Ready to make a move but unsure where to go? Whether a new job is taking you to a different state or city, or you simply need a larger home, asking yourself these essential questions will help you pinpoint the perfect location. To get started, a great resource to help narrow down your search is niche.com! Find real reviews by residents and get an insight into each neighborhood.
If these questions are daunting to you, let’s chat!
- What does your daily commute or travel look like?
- Consider the total time (in rush hour, too!) to get to work, school, and other frequent destinations. If you are looking to take the train or drive. Even a slightly lower home price isn’t worth an extra hour of commuting every day.
- What is the long-term potential and stability of the neighborhood?
- Look at public records for recent sales trends, check on upcoming development projects (new stores, parks, or even highways), and research the quality of the school district, even if you don’t have children. Think about your life 5 to 10 years down the road, not just today.
- What is the true cost of living beyond mortgage?
- That “bargain” house might come with hidden extra costs. Check out property taxes, utility bills (especially for older places), HOA fees, and how much everyday stuff like childcare, gas, and local taxes cost in that neighborhood.
- How well does the community align with my lifestyle and immediate needs?
- Consider how many amenities you regularly use: parks/green space, restaurants, public transit, grocery stores, hospitals, and entertainment. If you love walking everywhere, a car-dependent suburb will be a poor fit.
- What does the culture and social scene look like? Does it align with your needs?
- Consider if you want a quiet neighborhood or a bustling city street with higher energy. Explore blogs, Instagram, and help gauge the overall vibe of the area and values.
Tip: Focus 70% of your initial search on location factors (commute, schools, community feel, amenities). Cosmetic issues like paint, carpet, or even an old kitchen are temporary and repairable; a bad location is permanent.
I recommend narrowing down your search and visiting each neighborhood and really getting a feel for the area. Want an even better idea? Rent an Airbnb or Verbo and spend a night or two in the area you wish to buy! Get a feel for the communities, sounds, neighbors, restaurants, and daily activities.
Now, let’s put those questions to the test with three Philadelphia neighborhoods for you to consider moving to!
Ardmore, PA
A charming town with lively, urban vibes centered in the area’s beloved Main Line. Ardmore is home to the area’s best shopping, dining, and dynamic experiences.
The potential of the neighborhood:
Extremely high, you’re buying in one of the best areas in the country, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania. The Lower Merion School District is nationally recognized as an A+ district. Developers are battling for this neighborhood for new shops and apartment/condo living.
Lifestyle and community:
This Residential yet urban suburb is very walkable and easy to get around without a vehicle. Key amenities are: local boutiques and some name-brand shops, a farmers market, and several parks. The craft beer scene is huge, and the food scene is diverse.
Commute:
By train – (best option) on the SEPTA, takes about 24 minutes to get to Center City.
By car – 8-9 miles into Philly can take about 16 minutes, but with rush hour it can cause a major delay.
By walking-biking – most who live here commute this way!
Cost of living:
Ardmore is 21% higher than the national average. With a highly ranked school district, property taxes are substantial. Utilities are about 7% higher than average.
Powelton Village, PA
Powelton Village brings a vibrant community of artists, creatives, and academics. Along Lancaster Avenue, former warehouses have been transformed into prominent art venues and dance studios, alongside fair-trade coffee shops.
The potential of the neighborhood:
High but unique. The area is a National Historic District known for stunning Victorian row homes from the 1860s-1910s. The association works hard to preserve the historical architecture. Being near Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania, property value remains high.
Lifestyle and community:
Exceptional walkability, everything you need is close by and walkable. Amenities like nightlife, groceries, and the Schuylkill River Trail are close. The dense urban scene leans toward academic, artsy, and local pubs/cafes.
Commute:
**major advantage
By train – SEPTA in about 10 minutes!
By car- it’s not necessary and could cause some delays for you; you might not even need a vehicle if you live in this neighbourhood.
Cost of living:
The area boasts low median home prices, around $270,00.. However, Philadelphia’s property tax rate is relatively low, and homeowners may benefit from exemptions or abatements.
Northern Liberties, PA
A fantastically revitalized neighborhood, and fantastic for new home owners wanting a vibrant and easily accessible neighborhood.
Potential of the neighborhood:
Currently in high demand and a strong investment. The neighborhood is under development and has undergone a major industrial renewal in the 90s. The transformation of lofts, warehouses, and studios has brought this place back to life with the history intact. The Philadelphia School District has several top-rated Magnet Schools, and Central High, though entry is competitive.
Lifestyle and community:
This area is active, social, and amenity-rich! Enjoy easy access to large supermarkets, green spaces, and historical venues like The Fillmore.. This area is also a prime spot for nightlife, making it attractive to those who enjoy the social scene.
Commute:
By train – Market-Frankford Line at two stations, about 10-15 minutes to Center City
By car – Right of I-95, but during rush hour, it has major delays to get anywhere do to the neighborhood’s popularity.
By walking/bike – Very easy to get around on a bike or by walking.
Cost of living:
Housing costs in this prime location are premium, driven by new construction. While property taxes are comparatively low at 1.3998% of the assessed value, hidden costs include the Philadelphia Wage Tax for city workers and the ongoing hassle of parking.
