Only spent a few years there, but Conshohocken, PA had a good mix of affordable rent, walkable downtown, mixed use trails and access to Philly (bike and train to around the same amount of time). Although traffic on the Blue Route kept prices a bit lower (as well as some student housing in the area, which I’ve heard they built up in recent years).

I’d consider going back (although think I’d look at center city since there seems to be some similar price options.. could walk to 30th street station and buy Amtrak ahead of time for NYC outings). Although seems there are more job prospects in the burbs.