NYC to Philly Suburb Questions!!! (Philadelphia, Chester: real estate, home, purchase)

[NYCperson]

Hello, everyone!

My husband and I will likely relocate to the Philadelphia suburbs for job-related reasons. We know VERY LITTLE about Philly at all and have a few questions:

1. What are the BEST school districts in Montgomery and Chester counties? (In your opinion)

2. What are the best private schools in the area? Or, perhaps, are the public schools so stellar that there would really be no need for private schools...?

3. We are looking to purchase a home in the 5k range...minimum 3 beds, 2 baths and upgraded as much as possible. Could somebody direct us towards some helpful online search sites for Philly suburbs so that we can get a general idea of home prices?

Thank you so much!!!!

[NYCperson]

oops, i meant 500k range. not 5k range! sorry!

[newmarlig]

The Lower Merion School District in Montgomery County, is one of the top rated in the country.

[rainrock]

Lower Merion,Radnor,Tredyffrin-eastown,Great Valley are the best school districts in that area. They are all fabulous, I honestly dont think you need private schools. If you are leaning towards private schools Episcopal Academy is probably the best in the region. There is also an excellent Catholic school sytem in the area.

Towns/areas to check out.

Radnor
Wayne
Berwyn
Villanova
Haverford
Ardmore
Narberth
Bryn Mawr
Penn Valley
Gladwyne
Tredyffrin
Gulph Mills
Great Valley
Malvern
Chester Springs

Good luck

http://www.weichert.com is a good real estate site to give you an idea what your money can buy.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

All three of my kids went to Hatboro-Horsham schools. They are blue ribbon award winning schools. If you're leaning towards the Chester County side of Montgomery County though, it would probably be too far. Montgomery County is a very large county.

Best of luck!