Looking for advice about Easton (Bethlehem: houses, buyer, school districts)

[househuntinginPA]

I am involved in researching moving to Pa from NJ. The taxes in NJ are getting ridiculous ( I am paying $16K a yr.). I was pretty much sold on Bethlehem until I stumbled upon College Hill in Easton. The houses are lovely, and you can get so much more house for the $ than in Bethlehem. Like everyone else, I have heard all the horror stories about Easton, but I can't imagine how the city won't go through a comeback. Any advice would be appreciated!!

[forks_girl]

I just wanted to chime in and let you know that I've lived in Forks Township for about a year now and absolutely love it. I am so glad we decided to move here. Everyone I have met has been so friendly and welcoming. The College Hill area is beautiful and peaceful. I love the older, well kept homes there. Though I do have some concerns about the Easton school system past elementary school (I have 2 children not yet in school), private school is always an option.

[forks_girl]

I want to add that I would also feel the same way about the Bethlehem school district had I moved there. The test scores in both districts leave much to be desired. I too observed the houses there to cost significantly more. And it was a farther drive to my hubby's work in NJ. We looked all over for many months before deciding on Forks. I loved the areas of Bethlehem that we looked at houses in, but it just was not a good fit for us overall.

[househuntinginPA]

Many thanks for your quick reply. Luckily, when we move our last child will be out of high school and off to college. We are very fortunate not to have to concern ourselves with school districts anymore!

[jeffvivian]

College Heights is a very scenic area with homes of great value at the moment. Good Luck with your house hunting, but I don't think you can go wrong with either of these areas of great character.

Thanks
Jeff

[mczabe]

If schools aren't an issue for you, then I'd definitely consider College Hill. I LOVE those homes - such character and beauty. I know it's cliche, but they really don't build them like that anymore! Oh the porches and windows!

I would keep in mind that since they are single family homes, the buyer you try to sell to might care quite a bit about schools - so you would have a limited resale market. Just a thought...

[househuntinginPA]

We are not concerned with resale value. It might sound strange, but my husband will be retiring and once we relocate to PA, that will be it! We will leave the house to our kids and they can decide what to do with it. There seems to be some community interest in restoring the downtown, so I am hoping that when the time comes ( in a few decades) Easton will be a bit more like Bethlehem. We certainly haven't ruled out Bethlehem, either. It's a tough call.... Thanks for all the good advice! BTW, we are spending Sat. looking at houses in College Hill. Should be interesting!