Lehigh or Bucks?-any and all opinions please! (York, Emmaus: high crime, townhomes)

[L.K.]

We need to move to eastern Pa.We are trying to decide whether to go to Lehigh or Bucks Co.Without the benefit of being able to come and drive around,I need advise on the areas.We have pretty much decided on either Central Bucks school district or Southern Lehigh.Does the Center Valley/Upper Saucon Valley have any sort of central town area? Is Coopersburg a nice town? Doylestown seems to be expensive and have a high crime rate.We want a town with a central town area,possibly a community swimming pool,lots of children and kid activities.Any advise and opinions are appreciated! Thanks!

[sand70]

If you want a nice small town community feel with excellent schools (East Penn School District), consider Emmaus in Lehigh County. Nice parks, a nice community pool, and several youth associations in the area. Sorry I don't know much about Bucks County, but we love Emmaus.

[L.K.]

Thank you! What are the housing opportunities like there?Older homes,new construction? How many elementary schools are there?What is the population?

[sand70]

The population of Emmaus is about 11300. There are 2 elementary schools in town; 6 total in the school district (plus 2 middle schools, and one high school; Emmaus High School). There are older homes in the borough itself. There's alot of sprawl elsewhere in the school district, especially in Lower Macungie, if you like McMansions or townhomes.

[L.K.]

How is the housing market there now?Or anywhere else in the area?

[L.K.]

in your opinion, is it less expensive to live in Lehigh co. or bucks?

[rdbdirect]

Originally Posted by L.K.

in your opinion, is it less expensive to live in Lehigh co. or bucks?

I live in central Bucks County, (Doylestown) and I love it. Lehigh is nice as well. I prefer Bucks,,,closer to Philly...more going on...2 hours to New York

[L.K.]

so in your opinion,we could find a 4 bedroom home for under $500,000? what would total taxes be?Is there plenty of kid sports and activities? Thanks!

[cherylb59]

I would not recommend Emmaus and the East Penn School District. The high school is nicknamed "herion high" Lots of drugs, clicks, kids dropping out and being homeschooled because of bullying.The district keeps all the 'real' school crime out of the media because it lowers their stats and doesn't look good for state funding or on their website for potential relocaters, like yourself.

Lower macungie and Macungie are being overdeveloped, hardly any open space anywhere in the Lehigh Valley. Depending on where you are moving from, get ready for some redneck mentality. Emmaus is not the most progressive area. Reminds me of Steppford, actually.

[L.K.]

wow!That sounds bad! At this point I'm leaning toward Bucks Co.The Doylestown area most likely.The Central Bucks schools look very good.No one has heard really bad stuff about those schools have they?PLEASE not!Where do you live?