything you've mentioned can definitely be found in Conshy, and it's a fairly short train ride to Manayunk and Center City if you're looking for a different scene. Great restaurants abound, as well. In terms of nightlife options, you'd definitely be set.

[struby]

Where are such places, cuz google maps isnt giving me much.

Is conshohocken safe. Is the area around the train station safe to walk drunk in the dark? Are train stations in other places like manayunk safe walking to bars?

Thanks everyone for the input.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by struby

Where are such places, cuz google maps isnt giving me much.

Is conshohocken safe. Is the area around the train station safe to walk drunk in the dark? Are train stations in other places like manayunk safe walking to bars?

Thanks everyone for the input.

Fayette Street is the main drag in Conshy, and basically everything can be found along there or right nearby.

In terms of safety, crime is essentially unheard of in these areas, aside from some petty property crime, perhaps. Manayunk being in the city, however, I'd be just a little more aware of my surroundings, but it's still a very safe neighborhood overall.

[Raena77]

Bensalem is a good place to live.

[struby]

Excellent, thanks everyone, any other info is welcome