PA vs DE - job offer in Wilmington (Dover, Newark: mortgage, estate)

[ana2007]

Hi,
I'm considering a job offer in Wilmington (or maybe Philly-posted another thread in PA forum). I understand the income taxes are lower in PA fixed just above 3%; However, property taxes and the no sales tax in DE are very attractive but I'd have to take into account private school costs.
Here's what I'm looking for:
* Easy communte to Wilmington
* Nice home in a safe neighborhood.
* Great schools - how much are private schools? I have no clue (looking to start a family)
* Nice down to earth folks.
* Price range: 400-600K (or less)
I guess I'm no accountant but does it still pay to live in PA (maybe Chadds ford), pay lower income taxes, send kids to public school but pay high property taxes?
Also, I heard nice things about the Main Line in NJ, is that too far to commute to Wilmington?
Any thoughts ?
Thanks,
Ana

[dee2south]

Originally Posted by ana2007

Hi,
I'm considering a job offer in Wilmington (or maybe Philly-posted another thread in PA forum). I understand the income taxes are lower in PA fixed just above 3%; However, property taxes and the no sales tax in DE are very attractive but I'd have to take into account private school costs.
Here's what I'm looking for:
* Easy communte to Wilmington
* Nice home in a safe neighborhood.
* Great schools - how much are private schools? I have no clue (looking to start a family)
* Nice down to earth folks.
* Price range: 400-600K (or less)
I guess I'm no accountant but does it still pay to live in PA (maybe Chadds ford), pay lower income taxes, send kids to public school but pay high property taxes?
Also, I heard nice things about the Main Line in NJ, is that too far to commute to Wilmington?
Any thoughts ?
Thanks,
Ana

Hi and Welcome to the Delaware Forum. I'm not sure where your job in Wilmington will be, but I would recommend looking into areas north of Wilmington proper. Arden, is an adorable little artsy community, and the private schools in that area are outstanding. Greenville also comes to mind, but it is pricey. Private schools to check into are Sanford, in Hockessin, Tatnall, Tower Hill, and there are many more. Chadd's Ford is awesome too.
My advice is to start doing your homework and talk to a couple of local Realtors, they don't charge for their free advice. Good luck and happy landing.

[PennJersey]

Hey Ana,

Greenville, Hockessin, Newark, and in pa Chadds Ford. All close to downtown Wilmington.

As for a private school there are plenty. dee2south nailed them.

Chadds Ford Area also has excellent public schools. All of the above areas are relatively safe. I've lived in the area my whole life, my parents have lived in the area, their parents and none of us have ever had any problems. This is not to say NOTHING will happen but I have never felt unsafe.


Henry

[one6ylady]

Delaware has a graduated tax rate ranging from 2.2% to 5.55% for income under $60,000, and 5.95% for income of $60,000 or over. That's not that much higher than Pennsylvania, and is more than offset by the low real-estate tax and very reasonable school taxes we pay compared to other states that surround us.

For example, I pay just over $600 per year in real-estate/school (combined) taxes for my rental property just north of Dover ($199,000 house on 0.6 acres), and we pay around $1,000 a year in real-estate/school (combined) taxes for our house in lower New Castle county ($225,000 house on 0.28 acres). Top that off with VERY reasonable homeowners' insurance rates (around $700 a year for the rental and around $900 a year for the New Castle county house I live in), and you can't beat it ANYWHERE in PA, MD, or NJ.

[elizamary]

Originally Posted by one6ylady

For example, I pay just over $600 per year in real-estate/school (combined) taxes for my rental property just north of Dover ($199,000 house on 0.6 acres), and we pay around $1,000 a year in real-estate/school (combined) taxes for our house in lower New Castle county ($225,000 house on 0.28 acres). Top that off with VERY reasonable homeowners' insurance rates (around $700 a year for the rental and around $900 a year for the New Castle county house I live in), and you can't beat it ANYWHERE in PA, MD, or NJ.

I don't know how old you are but I recently found out you get half your school taxes back at age 65. You must apply for this though.
We aren't 65 but when we are, you can be sure we will apply.
My taxes all together are about $370 a year give or take a $10. Or maybe it is $400. Not bad and you are correct when you say "can't beat it anywhere".
NJ is the worst.

[ana2007]

Thanks for the information everyone; my boyfriend and I will be in the area this weekend looking around neighborhooods. I understand that taxes insurance and no sales tax are very attractive but what about the cost of private schools? We are looking to get settled and start a family soon but I have no idea about how much private schools are in DE and would that offset the tax incentives that are offered there. Elementary, middle and high schools - what are the price ranges?

[PennJersey]

Private school is 2000-30000.

[carguy2299]

Private Schools are very very expensive in Delaware. Just to give a example, One private school which I decline to name charges about 1500 per student,per month. I just don't feel like mentioning the name, because 1500 is a lot of money. Most people would say what?, 1500?, yes, 1500. Thats more then a mortgage payment. Down to earth folks only exist in Nicer Neighborhoods, or in stores when your shopping in line waiting. People keep moving here, and I don't get it . According to what I know, over 50,000 people will be moving into the area over the next 5 years. If I had money I wouldn't be living in Delaware, because I'd be moving away. Thats for sure, but my family is here so I have to stay.

[elizamary]

Originally Posted by carguy2299

Private Schools are very very expensive in Delaware. Just to give a example, One private school which I decline to name charges about 1500 per student,per month. I just don't feel like mentioning the name, because 1500 is a lot of money. Most people would say what?, 1500?, yes, 1500. Thats more then a mortgage payment. Down to earth folks only exist in Nicer Neighborhoods, or in stores when your shopping in line waiting. People keep moving here, and I don't get it . According to what I know, over 50,000 people will be moving into the area over the next 5 years. If I had money I wouldn't be living in Delaware, because I'd be moving away. Thats for sure, but my family is here so I have to stay.

I had my 2 girls in catholic school in Philly and it cost me $500 a month which was a lot of money back in 14 years ago.
We chose to put our girls in Catholic school cuz the public schools in Philly were a nightmare.
That is probably one of the reasons I went to work. Here I thought it was for rugs.

[carguy2299]

I actually went to public school here,and it wasn't that bad. I was in private school until about 6th grade. I definitely know about Philly Schools being a nightmare, it is the truth. Certain schools down here have similar problems. The price for school went up,and my parents couldn't afford it. I ended up in public school,and then I ended up going to school in Wilmington. Some people are scared of Wilmington. I was born in Wilmington, and I went to school there so to me it feels like home .