Where can I find safe and affordable housing in Pennsylvania?

Submitted by greenbean0721 t3_11drksy in Pennsylvania

I live in a Phila suburb. I need a home with a yard or a deck of some kind. Nothing big or fancy, I just need it for my dog.

Nothing in this area is affordable for me. I have lived in Delco my entire life and, if possible, I don’t want to move back there.

I’m looking for a home within a 1 - 1.5 hr radius from Philly. I’m ok with 55+ and manufactured home communities. I would also like a low crime area where I feel safe. Am I asking too much?

I live in an apt and if I can’t find something, I may have to rehome my dog, which I don’t want to do. I’ve had her for seven years and am now a senior with bad knees, but she is as strong as ever!

TIA for anyone who can give me a lead on wher to find safe, affordable housing.

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portguy79 t1_jaahbbj wrote

Maybe the Lehigh Valley? You should be able to get something in Bethlehem or one of the small towns around the valley for your budget-Emmaus, Hellertown. Most likely a twin or something along those lines.

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SwimmingFish t1_jaceuuh wrote

Bethlehem is experiencing a major housing crisis and lacking affordable housing. Affordable housing being defined as less than 30 percent of your income. I would recommend looking toward Hellertown and Emmaus. Maybe even Macungie. The secrets out on the Lehigh Valley and it's being flooded with people buying way over (already high) market prices.

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Allemaengel t1_jaag7a3 wrote

What's your total monthly budget for housing including utilities like? That's going to help rule stuff in or out.

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greenbean0721 OP t1_jaagx6v wrote

Ugh! This is embarrassing, but I’d like to stay $1500 - $1700 for mortgage and utilities.

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Allemaengel t1_jaaitby wrote

Sorry, I didn't mean to be nosey.

That might work for something small in Quakertown in Upper Bucks County or the Pennsburg or Pottstown areas in northern Montgomery County.

Prices in even those traditionally less expensive areas have been going up like everywhere else though.

It's better further north just past the mountain in Schuylkill (Pottsville or Tamaqua ) and Carbon (Lehighton area) counties but that's really pushing your 1.5 hour to Philly window.

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greenbean0721 OP t1_jaasz7o wrote

No worries, you’re just trying to offer information

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Muscadine76 t1_jacdhtp wrote

It might take some snooping around but honestly should be able to find small dog-friendly apartment with yard access in one of the safer areas of the city, like Manayunk-Roxborough area. Eg: https://www.trulia.com/p/pa/philadelphia/200-east-st-1-philadelphia-pa-19128--2297861416

There are even places with off-street parking if that’s something you need, eg: https://www.bexrealty.com/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia/Manayunk/Nob-Hill-Condominiums/Rentals.php

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Pink_Slyvie t1_jacwxzv wrote

This would be my thought. Suburban areas are so expensive because they are so unsustainable.

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JesusOfBeer t1_jacci3v wrote

Lancaster City. Direct train route to philly in 50 mins to an hour

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Pink_Slyvie t1_jacx1u0 wrote

Lived in Lancaster for a few years, loved it, and would do it again. It has a vibrant queer community as well.

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ReformedDeviant t1_jaagmnm wrote

Any small size city's nicer neighbirhoods.

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--Cr1imsoN-- t1_jaam83r wrote

Literally this. The moment you get out of Philly, is the moment you’ll pretty much find much more affordable housing.

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helllllohaley t1_jaaivcb wrote

There are some manufactured home communities in Feasterville-Trevose/Langhorne area as well as the Hatfield/Chalfont area (Bucks County and Montgomery County). Maybe the Harleysville area too? It looks like these homes tend to be around $100k-$170k, which should put them in your price range.

Edit: Also check out Quakertown

The housing market seems to be going down a little which should be helpful. Best of luck with everything!

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Yodasballcheese t1_jaaiypc wrote

55 and up manufactured home community in Aston on 452. Looks like a decent place

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swampjuicesheila t1_jac8jx5 wrote

You’ll want to avoid Coatesville in Chester county. Caln Township might work for you, East Fallowfield, West Bradford, can’t think of anywhere else near here. Downingtown is pretty expensive as is West Chester.

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BeatsMeByDre t1_jaciijk wrote

Reading is one hour from Philly. Has suburbs like you're asking about

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No-Setting9690 t1_jacvirf wrote

Surrounding areas for Reading have a few 55+ communities, all manufactured homes.

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scottironhead t1_jadgu0b wrote

Def not lower bucks. Guy I work with rents a condo for more than that.

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