SEPA - Where to relo? (Philadelphia, Chester: real estate market, condo, home search)

[RaleighMom]

My husband has accepted a job in Norristown, and we are really struggling to figure out where to live, but need to decide quickly.

Housing here in Raleigh is much cheaper than there, so with the down payment we're looking at, $250k is about what we can afford to pay for a house.

We have children, so the school system is important. Also a parrot and a large dog, so a "twin", row house, condo, etc. are not options since we would surely be too noisy. Plus, you have to shovel, not scoop up after a dog that weighs 115 lbs, so you really need a yard

Husband will have flexible work hours & can avoid the worst of the traffic, and we are thinking of more rural areas in hope of less expensive housing. Still, 60-75 minutes each way is probably all he can manage, the less the better.

Any ideas on where to look? Also, general advice on areas to consider would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by RaleighMom

My husband has accepted a job in Norristown, and we are really struggling to figure out where to live, but need to decide quickly.

Housing here in Raleigh is much cheaper than there, so with the down payment we're looking at, $250k is about what we can afford to pay for a house.

We have children, so the school system is important. Also a parrot and a large dog, so a "twin", row house, condo, etc. are not options since we would surely be too noisy. Plus, you have to shovel, not scoop up after a dog that weighs 115 lbs, so you really need a yard

Husband will have flexible work hours & can avoid the worst of the traffic, and we are thinking of more rural areas in hope of less expensive housing. Still, 60-75 minutes each way is probably all he can manage, the less the better.

Any ideas on where to look? Also, general advice on areas to consider would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Well, first of all, welcome to the area!

As you already know, the housing around here definitely isn't cheap. Real estate prices in Montgomery and Chester counties have experienced a lot of inflation over the past 10 years. However, with a budget of 250K to work with, you should be just fine. Based on your circumstances, you're looking for a single-family home and a good school district. You're going to be a bit hard-pressed to find this in Norristown itself. Not saying N-town has awful schools, but more suburban schools have a better reputation. All that being said and factoring in what would give your husband an optimal commute, I'd look into the following towns/areas:

- Royersford (Spring-Ford SD)
- Limerick (Spring-Ford SD)
- Phoenixville (Phoenixville SD)
- Collegeville (Spring-Ford SD)
- Gilbertsville/Boyertown (Boyertown SD)
- North & East Coventry Townships (Owen J. Roberts SD)

These are areas north and west of Norristown, which I'd advise the most to avoid the higher real estate prices closer to Philadelphia. Here's a couple websites that may help you with a home search:

http://www.phillyforsale.com/ (broken link)

http://www.adquest3d.com/adquest20/s...d=1772&pag=108

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask.

[rainrock]

Excellent suggestions. You could also add Upper Merion(King of Prussia/Valley Forge) area.

Norristown is an older town that has seen better days but the surrounding areas are fantastic. Good luck

[RaleighMom]

Thanks, really, for the suggestions.

Another question, please. The real estate market in many areas of the country has cooled quite a bit in the past year. Is this true generally in the areas suggested? Can we look at asking prices a bit higher than $250k anticipating a lower selling price or is it a seller's market where we're likely to pay close to the asking price?

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by RaleighMom

Thanks, really, for the suggestions.

Another question, please. The real estate market in many areas of the country has cooled quite a bit in the past year. Is this true generally in the areas suggested? Can we look at asking prices a bit higher than $250k anticipating a lower selling price or is it a seller's market where we're likely to pay close to the asking price?

Yes this is a buyers market. They have overbuilt too much in the last 5 years. Its still one of the more stable regions in the usa in regards to the housing market but there are definitely deals out there to be had.

www.weichert.com will give a general idea what your money can buy. Montgomery + Chester county would be your territory.