Philly suburbs (Philadelphia, Montgomery: home, job market, neighborhoods)

[lancemanion]

I am planning on moving to the suburbs of Philly in the near future. I was hoping to get some feedback on a few things. I am a male in my 30's looking to own a home.

1) how is the housing market?
2) what is a good town to move to?
3) Are the people friendly in Philly and surrounding areas - willing to meet new people?
4) How is the job market for professionals?

Thanks,

Dan

[Paramorerocks558]

The housing market in Philly is really expensive for suburban neighborhoods. Expect to pay AT LEAST 500,000 for a SINGLE FAMILY home.

The neighborhood I recommend you move to is Chestnut Hill. It's right off 76 so it's easy to commute to Center City, and it's near Roxborough, which leads to a nice trail that runs into Center City. The people living in Chestnut Hill are fairly friendly, I've had people try to start conversations with me there. There are a lot of families and young couples that live around there, so it's really great of you're a kids person. Since you're single also, Chestnut Hill has a GREAT night life scene. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs around there. There is always something going on in Chestnut Hill also, so you'll have plenty of things to do, both during the day and night. There is also plenty of public trans available if you don't feel like parking in Center City (it's nearly impossible and expensive!). The L bus comes so you can skip all the dangerous neighborhoods and take a straight shot down to the subway (most people take the regional around there instead of the L and subway). You won't even have to deal with teenagers because you're leaving in the morning (you're in for a long commute though).

The job market in Chestnut Hill is very entrepreneur type, so if you want to get a job it will have to be in Center City. Philly has a great job market, the economy is booming in Center City. There are tons of businesses coming in and out all of the time. I see tons of people in business suits in Center City. Most of the jobs are in banking, though, and I don't know what you do for a living so...but you should be able to find something easily.

[PA2UK]

Dan, you didn't mention how far out of the city you're willing to look so it's difficult to recommend any location. And note that the previous response seems to be specific to neighborhoods IN Philly, if you're willing to look for places in surrounding counties, you can get a single family home in a nice area for much less - closer to the $300,000 mark but of course it depends on the area. I am most familiar with Bucks and Montgomery County and there are plenty of job opportunities but of course they increase the further you go into the city. I don't think the people there are any different to the people you'll find in most places - there will always be good and bad people anywhere you go. I am hoping to move back to the area soon myself.

[frankgn87]

This is absolutely 100% incorrect. You can spend a lot on a single home but there are thousands of single home in many areas that $150k to $300k. There are many great areas to move too. May want to look here... Look at South Jersey as you will definetly get more home for your $$ then in pa but may(not all the time) pay more in property taxes though.. Think Moorestown and Haddonfield

Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia

Originally Posted by Paramorerocks558

The housing market in Philly is really expensive for suburban neighborhoods. Expect to pay AT LEAST 500,000 for a SINGLE FAMILY home.

The neighborhood I recommend you move to is Chestnut Hill. It's right off 76 so it's easy to commute to Center City, and it's near Roxborough, which leads to a nice trail that runs into Center City. The people living in Chestnut Hill are fairly friendly, I've had people try to start conversations with me there. There are a lot of families and young couples that live around there, so it's really great of you're a kids person. Since you're single also, Chestnut Hill has a GREAT night life scene. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs around there. There is always something going on in Chestnut Hill also, so you'll have plenty of things to do, both during the day and night. There is also plenty of public trans available if you don't feel like parking in Center City (it's nearly impossible and expensive!). The L bus comes so you can skip all the dangerous neighborhoods and take a straight shot down to the subway (most people take the regional around there instead of the L and subway). You won't even have to deal with teenagers because you're leaving in the morning (you're in for a long commute though).

The job market in Chestnut Hill is very entrepreneur type, so if you want to get a job it will have to be in Center City. Philly has a great job market, the economy is booming in Center City. There are tons of businesses coming in and out all of the time. I see tons of people in business suits in Center City. Most of the jobs are in banking, though, and I don't know what you do for a living so...but you should be able to find something easily.

[rotodome]

Yeah, that post was wrong on so many levels. All the jobs are in Center City? And most of those are in banking?? Ohhhhkayyyyyy.

[templeu]

Originally Posted by PA2UK

Dan, you didn't mention how far out of the city you're willing to look so it's difficult to recommend any location. .

I doubt Dan is still perusing this thread... the original message was posted near 7 years ago.

[frankgn87]

yea I sure he is not. BUT others can learn from this thread too