Moving to PA from Eastern LI (Philadelphia, Allentown: house, neighborhood, school district)

[ktljjt]

So, I am looking into relocating to PA. We have friends in West Chester and would like to be close by them but within 1 hour would be fine.
I have 3 kids, 5, 3, and 1. So EXCELLENT schools are a must.
I have been looking in Malvern, and Harleysville. Great Valley schools are supposed to be great. Can anyone tell me do they have things like swim teams and other types of activities like this (we currently do not in our small school)
I am open to any towns around West Chester.
I need #1 great schools, great community, smaller town with a MAIN ST.
I can afford up to $600,000 for a house but would rather be in the 400-500 range. I want a yard, more then 1 acre or atleast a flat usable 1/2, 3/4 acre. I want to live on a quiet rd. ok, WHERE SHOULD I MOVE????
Thanks in Advance!!

[thesixth]

You are looking in the right area (W. Chester) for what you want. Only thing is if you go further west, you may not have as many locations with a town/main street. It gets alot more rural as you go further into Chester County.
Also a big factor in how far west you want to go will be the job location for whomever in your household will be working. If working in Philadelphia proper or King of Prussia area, going further west of West Chester can make your commute more of a hassle.
You might also want to investigate Media, Pa which is a great town with a nice, walkable main street and a good school system. This town is in Delaware County.
Good luck!

[ktljjt]

So Media is similar to Malvern? Getting into the city isn't very important to me. I would like things to do, but not necessarily in my face. i like lane and quiet streets. I most importantly want good schools.

I will look into Media. I am also not opposed to be north, west or east of Philly, if there is another town there that might work!

[toobusytoday]

You should look over at the Philadelphia forum. There is a current discussion regarding West Chester, Media and Malvern.

[PABoy]

Stick to Malvern, much nicier area vs Media. Great Valley is an excellent school district, if not one of the best. I have a son going into Sugartown in the fall, and we could not be happier with the school system here. Malvern is one of the best locations for getting to places as well, Exton Mall and KOP mall are all within 10 minutes. Media has crazy high taxes, and you will be much better off in Chester county. And check out the new town center they are builing in Malvern, nothing will compare to this: Worthington Good luck on your search.

[maestro]

what area in Eastern LI are you moving from? That may give me/us a better idea of what your tastes are.

[shewhale]

That seems to be a nice neighborhood, not really far (Between Allentown and Plymouth Meeting)..........I also have another Aunt that lives in Hatboro.........she has a nice place on a quiet road not far from town........they have a xmas parade every year at the end of her road, very family orientated..........the only options I could recommend.....