If you could live ANYWHERE in PA..... where would you choose? (Altoona: real estate, military)

[bryson662001]

There are so many variables and best is such a subjective thing but all around best would probably be lower Merion Township just west of Philadelphia on the famous "Main Line". It includes Bala Cynwyd, Gladwyne, Haverford, Wynnwood and Bryn Mawr among other communities. 19096,19035, 19010, 19072, 19004, 19085. It is the "Beverly Hills" of Pennsylvania. That being said there are at least a thousand other pleasent suburbs around Philadelphia.

[orrmobl]

Since when does "most affluent" equal best? Tredyffrin and Unionville-Chadds Ford and Central Bucks schools are higher ranked than Radnor and LM, not that they are bad by any stretch of the imagination. Both Wallingford and West Goshen made Money Mags list of Best Places to live last year...where was LM? Oh, that's right, too expensive for the average person.

But from my personal experiences and reading of the experiences of others in Radnor/LM, many of the people and their snobby/materialiastic lifestyle leave me quite cold. Living there would make raising decent, well rounded children more difficult IMO. Better to raise them in an area that celebrates diversity, eschews the mall for activities that encourage personal growth, and doesn't confuse a person's net worth with their worth as a person.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Since when does "most affluent" equal best? Tredyffrin and Unionville-Chadds Ford and Central Bucks schools are higher ranked than Radnor and LM, not that they are bad by any stretch of the imagination. Both Wallingford and West Goshen made Money Mags list of Best Places to live last year...where was LM? Oh, that's right, too expensive for the average person.

But from my personal experiences and reading of the experiences of others in Radnor/LM, many of the people and their snobby/materialiastic lifestyle leave me quite cold. Living there would make raising decent, well rounded children more difficult IMO. Better to raise them in an area that celebrates diversity, eschews the mall for activities that encourage personal growth, and doesn't confuse a person's net worth with their worth as a person.

Ah yes the outsiders trendy stereotype of life on the Mainline surfaces yet again. Very inspiring but why settle with West Goshen or Wallingford? Since you are up on your high horse pounding your chest be a real pioneer , isn't Chester or Camden even ess materialistic/snobbish than Wallingford?



By the way.Per Philadelphia Inquirers indepth Yearly School Report

Inquirer Report Card on the Schools - Philadelphia Inquirer

Radnor High Sat scores
Math-598
Verbal-574
Writing-566

Lower Merion High
Math-598
Verbal-582
Writing-576

Lower Merion- Harriton
Math-596
Verbal-571
Writing-572

Tredyffrin-Easttown-Conestoga
Math-582
Verbal-574
Writing-568

Unionville
Math-572
verbal-556
Writing-545

Central Bucks East
Math-544
Verbal-533
Writing-533

Central Bucks South
Math-537
Verbal-514
Writing-512

Central Bucks West
Math 543
Verbal-533
Writing-530

[Tone509]

Let's keep the rubber nubs on our jousting swords, please...

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Since when does "most affluent" equal best? .

I did say "best" was subjective. My personal choice for best suburb is East Cherry Hill/Moorstown, N.J. or Rydal/Meadowbrook in Abington. However our society in general recognises "most affluent" as being one of the hallmarks of "best" when it comes to a place to live. Like it or not Lower Merion seems to be at the top of the heap.

[RaleighBoundGeek]

Originally Posted by bryson662001

I did say "best" was subjective. My personal choice for best suburb is East Cherry Hill/Moorstown, N.J. or Rydal/Meadowbrook in Abington. However our society in general recognises "most affluent" as being one of the hallmarks of "best" when it comes to a place to live. Like it or not Lower Merion seems to be at the top of the heap.

School-wise, that would be true, but as far as congestion,cost, etc... I'm not sure that's anywhere near so clear an answer. Lower Merion in my mind is a nightmare for trying to get anywhere else. Your mileage (or personal tastes) may vary of course....

1 acre in Lower Merion (or anything near 1 acre) would in my mind equate to a large pipe dream. Depending on how important those various things play into the decision, perhaps going out a little further might work better. Bucks county, various parts of Chester County, and some of the "upper montgomery" county might work well, with a more "spaced out"/suburban or rural feel, without being entirely out in the middle of nowhere. Kennett, Exton, Abington, Yardley (to cover various high points) would probably be worth looking at, each with their own distinctive feel.

If you like more of the hustle and bustle, and don't mind the congested feel you get a lot on the Main Line or DelCo, that will open yet more doors. Just expect to have to open your checkbook a little wider than some areas further out....

[merrlane]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Since when does "most affluent" equal best? Tredyffrin and Unionville-Chadds Ford and Central Bucks schools are higher ranked than Radnor and LM,
But from my personal experiences and reading of the experiences of others in Radnor/LM, many of the people and their snobby/materialiastic lifestyle leave me quite cold. Living there would make raising decent, well rounded children more difficult IMO.

I have heard about Radnor ect and the main line........ I'm SURE its nice.......... but I really want to get away from the "Beverly Hills" of anywhere. I really want to get away from the "california" life.
I appriciate hearing everyones opinions since I am really kind of trying to find where we would fit best.......... or places to check out from online chat. Not easy but its a good start.

[merrlane]

[quote=RaleighBoundGeek;3704867If you like more of the hustle and bustle, and don't mind the congested feel you get a lot on the Main Line or DelCo, that will open yet more doors. Just expect to have to open your checkbook a little wider than some areas further out....[/quote]
we are EAGERLY leaving CA. and NEVER want to look back........... tired of the wallet being CONSTANTLY open WIDE and tired of hustle & bustle. looking for some peace & quiet......... just don't want to be stuck in a "hillbilly town."
And I know my question was WIDE open........... since everyone has their own opinions...... I wanted to hear everyones so I could read their likes & dislikes & find one that is close to mine. I REALLY appriciate everyones input. THANK YOU so much!

[merrlane]

Is anyone familiar with the town Williamsport? Whats your opinion on that area?

[merrlane]

Also................. Furlong? I found a few homes I liked in that town.
There are so many neat areas scattered all over the state.... I liked Fox Chapel & Franklin Park had some nice looking homes...... out in the Pittsburg area.
Anyway....... can't wait to sink into PA.
My husband & I were saying we hear about alot of people who are leaving NJ & they are always so sad about it...... but its got alot of the issues CA. has......... & I guess people are getting tired of it & moving out. But people in CA. leave & say THANK GOD............ NEVER GOING BACK!!! lol Love THAT side of the country. I don't think I will EVER come back to CA...... not even for a visit. I am So ready to be OUT. lol