Wayne, PA (Philadelphia, Chester, West Chester: environment, apartment, income)

[maestro]

hello all,

I'm a recent transplant, renting out in Phoenixville but I'm looking for a good neighborhood to buy. I'm sure I'll continue to ask questions over the next few months about a lot of different areas of the Philly metro, but I wanted to get people opinions on Wayne. It seems like a cool town, nice shops and restaurants along the main strip, though I'm concerned about 1) housing costs and 2) any "snootiness" I'm continuing to be warned of of towns along the Main Line.

Anyone have any opinions here for me?

[Pilot1]

I lived in Wayne, many years ago when I went to college then settled not to far away from there. Yeah, its the main line, yeah they'll be a few snobs, but you find that in any affluent area. Most people are ok though, but housing costs will be HIGH. Nothing wrong with the main line if you can afford it. Schools are good, you can get to public transportation. Lots to do, shopping, restaurants, etc.

[orrmobl]

I am really high on Tredyffrin schools but am still concerned about the snob factor in that area.

It may just make me buy in Swarthmore/Wallingford (liberal, friendly, great schools, kind kids), maybe Media or Downingtown (for the green space/forested aspects of the area) or Great Valley (seems to be a great area, just haven't found homes I like). Also Chadds Ford - Red Bridge Farm development had a great sense of community and the schools are right up there with Tredyffrin, Radnor, Lower Merion...

And you will get way more for your money anywhere off the Main Line. I've taken to just inputting Malvern (wife's work) and choosing a 5 mile radius to search on Realtor.com - the more criteria you put in the better. You would be amazed at the variety of homes you can get depending on location.

How much are you looking to spend? If its less than $450K, I would definitely not look in Tredyffrin, unless you like living in a teeny tiny home in the "bad" section of town...better to be middle or top of the income scale rather than the bottom. You can teach your kids to be humble; you can't teach other people kids not to be materialistic jerks who make your kids feel like dirt for having less...Just my $.50!

This article definitely gave me pause about Wayne - I'm not about to pay 6 grand for a personal college counselor for my kid and I don't really want to put my kids in an environment where that is seen as the norm and to not do so seen as child abuse!

Bad Parents - Philly Mag

[sbhubbell]

I love Wayne. I lived on the edge of Phoenixville until recently and my church was in Wayne so I was down there a lot. Yes, housing costs are HIGH. But I wouldn't worry about the snobiness, I think that's mostly perpetuated by those who can't afford to live there. Sure there are few snobs here and there but most everyone I know that lives on the Mainline is super nice and down to earth. To everyone! It is such a cute little area, I think. And I have no problem putting my child in an environment where they are expected to be high acheivers. I see that as a good thing.

[MoorestownResident]

PA railroad town, unattractive downtown area.

[Pilot1]

Originally Posted by MoorestownResident

PA railroad town, unattractive downtown area.

What???

[JHG722]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

This article definitely gave me pause about Wayne - I'm not about to pay 6 grand for a personal college counselor for my kid and I don't really want to put my kids in an environment where that is seen as the norm and to not do so seen as child abuse!

Bad Parents - Philly Mag

I had a college adviser (because one of LM's biggest problems is that the advising is terrible), and math and english SAT tutors (both local teachers--nothing especially expensive). I can't say my parents spent $6,000 for all of that stuff. I know plenty of kids who had tutors and whatnot, but not too many people here pay that kinda money for tutoring/counseling.

[sbhubbell]

Yeah the 6K thing is exaggerated. Tons of kids these days pay for college counseling, it makes sense considering high school counselors suck at finding the right fit for a kid and most of all finding the most MONEY in terms of scholarships and grants. It almost always pays for itself in terms of tuition money saved.

Oh and just ignore MoorestownResident...he never has ANYTHING nice to say about the mainline. Wayne is not an unattractive train town. Quite the opposite.

[pennylove76]

If you do not mind paying association costs and living in a townhome, Chesterbrook is a great place to live in. As for snobbiness, I find you get what you give. Don't get me wrong there are some people who are going to be snobby no matter what. However, I would not waste my time on them as it prevents you from getting to meet the nice people.

I live in West Chester and I love it. However, I also used to live in Chesterbrook and I loved how convenient everything was. My friend lives in the downtown Wayne area in an apartment and he loves it. He walks to a lot of the local places. Also, people can say what they want about the TE school district, but it is the BEST school district in this area (named #1 in Philadelphia Magazine). Now I know they have their issues...drug problems & depression among some students, but a lot of that has to do with the parents not doing their job. Furthermore, I would argue that every school district will have some issues, you just need to figure out what is the best fit for you.

My best friend works @ Conestogo & what people don't realize is that those teachers and counselors work their butts off for the student. I love my house in WC, but I am considering moving back to the Wayne area in a few years so my 2.5 yr old can attend the school district. Right now it is just a consideration, as I hope West Chester Elementary schools are better by the time my daughter goes to school.

Good luck with your search.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by pennylove76

...Also, people can say what they want about the TE school district, but it is the BEST school district in this area (named #1 in Philadelphia Magazine).

Wasn't T/E rated one of the top public districts in the country not too long ago?