From nyc to delaware... (Bear, New Castle: house, theatre, best schools)

[LBSUGGA]

Hello,
I am relocating from NYC to DE. I am looking in the New Castle

area because I was told it would be best, since I plan on communting 1-

3 times a week for work, in NYC. I am looking for SPACE, CLEAN

COMMUNITY,GOOD SCHOOLS, MALL, and close enough to a mall or movie

therater. All this plus the comfort of an afforable HOME.HELP

[SXMGirl]

There is a fairly new housing development in Bear called Calvarese Farms. It is located behind Governor's Square Shopping Center. There are some other upscale developments in Bear that are located in the Wrangle Hill area--Routes 71 and 72. I think Calvarese is probably in the Christina District and the others are in Colonial. If your child is a good student, look at Caravel Academy. If private school is not an option, there are charter schools. If you have teenagers, the vo-tech schools are very good. Don't be fooled by the name--St. Georges VoTech is considered one of the best schools in the state and students are prepared for college in all of them.

In another one of your posts, I saw that you were looking for an upscale Black community. You will find that almost all of the developments in NCC are racially mixed. You need to find a realtor, but they cannot legally tell you about the demographics of the community--that includes race, age, religion, etc. They will tell you to drive around and speak with the neighbors, which you should do anyway.

Christiana Mall is very close, as is Prices Corner and Christina Crossing. Peoples Plaza has a movie theatre. While it isn't NYC, you will find almost everything in NCC.

[LBSUGGA]

Thank You so much, I was not really serious about a black community I was being facetious due to something I read. I do want a upscale community an good schools, that have great after school programs, sports etc. I really want a roomy house SPACE SPACE, a break from all this cramp city living. Thanks again.

[Baconator]

If you plan on sending your children to public school, avoid the Colonial or Christiana school district. Consider Red Clay or Brandywine.

[SXMGirl]

I have to disagree with Baconator to some degree. There are excellent schools in both Colonial and Christina. If your child/children are in elementary, Wrangle Hill (now Kathy Wilburn) and Southern are considered excellent. In Christina, Keene Elementary is also considered excellent. As far as high school, William Penn in Colonial does not live up to its reputation of being a bad school. They win the Delaware Sportsmanship Award every year and their coaches expect good citizens from their athletes. There are many achievers at WP. The population, which is extremely diverse in Colonial, prepares students for real life. To the best of my knowledge, there has never been a serious incident at any of the Colonial schools. Colonial supports after-school activities, and offers every opportunity for students to achieve. I have friends who work in the Christina District and I know there are problems. If you read this morning's newspaper, a staff member was raped by a student at Dickenson (Red Clay). This student was a known offender and should not have been in a regular school. Unfortunately, this can happen anywhere, even private schools. However, a good education can be found at any school if your children want to learn. The schools that you choose as a parent should fit your child's goals and personality. My suggestion to anyone moving to the area is to visit schools unannounced and have someone walk you through the hallways. Talk to teachers and students and get a feel for the school.