Job in Exton (Chester, West Chester, Phoenixville: transplants, for sale, rentals) - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania (PA) - City-Data Forum

arvadamom · 06-13-2012, 10:15 AM

We are thinking of moving to the Exton area- looking for a home in about a 20 mile radius- depending on traffic. We've ruled out Coatsville school district- and have kids 2,4,6, and 16. We're currently in Montana, but have lived in Denver suburbs. We'd like to keep the house at about $430,000 for at least 4 bedrooms.
We are pretty active in our local community with school, sports, charities, and local organizations. Plus our neighborhood is the type that gets together for BBQ's on the lane so the kids can stay out late- group camping, etc.
What communities might have things like that? It's hard to put into words what I am looking for- but is there one area that is a bit friendlier than others, or welcoming? Right now our local elementary school is the driving force of our families "social life" off the block, with things like picnics and ice cream socials- are there schools like that in the area?
Would love some input as I'm really worried about the move, but it's the best choice for my husbands career.

rainrock · 06-14-2012, 08:34 AM

I cant give you any specific information on neighborhoods and community cohesiveness but the Exton area is one of the more welcoming parts of the area and the school districts are top notch. This will be one of the easiest transitions for outsiders in the fact that Exton is a growing/newer area. Towns closer to the city are much more developed,older, parochial, insular, east coastish.

I have friends from Va who moved their young family to Chester Springs (Downingtown Schools) and they were thrilled with the move. Exton is also part of the Downingtown School District.

Tredyffrin-Easttown,Great Valley,Radnor,Lower Merion are top 1% school districts that are 5-10 miles from Exton.

West Chester,Owen j Roberts are also very good school districts.

Good luck.

NikHenson · 06-14-2012, 08:52 PM

We lived in Downingtown just up from the Thorndale stop on the main line. Unfortunately our house was in Coatesville schools but the rest of Downingtown was great. There is a great YMCA, strawberry festival and tons of fun family activities. Our kids were per k at the time but it seemed like a great place. It was a nice drive to West Chester which had a cute downtown. Check out GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community for info on schools.

arvadamom · 06-14-2012, 09:24 PM

Thanks for the replies-- It's going to be a tough move, but we'll hope for the best. It's so tough to be doing this from wyoming, and I just hope that the wyoming stereotype doesn't close doors on us before they have a chance to get to know us.

rainrock · 06-15-2012, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arvadamom

Thanks for the replies-- It's going to be a tough move, but we'll hope for the best. It's so tough to be doing this from wyoming, and I just hope that the wyoming stereotype doesn't close doors on us before they have a chance to get to know us.

I wouldnt worry too much. The novelty of having new neighbors from mopuntain west will play very well imo. The Exton area is newer suburbia/rural. To the north + west of Exton things get very countryish.

Duderino · 06-15-2012, 12:17 PM

Greetings from the East Coast!

I, too, believe that your transition will not be terribly hard, although I can imagine it would not be too easy moving across the country. As rainrock noted, Exton is a growing exurban area in the Philly region, and transplants like yourself are definitely not uncommon -- even coming from two different timezones away.

I'd steer towards Downingtown and West Chester, as both definitely have a strong sense of community, are family-oriented and always have events/festivals going on. Your budget is also spot on for a nice home in the area, so that's a plus.

You're also set in terms of high-performing school districts.

Good luck!

arvadamom · 06-15-2012, 02:13 PM

Great- glad to hear the positives-- also is Marsh Creek as fun as it looks- right now we live on a lake and are just getting really into windsurfing- at least me and the older kids.

LPCJr · 06-15-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arvadamom

Great- glad to hear the positives-- also is Marsh Creek as fun as it looks- right now we live on a lake and are just getting really into windsurfing- at least me and the older kids.

Marsh Creek is great. We live right outside the park boundary. You can hike, mountain bike, fish, boat, picnic, etc. No swimming in the lake though as it is a public water supply. They do have a pool (fee) and a playground. There are boat rentals onsite or you can bring your own.

arvadamom · 06-16-2012, 10:31 PM

just curious, but there is a house that backs up to Marsh Creek that is for sale on Heron Hill- do you know if houses that back up to the park have lake access off there back yards- it looks like there is an easement along the shoreline, but I was wondering if anyone knew.

cjmmm · 06-17-2012, 10:54 AM

Do your research on the schools; get on the school listservs, talk with parents that attend if possible. Phoenixville SD has been rated well. It is a nice community town with surrounding community towns. What an adventure! Do plenty of research ahead of time and take your time so you are happy where you are. Kids adjust well when changing most of the time. I think they surprise us.