Hey moms-
My family of three lives in Southern California. My job is going to transfer me to Philadephia, and I know absolutely nothing about the city. I need to live ideally within 20-30 minutes driving to the airport or within an hour flying to the airport in Philadelphia. Any recommendations?
I am fairly certain my husband can transfer or find a good job out there, but where are the schools great? What are really nice areas that are very child friendly? Housing? Anything at this point would be helpful! I don't know where to start looking!
Again, I need to live within 20-30 minutes driving or within an hour flying from Philadelphia
The train sounds like a good idea. The only bad thing about the train is that I can't be on the train's schedule because I work crazy hours and might have to be at work when I didn't think I would have to be, so being close by car or an hour by plane is the easiest. I know it sounds weird but that's what it is haha.
We went to Philadelphia a few weeks ago and stayed at a hotel just over the river in NJ. I'd look at that tax rates for both states and counties and see which suits you best, as well the area.
I'd start here: http://zipskinny.com/
Twenty to 30 minutes driving into the city is tough due to heavy traffic. It also depends on what part of the city. But yes, the Main Line area is beautiful and the schools are excellent. Delaware County and Bucks County (depending on what end of the city you need) have some good cities and schools also. You can PM me for a little more information. I have lived in suburbs outside of Philadelphia for the last 30 years so I might be able to help you :)
Montgomery and Bucks counties are nice suburbs of Phila. with lots of great school districts. Here is a great website for looking at real estate at various price points by county and school district. Everyhome.com. Good luck.
I can't help you but I have to say I'm jealous! Philly's gotten to be such a nice city with lots for kids and a good climate and not insane cost of living. I'd love to move there. There's an area called "the Main Line" where the old suburbs are. Some are so beautiful and may be the most expensive in the area. Others on here will give you much better and specific advice but you could at least google it to get a start.
Pam R. is right about the "Main Line". If you have the money, it is beautiful. We are about 2 minutes away. There are many nice towns around the main line. I am in Havertown. Broomall, Newtown Square... they are very family friendly, safe beautiful towns also (all have good schools). I can also tell you the towns that i would not suggest. If you want to message me, i would be glad to answer any questions.
I lived in Philly off and on for the past 28 years and now live in Dallas. An hour's flight time can let you live from DC to NY to a depending on your preference. I lived in Levittown, Bensalem, along the Main Line and most recently in Morgantown, PA.. A lot depends on how much you want to spend on housing, keep in mind Philly ain't cheap but neither is SoCal.
Depending on where you relocate and where you work in the city, your drive will easily be an hour. There are major routes everywhere but Philly is busy. If you've never lived in the eastern US, get ready for a change. Philidelphia offers something for everyone and is a great place to raise a family. Good Luck!
Find out if you can take the train into the city to get to work. That's the first thing you should do. The Philly school system is not very good and being outside of that school system is what you should shoot for. After you know about the train possibility, THEN look at where the train stations are.
Dawn
30 minutes driving would be newtown, very nice area great schools but a little pricey. It's acute town atmosphere but safer than philly and rich area
also there is jenkintown, and huntingdon valley, the wisahickon school distrct (not the philly one the glenside ambler one). Also there is upper makefield and yardley. There are all really good schol districts within 30 minutes of philly. Every other recomendation I'd have would be 45 min to an hour drive to philly. most of bucks and montgomery besides the areas I listed would be an hour drive + to philly. Or hour train ride. Oh and parts of chester county and delaware county are awesome too but also an hour away from philly
I would love to live in Radnor or Wayne, their school districts and area are beyond amazing!
ETA: I keep adding stuff=) Move to manyunk off the river in philly. the area i gorgeous although you'd have to do private school b.c philly stinks for schools
Doylestown is an hour 20 minute train ride and cute and has great schools but their train schedule isnt that great
