Montgomery vs Bucks, Need help deciding (Horsham, Harleysville: houses, transferring to, buy)

[Susan4664]

We are living in So Florida and husband is transferring to Harleysville. We have two adolescent children, one with mild autism. We've always had our hearts set on moving to Doylestown someday because of the schools and the small town, yet upscale feel.

I am now finding that there are many pleasant areas on both Bucks and Montgomery counties that may offer what we are looking for, yet more affordable than Doylestown. We are looking to spend around $400k for a home and would like to avoid a cookie cutter development where the homes are on top of each other. Top rated schools with children from good homes are THE TOP PRIORITY. Heard great things about Souderton and Central Bucks schools. Please help give me a list of towns to target our research...
Thanks, Susan

[ooodsie]

Susan - I think Doylestown is great for what you're looking for.. You may also want to check into the New Hope/Solebury area, the school system is a lot smaller than Central Bucks and that may work out better for your child with mild autism, giving them a smaller more focused school w/ less students may work out in their favor more. Also, new hope/solebury doesnt really have many cookie cutter developments, it's a lot of older houses on big plots of land which is very very nice. There won't be a ton in your price range though unfortunately, but if you do find something I'm sure it'd be great for you. You could also consider Newtown if you like the small town feel you'll love downtown Newtown (very similar to Doylestowns downtown area) and also the Richboro and Holland areas - schools are great, top ranked in the state Council Rock schools and a lot more in the 400k range for older homes not in subdivisions.

[twista6002]

Can't go wrong with most of Montgomery County.

[andreaspercheron]

Susan, being a south FL transplant myself and currently living in Montco, I can attest to it being pretty nice here. We live in Horsham, PA and love it. I have been in this area for about 10 years and have no complaints. We also love Bucks and in both counties, the schools for the most part are pretty good. I've always loved Doylestown, theres always something going on, it's family oriented and there is always something for the adults too. I agree that can't go terribly wrong with either county. Check property tax though, I find that Bucks county in some areas has higher property taxes.

[bambiying]

I'd say to take a look at Huntingdon Valley. Depending on what part you buy in, your kids would go to either Abington, Upper Moreland or Lower Moreland school districts, all very good. I think you would find quite a few houses in the 400 range right now.