Looking for family friendly area in or around Philadelphia (York: apartments, renting)

[nafania]

I'm moving with my Japanese wife, newborn baby and a small dog to Philly for work reasons. I'll be working at University of Pennsylvania. I'm looking for a safe, quiet, clean neighborhood where my wife could come out for a walk with a baby, ideally with park/playground nearby. Another requirement would be easy access to pharmacy, supermarket and train station. I'm willing to commute upto 1.5 hours one way. I heard Jenkinstown is a good choice but I'd like to hear all available options from you! Thank you very much!



When are you moving? August
Where are you coming from? Tokyo
Why are you moving? To work at University Of Pennsylvania
Where will you be working? University of Pennsylvania
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? N/a
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Apt or townhouse
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Hi Rise

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? PA suburb
(If you answered NJ - post your answers here: https://www.city-data.com/forum/new-j...-philadelphia/)

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Married and with new born baby
Do you prefer public or private schools? n/a
Do you have pets? yes, a small dog
Do you want or need a yard? would be nice if available
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? calm and quiet

What do you want to be closest to? train, pharmacy, park/playground, supermarket
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)
Nightlife
Train or subway stations

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Doesnt matter

Favorite Beverage - Craft Beer, wine, water? Beer

[FrankInPhilly]

No need to subject yourself to a long commute. There are plenty of options in and near the city. In-city: neighborhoods in or adjacent to Center City (Philly-speak for downtown) such as Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital, Fairmount, etc. (I'm sure you'll get similar and more detailed replies about these areas). Keeping a car in any of these neighborhoods can be a challenge. But all are close to Penn, and most have ready access to parks and trails (Fitler has a huge dog park). If you relax the hi-rise constraint, you could consider Mt Airy or Chestnut Hill (still within the Philly city limits and well-served by 2 rail lines - maybe a 40-minute commute each way, door-to-door). Both of these areas have playgrounds, usually have small yards, are adjacent to Wissahickon Creek in Fairmount Park (a sort of mini urban wilderness, with miles of well-marked trails), and have lots of basic amenities (supermarkets, restaurants, banks, etc.). A good choice (again, maybe not compatible with the hi-rise preference) is Media, just to the west of Philly and easily accessible by public transit to Penn.

[Flyers Girl]

Yeah, I didn't realize you had a hi-rise requirement until I read the first response. You're unlikely to find hi-rise buildings in the burbs. They're generally going to be city only. That said, since you have a newborn and are not concerned with schools just yet, living right in the city could be a good choice. Since you'll be renting, you can take the time to decide when and where you might buy if that's your ultimate goal.


One thing, though: you didn't specify how much you'd like to pay in rent. That will certainly assist in giving you appropriate recommendations.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Flyers Girl

Yeah, I didn't realize you had a hi-rise requirement until I read the first response. You're unlikely to find hi-rise buildings in the burbs. They're generally going to be city only. That said, since you have a newborn and are not concerned with schools just yet, living right in the city could be a good choice. Since you'll be renting, you can take the time to decide when and where you might buy if that's your ultimate goal.


One thing, though: you didn't specify how much you'd like to pay in rent. That will certainly assist in giving you appropriate recommendations.

The OP is coming from Tokyo, one of the great cities on earth and one of the most expensive wrt housing. I think they said cost for that was n/a.

[newmarlig]

If a garden type apartment (several buildings, usually 3 stories, with several apartments in each and an elevator) look in Ardmore and Narberth. It's an under 30 minutes by car to Penn or about a 15-20 minute train ride to 30th Street Station. From there you can either walk to campus or take

www.universitycity.org/lucy

[nafania]

Thank you so much everyone for your input! It's very helpful in my search!!

[KP1983]

I live in Jenkintown Borough (parts of Jenkintown fall into Abington Township, not the "Borough"). My wife works at Penn (as did I for many years) and takes the train from Jenkintown to University City Station. Very easy commute, as there are several train options from Jenkintown Station to the city. I believe the usual train she catches is the West Trenton Line and it is roughly a 30 minute train ride. If you are specifically looking for a high rise/condo type place, you may want to look at the Greenwood Terrace Apartments and Beaver Hill Condos, which are directly across the street from the train station. If you are not set on being in Jenkintown Borough, you could also consider 100 West Ave Apartments in Jenkintown (Abington Township part) or the Wyncote House Apartments. All of these options are an easy 5-10 minute walk to Jenkintown Station.

[KP1983]

Originally Posted by KP1983

I live in Jenkintown Borough (parts of Jenkintown fall into Abington Township, not the "Borough"). My wife works at Penn (as did I for many years) and takes the train from Jenkintown to University City Station. Very easy commute, as there are several train options from Jenkintown Station to the city. I believe the usual train she catches is the West Trenton Line and it is roughly a 30 minute train ride. If you are specifically looking for a high rise/condo type place, you may want to look at the Greenwood Terrace Apartments and Beaver Hill Condos, which are directly across the street from the train station. If you are not set on being in Jenkintown Borough, you could also consider 100 West Ave Apartments in Jenkintown (Abington Township part) or the Wyncote House Apartments. All of these options are an easy 5-10 minute walk to Jenkintown Station.

Sorry, the apartments are called 100 York I believe, not 100 West.

[Urban Spaceman]

Look at the parkway area around the museum of art. There are beautiful parks and it's a ten minute drive to Penn.

[acenturi]

Also, do email these people: http://japanphilly.org/welcome/