Downingtown or Malvern? (Chester, West Chester, Phoenixville: housing, work, schools)

[LJME]

Looking to move out of the city..we have 2 small children & my husband works in KOP..I am staying home at this time. We want good schools, & also enjoy being outdoors/ walking,biking, etc...Also, we do not want his commute to be too long(1/2 hr tops if possible)..Downingtown is more affordable, but Malvern seems to have a nice town center.
Any recommendations helpful...thanks

[JerzBoy]

Malvern is probably the better choice if you can afford it. The commute will be much shorter. It will be almost impossible to make it from Downingtown to KoP in 30min during the rush. Downingtown does have a newer, more affordable housing stock however.

[rainrock]

If you want a nice town center you should check out West Chester although it would be cutting it close to the 1/2 hour commute to KOP. Downingtown's town center has seen better days hopefully it will make all the way back someday but the surrounding area is beautiful. Plus Exton which has excellent shopping options is right next door. Id personally go with the Downingtown area, yeah its a little further than Malvern but it has a better vibe to it, less traffic, a bit more open, newer amenities and shopping etc..

Good luck

[twinmma]

You may also want to check out Royersford or Collegeville. Your husband could take 422 to KOP then. These are nice.
Downingtown is an older area, so if you had to chose between Downingtown and Malvern, I would go with Malvern.
Another nice area is Chester Springs. I don't think the drive would be too bad to KOP and they have excellent schools and the area is really developing without losing the rolling hills look. (think nice Lexus dealership and cute little shops BUT still the green that is so desireable)

[newtoPA]

We live in Malvern and we love it. The people are very nice and I think there is a good variety of homes here in a good range of prices- I have seen homes in the 300's and up for a four bedroom home. I don't think you can beat the Great Valley School District. Some of the Malvern area is zoned for Westchester schools, but if you can get something on the Great Valley side I think you'd be very happy. I can be in KOP in morning traffic in 20 minutes from Malvern on 202. I don't know about the return commute, but morning is not bad at all. Hope that helps.
P.S. Downingtown is beautiful from what I have seen of it, but in my opinion the schools in Malvern and just the town and neighborhoods are probably a little more valuable in terms of re-sale down the road. Exton shopping is a 5 minute drive, by the way.

[BillyBurrito]

Downingtown = Victory Brewing Company (Mmmmmm... Storm King Stout)

Downingtown and Malvern are both very nice. I would lean towards Malvern - don't underestimate the commute, traffic can be killer, get as close as possible. I love Collegeville but coming down 422 during rush hour is a mess... Great people here.

[att]

Originally Posted by BillyBurrito

Downingtown = Victory Brewing Company (Mmmmmm... Storm King Stout)

It's all about the Golden Monkey.

[southfan123]

God I miss Victory. I lived about 1.5 miles from there in '03 through '05 (Windridge subdivision). I loved Downingtown, but it was convenient for us (wife worked in Philly, I worked in Wilmington). For your situation, I'd choose Malvern.

[samsmith]

I would go with Phoenixville/oaks/collegeville. Since you are going to work in KOP there are many inner roads that would lead you directly (highway 23) to KOP.
Downingtown etc is in a major housing correction and people are finding it hard to sell their homes with the over supply of homes. (which will last a very long time). Malvern you will find more yuppie, very young families. Mostly townhome/carriage style.

Your best bang for the buck and longterm financial stability is 422 north. (don't believe in the traffic stories, 202 is just as bad, even 76). Also stay away from 476 north, builders cannot find any buyers.

bottom line, downingtown is a mini Las Vegas housing mess, Malvern is over priced and yuppish, chester springs is overly hyped and mediore.