Jasmine

I'm thinking you're looking for honesty, so here it is. Please don't confuse Bridgeport with King of Prussia, there are many differences, including how nice the areas are. King of Prussia is the nice area. Bridgeport borders Norristown and King of Prussia and has more in common with not so nice part of Norristown, but either way, no, I wouldn't consider it the best place to raise a family. Its a bit rundown, many multi-family units, more crime than the general surrounding area (nowhere near as much as in the city though), and just generally speaking, not nearly as nice. I think the best part of Bridgeport is its school district (Upper Merion). So, your children will get a good education, but I can't say I think the actual Bridgeport area is ideal. - Sat Jul 26 2008, 05:21

Just had to post to say that the commute from the Gwynedd Valley area to Center City is not going to be 30 minutes, especially not with morning traffic. Without traffic, if it takes 40 minutes, you are doing good. In the morning commute, you can count on an hour. The Septa Regional Rail train is the quickest commute into CC during rush hour. Also, the driving commute is hampered by the construction on 309, which has been going on for a couple of years now.

I'm not warning you off the area, just wanted to make sure you knew the realities of the commute. I like the area, the Wissahickon school district is very good, the area is quite scenic, parts of which are reminiscent of Boston's suburbs.

Good luck with your home search! - Sat Jul 26 2008, 04:54

I am not a realtor, so I can say what I want. And for the record, it seems like everyone said what they like, not what the person who asked the question should do, didn't see any "steering" here. And I would think those laws apply to clients not people asking questions open to the general public.

What suburbs? I'm biased, I love Evanston, I went to school there. Its nice and close to the city, but has its own great amenities to enjoy so you don't always have to go to Chicago to do something fun. Another suburb I love is Oak Park. Also right outside the city, but to the west instead of north. Also, great things to do within Oak Park. I like that aspect of these two suburbs, able to have fun (go to restaurants, see a movie, close to shopping, events, etc.) closer to home if you don't want to head into the city. Both with good school districts. Also, a nice quick commute, and commute should always be considered in Chicago.

But I know some who don't want to live north of the city and prefer the south suburbs. Others prefer the western suburbs, others want to be exclusively on the North Shore, it all depends on the person. Just remember, there are great ones mentioned here, and so many more that are also great that haven't been that shouldn't be written off. - Tue Jul 8 2008, 04:43

Honestly, you need to post on more than just Craigslist if you want to attract students. There's a lot for lease in Evanston. I would recommend also posting ads in Norris at NU, in the Kellogg building on the first and ground floors, and at Unicorn Cafe, Kafein, Barnes, and Borders. You'd be surprised how many students stop and read those boards. I would also suggest advertising in the Daily Northwestern, both grad and undergrad students read it daily, including the classifieds.

I'm sure the other sources listed are good for those who are not students, but most students, grad and undergrad, don't reading the community papers often, if ever. - Tue Jul 8 2008, 04:22

It applies to all of Philadelphia. Philadelphia County only contains Philadelphia the city, so same thing. If you work anywhere in Philly, you will be paying that tax. If you live in Philly and work outside of Philly, you will be paying the tax. - Tue Jul 8 2008, 03:58