Live in Hanover Twp/Bethlehem looking to move to either Lower Mac or Parkland (Emmaus: real estate)

[Hanover5]

I have three kids and have lived in a great neighborhood in Hanover Township, I loved the elementary school. Can't say the same for the middle or high school. We are looking to move to Lower Macungie area, or Parkland area. Any suggestions on neighborhoods with alot of kids? I like Hidden Valley and Millbrook Farms. Are you happy with your schools? How is the new elementary school?

We have a great community center in Hanover Twp and there is a better one in Bethlehem Twp. Any plans on Community centers in the areas I mentioned above?
Thanks again!

[Lehigh Valley Native]

Many find East Penn and Parkland districts comparable. I give the edge to Parkland primarily because of the new high school, better test scores and an excellent sports and theater program. Taxes also tend to be lower in Parkland. I can sing praises about Kernsville Elementary, and Orefield Middle School. I have had personal experiences with both and they are both excellent schools. Although Schnecksville Elementary does have the mock Space Shuttle, which is pretty cool.

As far as community centers/programs, this link may help.
http://www.parklandsd.org/community/resources (broken link)

I can't really suggest a community without knowing the dollars you can afford to spend. I don't want to recommend a 400,000 house in a Jaindl developed community, when you can only afford 200,000. That being said, the Schnecksville and Orefield areas of Parkland are nice communities that offer a good mix of real estate housing.

Hope this helps

[KristyLiz]

We live in Lower Macungie - moved here 3 years ago. Our boys go to the new elementary school and we love it! THEY love it too!

I can't say enough good things about thsi area - very welcoming to new comers and tons of kids.

We looked in the Parkland area as well, but it was a bit too rural for us - very spread out.

Any of the developments off of Saurekraut Lane are great IMO.

[toobusytoday]

The test scores between Parkland and East Penn are very similar, but I give the nod to East Penn because I like the towns of Emmaus and Macungie which I think give a neat focus to residents. I've lived in an area that didn't really have a town center and it was kind of weird. There can't be Halloween parades or community day gatherings if there is no center of town. I would suggest visiting each school and go with your gut. Neither district is bad.