I'm currently starting up with a consulting firm, and one of the sites they're offering me a short to mid term job at is in Camden. While it's a great job with absurdly good pay the obvious problem is, you know, it's Camden. The specific site is just a bit on the river side of N South Freeway, about half a mile south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The area looks decent enough on Google's street view, but I'd like any information and opinions people who know the area might have.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but just how concerned should I be about the city's reputation? The waterfront district is supposed to have become less shitty, but this place is about a mile inland and all the information I can find on the city still leads with "Seriously, don't go out at night."
And if the area isn't completely Escape from New York, how feasible is commuting over from Philly each morning? There seem to be some amazing apartments only a couple of miles drive away, but who knows how atrocious traffic could be in and out of Camden.
Any information or even general feelings for the area could be a huge help.
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That disclaimer being said, Camden by all accounts deserves the reputation it has gotten. If your employment at this place required living there, and you had any concern at all about it, I'd say just stay away from the situation entirely.
Now, living in a nicer area and commuting in is certainly a viable option. There are rather nice areas <40 minutes away and as you mentioned housing in Pennsylvania is much cheaper (just be aware that I believe you'd be paying taxes in two states as you'd have residence in one and employment in another). I'd imagine you'd be much safer living your life outside of Camden and only being there for work.
Is it possible to take a visit to the area? You should do that and see how that specific area is, and how it would be commuting there from potential places you'd like to live. You may find you aren't really near any of the worst areas at all. At the end of the day, though, your peace of mind and personal safety aren't worth any amount of money. If you are going to spend your time there worrying about being safe, just hold out for another position where you'll be more comfortable.
hitting hot metal with hammers
I'd be interested in hearing how bad the commute through Philly and over the bridge would be likely to be, since apparently the area of Philly opposite is quite nice, but still. I'm pretty sure I'm goign to have to regretfully pass on this one
It wouldn't be a fun commute by car, but you will at least be going against traffic.
there are some decent areas around camden, my wife's family leaves down near there, but it doesn't change the fact that the workplace is actually in camden and you still need to leave the safety of the building
Also if you're going to be taking the train, don't shy away from living in northern liberties or old city. It's a much younger crowd than what you'd find right by the waterfront, and a lot cheaper too.
You're from Philly? You should be alright. Just act like you see real people act.
Though major kudos to HA. This thread has been absurdly helpful in sorting out my planning and generally getting my head out of my ass. Much appreciated.
If you want to live in a nicer parts, you are in luck as public transportation between Philadelphia and Camden kicks ass. You get $1.30 busses that get you to the Camden waterfront, and the train is almost as cheap from the center Philly. Also Camden has ridiculously nice neighborhoods around it. I have been in Collinswood recently, which looked fantastic ( fancy boutiques, big homes, great places to eat) and was a short, 20 min ride from where you are planning to work.
So if the job is good, I wouldnt cross it out only because it is in Camden. The area you work in is not that horrible, and there is a lot of great public transit around and good places to live in the vicinity.
EDIT: there are masses of drunken concert goers going through the area from the Twitter center any given night, without too many incidents, if that helps you feel more at ease.
This man is wise. Hell, we have a few people who work much more north than the distance between Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy living there. Not a terrible commute as long as you're okay with either taking the bus or finding some secure parking in Camden
Edit: shit, I'm slow on the draw today!