Where to move in PA with my criteria?

[ker8]

Well, as I can see, everyone on here is pretty much saying to look in the Eastern half of PA, but I can say, Erie is very affordable and has some wonderful areas to live! Millcreek is one, Fairview another, Harborcreek yet another. You can get a GIGANTIC home for 300K out in the suburbs or in the better neighborhoods of Erie. Or something smaller, overlooking the lake.

EVERYTHING here is within a 30 min drive (and usually more like 10 min drive). All the suburbs have great schools. However, if you're looking at private schools, we also have many great Catholic schools, and Academy in Erie which is routinely named as one of the top schools in the country. Academy does have requirements to get in however (ie, you have to be smart), and is only a highschool. (Academy's sortof a public/private school. If you live in the city, free tuition!).

[LNS]

I currently live in West Chester. It has a great downtown. Lots of good restaurants, art galleries, lots of cool little shops, great schools, low taxes, friendly people. We may be moving this summer and I am torn. We are in West Goshen township and it has so much to offer. Fern Hill elementary, which is where my son currently gos to school, was rated WCASD's best elementary school last year by the Inquirer and I would have to agree. It has a great staff and the parents are very involved. Home prices are a bit high but that is for a reason.... location! We are in downtown Philly in 35-40 min, Wilmington in 30, NYC in 2-2 1/2 hours, Baltimore is 90 minutes and DC just a bit further. If you are still considering moving to WC, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

[Kit624]

Elizabethtown might be nice for you too. It's classy and quiet, a little bit closer to Philadelphia (only about an hour give or take a bit) if you want those cultural opportunities, than the other places like Harrisburg or Hershey or the west shore (Camp Hill, etc) those are about 2 hrs. If you aren't concerned with the city than any of the areas people suggested would be what you're looking for. Generally the east shore (hershey hummelstown) is a little bit more expensive, but that's evening out as the west shore develops. If you're really looking to be out in the boonies you could try dillsburg or york springs. State college would also be more 'out' than the other places people mentioned.