House rentals - Wilmington DE to Springfield PA (neighbourhood, to buy)

[BC on the move]

I am looking for recommendations on neighbourhoods to move my family into. Based on a few nights of research I have decided to narrow the search to the area essentially between Wilmington and Springfield. As my job will be only for 2-3 years we will be renting a home.
Key factors to us include:
1. Safe neighbourhood for raising young kids (middle/upper class areas preferred)
2. Access to good schools for grades 1-6
3. Ease of access to I-95 ( I will have a fair bit of travel for work)
4. Availability of rental housing since we are having a difficult time finding rentals over the internet (2-4,000 sq ft, 4 bedroom min)
We are moving from Canada and our knowledge of the US school system is unfortunately based on what we are fed by the media and our research to date has unfortunately only compounded our concerns about moving into a different school system.

Any advice on choosing and finding schools or rental agencies is also appreciated.

[SXMGirl]

Rutledge, PA is a wonderful community of about 600 people and in the Wallingford-Swarthmore SD. We rented a home there for one year while looking to buy and we loved it there. It is family-oriented and near 95 and in walking distance of the train. Close to malls, groceries, and restaurants. A Borders is nearby (I have walked it from Rutledge). The only downside is that most of the homes need major updating.

[toobusytoday]

I recommend these two sites to help compare schools: Schooldigger.com -- Search and compare elementary, middle, and high schools. and this one: SchoolMatters - Home Generally, the public schools in Pennsylvania are better then those in Delaware. The school districts closest to Springfield are very good and I would suggest starting in that area first.

[virgode]

Having grown up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, I have to agree with the last post. The school systems in Swathmore, Springfield, Media Rose Tree, Marple township will be better for your kids.

[BC on the move]

Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately we are hearing the same thing about Deleware schools from several sources. That seems to be pushing us towards the PA options.