What else can I consider? (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh: transplants, real estate market, new home)

[jenne03]

Well guys, we drove through parts of the area over the weekend. I know it doesn't give me a true knowledge for the area...but it helped a little. We went to West Chester. While it is very pretty, it isn't my kind of area. It looked older...Some of the houses looked like "old money" and I just don't think I am a main street kind of person..It just looked like an area where people have lived there for awhile. We were concerned about finding people in their 30's with young kids.

We then went through Chester Springs. That area was gorgeous. However we couldn't find the conveniences..it looked a lot more rural. We haven't ruled out the area because maybe we just weren't in the right place. I think we drove through Exton<?> which looked very busy and had a ton of stores..but we didn't venture off to look at houses.

Then we drove through the Collegeville area. The deal breaker for me was the fact that some of the houses we looked at had a nice view of the nuclear power plants.

I know this isn't popular..but I think I am a mcmansion person. I like the newer neighborhoods. I feel like in some of the newer areas, I would find a lot more people my age with young children. I don't mind rural but not TOO rural. I like when I have stores near me. Especially if it is newer because it looks nicer. I found out I am not really into the charm of a little downtown.

I haven't ruled out Chester Springs...I just don't think I knew where to go. We couldn't find the conveniences<stores>. The one thing that I hope for is that Chester Springs was more rural so the people might be a little nicer<?>

So anyway...anymore suggestions from you all that live over there? Those were the areas that we had time to drive through. Maybe I need to be looking elsewhere...I definitely like the look of Chester county..We just couldn't find "us" in any of those areas.

I appreciate all the help you guys have given me.

[rainrock]

The town of West Chester is much older. There are dozens of mcmansion developments surrounding West Chester that you wouldn't see from the main roads like RT 202-. You have to kind of veer of 202 to say 926,113,401 etc. and kind of explore the back roads, you'll find tons of new housing , although its an expensive area.

One big mcmansion area that isn't so ultra expensive is Garnet Valley(Concord-Chester Heights-Bethel) Approximately this general area is the intersections of 322 , Rt1, Rt 202. SE of West Chester.

Philadelphia area new homes: communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[Duderino]

Hello, jenne03,

While you've certainly caught on to the looks of West Chester and other Chester County areas, you shouldn't necessarily judge a book by its cover. A lot of families here are old-money with deep-rooted history, but there are PLENTY of thirty-something, younger families with children here -- with plenty more transplants on the way, judging by the real estate market. In fact, I don't think I've ever taken a drive without counting at least 10 moms strolling their kids around. The website that rainrock recommended is a wonderful resource that should give you insights about locations within which you would find the newer communities you're describing. The only thing that may deter you is the usually hefty price tag of the "McMansions." As always, good luck with your search.

[Will Kelly]

You were a little south when you were in Collegeville. There are plenty of homes in the type of neighborhoods you are looking for in this area. Price ranges from $400K & up for new construction but you can also find nice 10 year and under colonials in the $300K range. It is a very family oriented area that keeps on growing. I am building a house currently in the Lederach area.

All the best.

[Wanna Leave Penciltucky]

Chester County here. Not so much McMansion as quiet and calm. Lots of normal neighbors. So many nice people. Give me an IM tell me what your requirements are. There are a few homes available here.

[jenne03]

Thanks guys..I appreciate it yet again. I don't mind an older home..a lot of times they have a ton of character...I do like the new developments though too. It just definitely has to be a neighborhood. I don't want to live off the beaten path because I have little kids that need neighbors to play with. With my trip there, I realized I am not really into a quaint downtown. Although I find it attractive to the eye..I am more of the big box store type person. I want my target , super market, and restaurants. I don't need them in my backyard , but don't want to have to drive 30 minutes to a grocery store. But, I also don't like housing development after housing development where they mow down all the trees and you just see miles of developments all next to each other. I hope that makes sense..


There was an area <I think on 100?> when we were driving between West Chester heading toward Chester springs. It was beautiful .


Will, I will try looking north of Collegeville..I guess that is skippack and harleysville? If I can see those nuclear reactors...well I just couldn't get past that! ha.

Rainrock, as always you have excellent info and I will try and check into Garnet Valley. Would that also be in Chester county or is that more Delaware county? My husband is concerned about the commute from Chester Springs..He remembers 76 being a nightmare. That is also a dilemma for us. I loved the look of Chester County, but my husband thinks it's going to be a nightmare commute and wants to consider closer areas.

Duderino, thanks for your info too. I know I probably judged quickly. This is a scary move for me..so I just want to make sure I find the place that fits my family the best. I am in Maryland now and starting to really like it here. We figured out we needed to give a place about 2 years to judge it fairly and to get settled and start building roots. We didn't like it because we didn't know anyone and it was scary and lonely. But, I know South Jersey. That is where I grew up...and I didn't like it especially after living in Pittsburgh where the people are so nice and it's kind of a midwestern attitude. So for me, Being close to Philly scares me if it's like South Jersey. South Jersey the people tended to be more hustle and bustle and not all that friendly. I am more into laid back and friendly now.

Thanks again everyone...off to go do some more research

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

Is Bucks County & Montgomery County off your radar? There are pa-lent-y of Mc Mansions there. Doylestown, Buckingham and the surrounding communities are really beautiful. There is tons of shopping between Doylestown, Warrington and Montgomeryville as well.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by jenne03

I will try and check into Garnet Valley. Would that also be in Chester county or is that more Delaware county? My husband is concerned about the commute from Chester Springs..He remembers 76 being a nightmare. That is also a dilemma for us. I loved the look of Chester County, but my husband thinks it's going to be a nightmare commute and wants to consider closer areas.

Garnet Valley is the western border of Delaware County but has more of a chester county feel than a delaware county one.(green-uncrowded-new developments) This is arguably the fastest growing area of the entire Philadelphia metro.Population has doubled in the past 5-10 years.Plenty of newcomers- Definitely worth a look if you make another visit. The parameters translate to this area looking at a map.

202 -Western edge.
452-East edge.
926- Northern boundary
261 south boundary
5 minute drive to the Elwyn or Media train stations for a quick commute into center city. The area is building so quick that there is talk of extending rail service into these areas.

5 minutes from tax free extensive shopping at Concord Mall in Delaware, 5 minutes from Ridley Creek State Park. 5 minutes from I-95.







Areas 2 +5 on below map

[sv102]

How's the commute by a car to downtown from Garnet Valley?

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by sv102

How's the commute by a car to downtown from Garnet Valley?

Non rush hour- 30 minutes

Rush hour- 1 hour