Relocating for Job in Lehigh Valley... Where To Live?? (Emmaus: buy, school district)

[ResearcherMom]

Thanks for all of the feedback! We made a trip out to PA and did the Doylestown drive and I see what you mean- it is definitely not something I think my husband would like to do twice a day!!! The town is adorable though- we will definitely be visiting it on weekends! I will check out the Lehigh Valley forum as well. We will be checking out the areas mentioned in this thread. It's so helpful to get the inside scoop. Thank you!!

[rowhomecity]

I would definitely recommend Upper Saucon Twp. and/or Nazareth as your 2 best bets in the Lehigh Valley.

With that, another GREAT alternative to Doylestown, which would give you a more pleasant commute would be Skippack, Pennsylvania. It is in Northern Montgomery County. AMAZING SCHOOLS. And you are very close to 476, so it makes commuting more palatable.

Skippack is smaller than Doylestown, but it has a very charming downtown area and is very pretty.

[toobusytoday]

We looked at Skippack and I agree about the town but there is a huge prison there, which ruled it out for us, that and I think the schools are over-crowded. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_...%93_Graterford

[rowhomecity]

Good point.

Then my other alternative in Northern Montgomery Souderton, Pennsylvania and Quakertown, PA for upper Bucks! Both are going to be more accessible on a 2 lane highway, rather than 2 lane country roads.

https://www.classictowns.org/towns/s...on-telford-pa/

But with that I would truly stick with Upper Saucon Twp. or Bethlehem.

Since housing is more affordable it might make up the difference to pay for private schools if you live within Bethlehem.

Again though this all depends on your priorities. No matter what I am sure you will be happy in Eastern PA. It is quite a charming area OP.

[SteelCityRising]

I would try to keep your spouse’s commute to an absolute minimum. Your children will appreciate having both parents around as often as possible growing up, and you’ll both treasure the memories you’ll make with them. My parents and I weren’t very close for many years, and now that they’re in their 60’s with health issues I regret that. A commute from Doylestown to Allentown would be awful. Don’t do it.

Settle for Emmaus, Nazareth, or Hellertown, and do Doylestown on the weekends.

[Patmcpsu]

Honestly, it sounds like you "want it all", which is perfectly fine. However, you can't "have it all" anywhere in Lehigh Valley. At best, you'll get 2 of the following 3 in Lehigh Valley. Some places only offer 1... some offer 0:
1) interesting things happening right outside your doorstep
2) good (or at least average) schools
3) calm / quaint / safe

As other commentators have said, there are places that offer it all in Bucks County, but they tend to be more expensive (you get what you pay for) and less convenient.

Maybe one day Lehigh Valley will get a spot that offers everything. But until then, you'll just get frustrated by what it's lacking while the residents insist it's the best place ever.

A few other options, which might not strike-off all three items completely, but a decent compromise:
Perkasie
Boyertown
Harleysville

[mommybreezy]

Hi Researchermom,
I was reading through your thread about looking for a quaint town with good schools in Lehigh Valley. I am in a similar boat. Just curious, how did it go? Did you move? Where did you end up? How are the schools? Any other helpful information?

Thanks,
B

[Patmcpsu]

Originally Posted by Patmcpsu

Honestly, it sounds like you "want it all", which is perfectly fine. However, you can't "have it all" anywhere in Lehigh Valley. At best, you'll get 2 of the following 3 in Lehigh Valley. Some places only offer 1... some offer 0:
1) interesting things happening right outside your doorstep
2) good (or at least average) schools
3) calm / quaint / safe

As other commentators have said, there are places that offer it all in Bucks County, but they tend to be more expensive (you get what you pay for) and less convenient.

Maybe one day Lehigh Valley will get a spot that offers everything. But until then, you'll just get frustrated by what it's lacking while the residents insist it's the best place ever.

A few other options, which might not strike-off all three items completely, but a decent compromise:
Perkasie
Boyertown
Harleysville

Another thought just came to mind: Kutztown

[SKN_newlyweds]

While we don't have any kids, we just relocated here last night to Center Valley/Upper Saucon Twp. From what I hear, it's the top 1-2 public school district in the area. In terms of shopping and things to do, there's a ton. Promenade shops are minutes away with lots of restaurants, shopping, events, movie theater. 10 mines and you're into bethlehem which has a ton of stuff going on and a nice downtown feel. We even had a great time on NYE in downtown allentown which is building up. I would definitely recommend this area. We were able to afford an awesome house and your budget you could get anything.

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by SKN_newlyweds

While we don't have any kids, we just relocated here last night to Center Valley/Upper Saucon Twp. From what I hear, it's the top 1-2 public school district in the area. In terms of shopping and things to do, there's a ton. Promenade shops are minutes away with lots of restaurants, shopping, events, movie theater. 10 mines and you're into bethlehem which has a ton of stuff going on and a nice downtown feel. We even had a great time on NYE in downtown allentown which is building up. I would definitely recommend this area. We were able to afford an awesome house and your budget you could get anything.

Welcome to the area! It's great to hear such positive feedback from newcomers. We moved to the township 20 years ago and still love it! Make sure to check out the local parks, rail trail and the public library!