Living and driving in Delaware/Philadelphia?

So I didn't take the job in New York in the end, but I really appreciate all the advice I got in that thread. However, I will be starting a new job in Wilmington DE in January. From a couple of quick trips to Delaware, it doesn't seem like the most exciting place to live, so I'm thinking of commuting from Philadelphia instead. How is the Pcar scene in those places, and how much will I regret commuting 40 miles each way from Philly city centre in a rwd 6-speed? I'm not too obsessive about the car now that it's got 90k+ miles and a few trackday chips on it. In any case, I'll be leaving it in CA till May so I can have one last run at the Silver State Classic before driving it to my new home. TIA

Well I commute 55 miles one way into NYC with my C4S, at least it makes the commute enjoyable... when I'm not sitting in bumper to bumper traffic.

I've got a big client in Wilmo. A lot of those guys live in Philly, but some in DE. There are some really fantastic hilly, winding roads around there, if you know where to look. I can't tell you anything about the quality of life, there, really, but it doesn't seem like a bad place for recreational driving.

If you have to drive I-95, it might not be such a fun commute. It should move along ok, but when it gets clogged, it can be stop and go for miles. From a tax point of view though, most people in this area would love to live in Delaware. The last time I checked they had no sales tax, and in general all other taxes are considered to be much lower. You might want to check that out before you make your move. Just don't even think about going across the river to NJ (and that would be a really bad commute), we are getting killed with taxes here.

What are income taxes like in PA? DE seems to range from 2.2 to 5.9%, and CA ranges up to 9.3%

PA taxes are 3.07% + an add'l 3.9% or so if you live in Philly. As for the P-Car scene, the local region is Riesentoter ( www.rtr-pca.org ). Let me know if/when you head east Steve

Wilmington is not that bad, give it a shot before you move to Philly. The DE Burbs aren't that bad either.

I've been living in the Wilmington burbs for 7 years, give me an IM. The back roads into Wilmington are great sports car roads. I take the back way in every morning and always arrive at work with a smile. Working downtown Wilmington and living in PA is the worst combo for taxes especially if you own a house. There is definately more going on in Phila then Wilmington but is easy an easy drive. I think Kevin23 on the 996 turbo board does the Phila/Wilm. commute also. Welcome to the area.

As others have said, the tax sitation is better in DE. The schools are better in PA - certainly in Chester County, PA. I know of people that work in DE and commute from Chester County and that's not a bad drive... although it can be an expensive area to buy into. You really don't want to live in Philly - well, not if you want to walk the streets after dark. The areas outside Philly are very nice and we would love to have you join the Riesentoter PCA region - we're pretty active and have a pretty full calendar during driving season - you name and and we have things going on.

Wilmington is actually a pretty neat little town. I've lived all over the world (Korea, Germany, Texas, New York City, Connecticut) and I finally settled down for good in the Philly Suburbs and work in Center City. You're close to everything (Jersey & Deleware beaches, Poconos, short drives to NYC, Baltimore and D.C., sports teams, concerts, theatre, fantastic restaurants, Amish country, etc). I find Philly to be a much more livable, friendly, and casual city with nearly all the offerings of NYC in a much more managable and less expensive package. And, if you do get the urge to enjoy the fruits that only NYC can offer, you can jump on the Acela and be there in 1 1/2 hours. Don't be so bummed, it's actually a fantastic place to live.... that is if you can tolerate crappy weather all the time. If I didn't have two dogs, a 2-year old, another girl on the way in March, and a wife that can't throw anything away.... I'd be living in the city too Oh yeah, I wouldn't want to commute in the porsche though.... take the train.

i've lived in both PA and DE and you will be better off tax wise living in DE if you work in DE The suburbs in North Wilmington have the best to offer as far as housing. You are only 15 minutes from downtown Wilm. and 35 minutes from center City Phila. outside of rush hour, which takes over an hour. DE beaches are only 2 hours away, Baltimore an hour and a half away and New York a little over two hours away, so there are a lot of places to go in a short amount of time. The DE chapter of PCA is small but active, and sponsors lots of events. Plenty of winding roads nearby. PM me if you need any info.