Family of 5 ready to move (Philadelphia, Scranton: middle-class, 2010, houses)

[the right choice]

We are currently living in Central Jersey looking to relocate to PA. We have 3 children (so schools are important.) One of us will be communiting to work from PA so we would like to stay close to Jersey. A nice community with things to do would be good but not so expensive we can't put food on the table! Please anyone with helpful info.... HELP!

[njisle]

You may want to look into the eastern part of Berks County or Northeastern Chester for an easy ride into NJ. The schools are good in those areas and the housing is much cheaper than NJ.

[ScranBarre]

Your choices are going to be one of the following counties: Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, or Pike. Bucks County is very nice, but it also has the highest cost-of-living out of the counties I mentioned, as it is home to many upper-middle-class white-collar individuals who commute to either Philadelphia, NJ, or NYC for employment concerns. Lehigh and Northampton Counties comprise the rapidly-growing Lehigh Valley. I personally like this area as well, but the sprawl has lead to issues with traffic congestion, rising home prices, and rising property taxes to pay for new schools and infrastructure to support the new residents. Monroe and Pike Counties are what people commonly refer to as "The Poconos." Monroe County is becoming very suburbanized; it will soon have a population that rivals that of the county that houses Scranton, PA to give you an idea of how that county has exploded from quiet rural getaway to year-round suburb. Pike County, the furthest, north, is the fastest-growing county in PA, but it has retained its rustic charms. The county seat of Milford is very small, but it is as cute as a button!

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by ScrantonWilkesBarre

Your choices are going to be one of the following counties: Bucks, Northampton, Lehigh, Monroe, or Pike. Bucks County is very nice, but it also has the highest cost-of-living out of the counties I mentioned, as it is home to many upper-middle-class white-collar individuals who commute to either Philadelphia, NJ, or NYC for employment concerns. Lehigh and Northampton Counties comprise the rapidly-growing Lehigh Valley. I personally like this area as well, but the sprawl has lead to issues with traffic congestion, rising home prices, and rising property taxes to pay for new schools and infrastructure to support the new residents. Monroe and Pike Counties are what people commonly refer to as "The Poconos." Monroe County is becoming very suburbanized; it will soon have a population that rivals that of the county that houses Scranton, PA to give you an idea of how that county has exploded from quiet rural getaway to year-round suburb. Pike County, the furthest, north, is the fastest-growing county in PA, but it has retained its rustic charms. The county seat of Milford is very small, but it is as cute as a button!

The "best" school districts that people have tossed around frequently on this forum include Central Bucks, Saucon Valley, Pleasant Valley, Delaware Valley, Stroudsburg, and East Stroudsburg.

[hc7612]

Berks County could work, Housing costs are much lower than in Bucks County. The public schools are great. At least in Exeter Township, where we currently live. Good luck in your search!