New homes in Chester or Bucks? (West Chester, Broomall: neighborhood, new construction, school district)

[h.lentini]

My husband an I have been looking to build for a long time. Love larger communities with amenities (walking trails as we're both big runners, pool) which are hard to come by here. Not much in Montgomery County. Looked at a Pulte community in Downingtown (Downingtown school district) called Applecross and fell in love with the master planned community but are not sold on the location...may be too far out for us. Not familiar with the area...it's East Brandywine Twp. Any thoughts on whether the schools are getting better with all the new construction out there? Also looked at newer communities in Bucks (specifically Central Bucks school district) but again, can easily get too far out in the country. Important things are:
1. school district (we have 2 kids and one on the way)
2. proximity to conveniences
3. part of larger neighborhood
4. decent property size (closer to a 1/2 acre).
We now live in Montgomery County. Husband works in Broomall right now but already commutes 45 minutes, doesn't mind it. Neighborhood and schools much more important to us than commute time. Looking to spend up to $650. Any input?

[twinmma]

Originally Posted by h.lentini

My husband an I have been looking to build for a long time. Love larger communities with amenities (walking trails as we're both big runners, pool) which are hard to come by here. Not much in Montgomery County. Looked at a Pulte community in Downingtown (Downingtown school district) called Applecross and fell in love with the master planned community but are not sold on the location...may be too far out for us. Not familiar with the area...it's East Brandywine Twp. Any thoughts on whether the schools are getting better with all the new construction out there? Also looked at newer communities in Bucks (specifically Central Bucks school district) but again, can easily get too far out in the country. Important things are:
1. school district (we have 2 kids and one on the way)
2. proximity to conveniences
3. part of larger neighborhood
4. decent property size (closer to a 1/2 acre).
We now live in Montgomery County. Husband works in Broomall right now but already commutes 45 minutes, doesn't mind it. Neighborhood and schools much more important to us than commute time. Looking to spend up to $650. Any input?

I have lived in both Chester County (where downingtown is) and Bucks COunty (I lived in Newtown) I MUCH prefer Bucks in terms of location and schools. We lived in THorndale for a few months (next to Downingtown) while our home was being built in East Coventry and I hated it there. Never really liked the run down area...even if you are in a nice part you are next to Coatesville and IMO that is bad. Bucks, on the other hand, has wonderful schools and a very family friendly atmosphere. I really liked Newtown, Yardley, Doylestown...And when you are in Bucks you are about an hour train ride away from NYC, near the Delaware river where you can go rafting with the family, near Peddlers Village, near New Hope which is so wonderful in the summer to just go and shop and sit outside to eat and drink, and you are not far from the shore and Atlantic City, and just 45 minutes from KOP and from downtown Philly. I would probably pick Bucks if I could. Chester COunty is lovely, especially CHester Springs, but we really prefered Bucks.

[GinaMomof4]

I live in Chester County and LOVE it. My children are in the Downingtown school district and I can't say enough good things about it. There are a lot of new contruction developments going up in Chester County. I sent you a private message as well. ~ Gina

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by twinmma

We lived in THorndale for a few months (next to Downingtown) while our home was being built in East Coventry and I hated it there. Never really liked the run down area...even if you are in a nice part you are next to Coatesville and IMO that is bad. Bucks, on the other hand, has wonderful schools and a very family friendly atmosphere. I really liked Newtown, Yardley, Doylestown

In all due respect I realize you are just stating your opinion and life experience but this is still a bit unfair to Chester County.It would be like me saying I lived in Penndel or Bristol for a few years and hated it,but on the otherhand Westtown,Pocopson,Birmingham Township,Wayne,Brandywine,Chester Springs,Yellow Springs,Thornbury,West Chester, Unionville are amazing.

Both counties are incredible and so is Montgomery and most of Delaware County.

[twinmma]

Originally Posted by rainrock

In all due respect I realize you are just stating your opinion and life experience but this is still a bit unfair to Chester County.It would be like me saying I lived in Penndel or Bristol for a few years and hated it,but on the otherhand Westtown,Pocopson,Birmingham Township,Wayne,Brandywine,Chester Springs,Yellow Springs,Thornbury,West Chester, Unionville are amazing.

Both counties are incredible and so is Montgomery and most of Delaware County.

I am just stating my opinion having lived in both counties and at the end of my post I did say Chester COunty (especially Chester Springs) is lovely.
Oh-and no disrespect taken. We both are just trying to help her decide...The OP question is almost like asking Toyota or Honda...Personally I like Honda, you may like Toyota better. But I really think Honda is better