Chester County, PA (western Philly burbs) vs Worcester County, MA (western Boston burbs)

[VintageSunlight]

Originally Posted by PhillyPhan95

Chester County is a great place. Most people are pretty well off, with the exception of certain pockets of people in its boroughs. It doesn't have any big cities like Worcester does (West Chester is the most populated borough), however it offers a good spread of population. It is mostly middle class people, but there is certainly no shortage of upper middle to upper class people either. The schools in the county are all quite good (except maybe Coatesville), and it has some pretty great scenery. Just from what I know about Boston, I'd say that both places will have an "organic" feel, as both of these places were being established in the 1700's. I'd say it's hard to go wrong either way.

Thanks, man. I'm leaning toward Chester County anyway at this point, as the position seems better and the location near the warmer ocean waters of Delaware and S. NJ appeal to me more. I definitely do know to stay away from Coatesville.

Question: I saw some reasonably priced apartments in East Fallowfield and Valley Townships, and I see on the map that this area abuts Coatesville. Is there any crossover of criminal activity and thuggery into these areas? Or are they separate areas with little to no crossover?

[Jews for Jesus]

Worcester is an ugly and very boring city. My cousins live there and I hate going there.
Low cost of living though

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

This is what I worry about a little bit, as my limited time spent out there revealed to me that it might be that way. I was honing in on Downington and Exton as two areas that are still connected to Philly but a little further out and bordering on the nicer, more natural areas. It didn't feel as snobby out that way, but I can see how the Chester Springs and Birchrunville areas could be perceived that way. Its super wealthy in those towns / areas.

To be sure, I don't think Metrowest Boston would be much better anyway.

The snobbery is not overwhelming, it just exists moreso in chester county because of all the new development. Downingtown and Exton are nice suburban areas, more middle class compared to Malvern, Berwyn, etc. but still very nice areas. And Chester county is connected to Philly, Septa trains extend that far out, I just meant compared to Delaware county/Montgomery counties, Chester county is just further out, and still somewhat bucolic.