Possibly moving - help with nice areas near Freeport (Pittsburgh: to rent, new home)

[brittmc]

My husband has a possibly job opportunity in Freeport, PA. Want to know more about the area and nice places to move near there. He is originally from Pittsburgh (Monroeville area) - which we want to stay away from. So where are some nice, middle-income, family-friendly places that would be convenient to his possible job in Freeport?
We were going to move once before a few years ago and were looking at Cranberry, Mars area... Would that still be the area to look at? What are other options?
We would like there to be good schools, family activities, nice neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, etc.
As far as price ranges for houses, we are looking at 250-300,000 range, but might want to rent at first until we find an area we like....but don't want to have to move the kids schools a bunch of times.
We currently live in a suburb of Nashville, TN and love it here. Would be moving to be closer to family and this new job opportunity. But would love to find a community like we are in here with lots of young/middle age families, sense of community, activities, shopping, restaurants, churches, etc.
Any help or advice would be appreciated Thanks!

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by brittmc

My husband has a possibly job opportunity in Freeport, PA. Want to know more about the area and nice places to move near there. He is originally from Pittsburgh (Monroeville area) - which we want to stay away from. So where are some nice, middle-income, family-friendly places that would be convenient to his possible job in Freeport?
We were going to move once before a few years ago and were looking at Cranberry, Mars area... Would that still be the area to look at? What are other options?
We would like there to be good schools, family activities, nice neighborhoods, shopping, restaurants, etc.
As far as price ranges for houses, we are looking at 250-300,000 range, but might want to rent at first until we find an area we like....but don't want to have to move the kids schools a bunch of times.
We currently live in a suburb of Nashville, TN and love it here. Would be moving to be closer to family and this new job opportunity. But would love to find a community like we are in here with lots of young/middle age families, sense of community, activities, shopping, restaurants, churches, etc.
Any help or advice would be appreciated Thanks!

Basically, you could look in Mars, Valencia, etc. or Cranberry. Not sure how far your budget would go in either place. Not going to be your dream house but will have some options. Also, you could look along Route 28. Sarver has some newer developments. I think it is in the Freeport School District. Or you could look south on 28 to O'Hara Township. I live here and like it. Schools are probably better than those in Cranberry (Seneca Valley), Mars or Sarver. However, your housing options won't be as nice or as plentiful.

Renting a single family house is tough. It is easier said then done. So, you might want to at least consider buying.

Just a comment, if you live in a new subdivision in Nashville you will be unlikely to duplicate the experience here unless you live in a new subdivision here. Most new subdivisions are full of young families. Older, established neighborhoods are full of people of all ages. New home construction is fairly expensive here. Not many options under 300,000 in my opinion.