Need Info on Chester,York,Lancaster Counties, please help. (Pittsburgh: house, gangs)

[Mattingly23]

I just moved back to PA after living in Northern NJ for 2 years. We rented, but My in laws (they are moving here next month) paid 11,000 in taxes.......

Our taxes here are 3,300.

Don't quote me, but I think Coatesville's school taxes are the highest in Chester County....of course that district is huge.......7 or 8 elementary schools. I grew up right outside of Honey Brook in West Caln township and went to Coatesville schools.

[Onthemove12]

Can anyone help?

[Steams]

Property taxes are bases on your property. You can't just throw a number out and say I paid $4000 in taxes. How much property do you own? Use percentages in regards to taxes.

Also New Jersey and NY are expensive places to live with incredible taxes. You have to account for more than just property taxes when living in those states.

[Mattingly23]

I am aware of the cost of living in NJ.....as I lived there for 2 years. I was just trying to point out that cost of living is much less in PA, even in Chester County.

[Mattingly23]

To the OP.....please give us a few of the towns you are interested in.

[Wanna Leave Penciltucky]

Do yourself a favor find a realtor in this area who does both MD and PA and look in both places. That way you will know where you DO NOT want to live. Century 21 near us has many realtors who have both licenses and would be glad to show you the good neighborhoods. But honestly having looked at both myself, Anyplace outside of Bel Air has urban blight. And Bel Air and thereabouts are really expensive. I would make a trip and see for yourself.
Let your realtor and your judgement be your guides.

[e'smom17]

Onthemove,

You may want to write off York county completely, if you are commuting to Havre de Grace. It would be too far (IMO). You may want to check out southern Lancaster County but be advised, it is fairly rural-as in back roads, amish buggies and long distance to shopping, restaurants etc. As for apartments, I agree with the prior poster, contact a realtor. There is not much in the way of apartment complexes in that area. If you are not too far from the area, I would suggest a weekend trip to scope it out. As always, remember if you have to commute in the winter time, the plowing up here leaves a lot to be desired. Good luck!

[Onthemove12]

Thanks for the help everyone, I appreciate it very much.

[ricksr]

Not sure where these others are living, but I've been in southern Lancaster Co for 15 years and we love it. Taxes on our 200K home are $1500 yr., PPL electric is very reasonable, no sewer or water as we have septic and well.
Many new developments are going up in Fulton and Little Britain Townships. Less than an hour commute to Havre De Grace area (not a plus with gas prices) but I comute an hour a day myself. A few local stores supply daily needs and Quarryville or Oxford is a 10-15 min drive for larger items. The "big" city of Lancaster is 40 min. Have had no problem with the amish "gangs" and the wife has many amish friends. Just PLEASE don't pass them on hills.
On the Chester Co side the taxes are higher as well as utilities. The building boom is more extensive and housing prices higher, although little is being done on infrastructure changes so look for future problems there.
Yes, take a day trip to the area and if you know someone to recommend a realtor, try that.

[Wanna Leave Penciltucky]

If you are looking for a home in Southern Chester County give me an IM and I will direct you to a relo specialist here. My house is here and we are being transferred and our neighborhood is quiet safe and nice.