Safe and AFFORDABLE places to live near Philadelphia?

Question

My family wants to move to Pensylvania but, we really can't afford a big expensive house. We will need money so we can pay for gas and other things that we need to get there. SO....we want to move near Philadelphia. My mom says it has alot of crime and its a bad area to live and too expensive. Can you find me somewhere that is right outside Philadelphia but safe and AFFORDABLE? By affordable I mean houses under 140,000. Also, when I say right outside Philadelphia, I mean it. I mean like a few minutes because, there is a wonderful school there I woul love to go to!

Answer 1

dont go to camden or trenton unless you are a drug dealer and enjoy being shot at. the best place to live outside of philly is northern delaware. low cost of living, low property taxes, no sales tax, and just a short ride up 95 to the city.

Answer 2

I live in the suburbs of Philly in Bucks County..in my town u might not find much below 140,000 but do definately check into areas of bucks county.very safe(cept maybe like 2 towns in the whole county, and we're a big county),U might wanna look into areas like Neshaminy .might be some more affordable housing there.good luck

Answer 3

stay out of upper darby, norristown(some parts) and chester. try abbington

Answer 4

You might consider Camden, N.J. (which is over the B.F. Bridge) on the subway, or Trenton, N.J. by train or car. Camden has not always been safe, but where in Philly really is? I didn't realize that house prices in Philly have jumped, but they can JUST AS EASILY DECLINE!

Answer 5

It's highly unlikely that you will find a house for that price in the surrounding areas of Philly with close proximity to the city center.  If you do, it's most likely that it's in a dangerous area.

Definitely avoid Camden, NJ, it's one of the most dangerous cities in the whole country.

Answer 6

Well first, if the school you want to go in Philly is a public school (like a high school), you must live in the city itself to go.  For a college, not an issue.

WHERE in Philly you want to end up is another issue.  If the school is in Center City, that makes a huge difference than if it were to be in the NE.

You might be able to find a house not too far above your price range in the Far NE.  It will be small, 2 bedroom max for that price.  Any larger house in the city for that price will not be in a place you may want to live, unless you get really lucky.

You also might check the Aston/Springfield area in Delaware County.  You'd be a half our out of the city or so, but there are still some affordable pockets.

Depending on family size, there may be some condo developments in the NE and bucks that might work too.

Most suburbs 'right' outside the city are either not recommended

If you want, email me with the school you are interested in and I will tell you where it is located and where has good transport.

Answer 7

Look in Glenside or Jenkintown.  I think for that price range, that may be your best bet.  It's safe and has a small town atmosphere just minutes north of the city.  I live in that area now for college.  You really couldn't find anything in Springfield for that price (that's where I'm from and my parents live).  

South of the city, I'd say Aldan, Ridley or Upper Darby.

Answer 8

There are areas just outside of Philadelphia that aren't scary or dangerous where you can find a home for around 140,000. They're called the "trolley-car suburbs" (the old, still functioning trolleys of SEPTA still serve these neighborhoods) in Delaware County...just south and west of the city. Upper Darby, Collingdale and Sharon Hill are examples of the towns there. Good luck!