Doylestown or Quakertown? (Lansdale, Perkasie, Ambler: home, theater, school districts)

[soulsurv]

I know just about nothing regarding Bucks County, and my brother insists that I don't count it out. Which do you like better for quaintness, no sprawl, sane taxes, dog-friendly parks/trails, non-development housing where it's possible to get a small single for the high 200s/low 300s? School districts don't matter.thanks

[maf763]

More sprawl in Quakertown, though the central part of town is more walkable, but it would be tough to find a single in Doylestown for your price range.

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by maf763

More sprawl in Quakertown, though the central part of town is more walkable, but it would be tough to find a single in Doylestown for your price range.

Thanks, Maf. I rather thought that Doylestown would be a stretch, but he (my brother) spoke so highly of it, I thought I should ask. Is there any semi-rural town in the county you can think of which would fit my description? Right now I'm leaning toward Avondale or DE very near the PA border. I am not certified to teach in DE, so would still be looking in PA for a part-time "Homebound Instructor" job which is not too tough to find. Thanks.

[toobusytoday]

I would absolutely pick Doylestown over Quakertown but you would be hard pressed to find anything in your price range in Doylestown. Quakertown is nice but it has a totally different vibe then Doylestown. Doylestown has a train station, museums, a bustling, vibrant downtown and even an independent theater. Quakertown has a low key down town that always appears to be struggling to keep stores but great parks and a library. I would not write off Doylestown without speaking to a Realtor - you never know who needs to sell right away.

[maf763]

You could try a borough like Perkasie or Sellersville, better priced but don't offer the same amenities as Doylestown.

[Tyson808]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

I would absolutely pick Doylestown over Quakertown but you would be hard pressed to find anything in your price range in Doylestown. Quakertown is nice but it has a totally different vibe then Doylestown. Doylestown has a train station, museums, a bustling, vibrant downtown and even an independent theater. Quakertown has a low key down town that always appears to be struggling to keep stores but great parks and a library. I would not write off Doylestown without speaking to a Realtor - you never know who needs to sell right away.

Agree 100% - lived in Q-town for five years up until last year - wife and mother in law work in Doylestown - these two towns are almost complete opposites of each other.

Doylestown is basically a suburban yuppie town and Quakertown is a mainly suburban yet also semi-rural middle class town with a white trash contingent and a MAJOR (and growing) retail center for surrounding communities.

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by Tyson808

Agree 100% - lived in Q-town for five years up until last year - wife and mother in law work in Doylestown - these two towns are almost complete opposites of each other.

Doylestown is basically a suburban yuppie town and Quakertown is a mainly suburban yet also semi-rural middle class town with a white trash contingent and a MAJOR (and growing) retail center for surrounding communities.

Actually (except for the resale value), I would probably prefer the white trash to the yuppies (blah)...

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by soulsurv

Actually (except for the resale value), I would probably prefer the white trash to the yuppies (blah)...

Instead of yuppies, how about people that support museums and Mom and Pop stores vs. people that are happy with Walmarts and box stores?

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Instead of yuppies, how about people that support museums and Mom and Pop stores vs. people that are happy with Walmarts and box stores?

I get your point...but the Walmart crowd shop there primarily for price - and I'm not going to knock them for their lesser pocketbooks. I simply find them a lot less pretentious is all. Of course my fantasy scenario is as few people as possible; hence, my endless quest for a non-development, stand alone home in a semi-rural area. Tough search, I'll tell ya. Thanks for you input

[solibs]

I used to spend a lot of time in Doylestown. Loved it. I found people there to be surprisingly unpretentious.

Have you thought about Lansdale? Ambler? They're probably more in line with your wallet.