Mcconnellsburg PA and Surrounding Relocation (Harrisburg, Chambersburg: real estate, homes, school district)

[Yellodog74]

Hello, Family of five, husband, wife and (8,11 and 12) needing good public schools. Newer homes (4bd 2+bath) in the $300,000 range. Originally from Upstate NY, moving from TN and enjoy a suburb or small town not too far from civilization. Arts, soccer club, family friendly activities are important. Enjoy the outdoors and look forward to getting back to it.

I cannot live too far from Mcconnellsburg, 30 min commute would be ideal. Looking at Greencastle?

[rowhomecity]

Your best location is going to be around Chambersburg.

Medium size town. Has amble amenities. Decent schools. 30 min to Hagerstown, MD for even more amenities.

[Yellodog74]

Thank You, yes. I agree, but the schools are not getting the best reviews. Any other suggestions?

[rowhomecity]

Originally Posted by Yellodog74

Thank You, yes. I agree, but the schools are not getting the best reviews. Any other suggestions?

Yes, Chambersburg schools are average. (B) Nothing to brag about. But not bad per say.

Chambersburg population area is about 50k people.

Most Pennsylvania schools are pretty decent with opportunities compared to other states.

Even if the rating is B-, it would be considered an A- school in many other places. Meaning the quality is quite high but the details are quite stringent in regards to rankings/ratings. I went to a B+ high school in suburban Harrisburg and had a phenomenal public school education. I had a professor who lived in Chambersburg and her daughter went to their public schools. Now she is attending an ivy league school.

You could most definitely focus on Greencastle which is a smaller school district and rated a bit higher. The only downfall here is lack of housing stock. And it definitely is a small town, whereas Chambersburg is a medium size town in terms of amenities.

Or you could even jump the border for the northern Hagerstown area. (smallish city type vibe) about 250k metro area in total.

I am not sure of Hagerstown schools. Although Maryland real estate tends to be more expensive.

[Dequindre]

As a resident of Franklin County, here are my observations about some of your choices:

1. Shippensburg (mostly in Cumberland County): Probably the best "bang-for-your-buck" in terms of housing, but you're a bit further away from amenities.

2. Chambersburg: Housing prices here are still very competitive (a bit higher than Shippensburg), and you're closer to the amenities that both Chambersburg and Hagerstown offer. As a graduate of Chambersburg schools (within the past decade), the perception of Chambersburg schools don't always match up with reality. It IS a large school district, but that allows them to offer nicer facilities, more extracurricular activities, more electives, more advanced placement classes, etc. I would not hesitate to send my children to Chambersburg schools.

3. Greencastle: As you mentioned, Greencastle is known for having the highest achieving schools in the County. Greencastle itself doesn't offer a whole lot in the way of retail and dining amenities (although, Antrim Township Community Park is one of the best in the area), but you're within driving distance of both Chambersburg and Hagerstown. If you're looking for the "small town feel", Greencastle can provide that. Greencastle is essentially a bedroom community of Hagerstown nowadays.

4. Waynesboro: Waynesboro is a bit of a wild-card. The downtown is definitely making comeback through revitalization efforts, and the surrounding townships (particularly Washington Township) are beginning to experience some residential sprawl. In terms of "what it could be someday", I think Waynesboro probably has the most potential. They're starting to get some growth from residents that commute to Hagerstown and Frederick.



To boil this down, if you like proximity to amenities and feel comfortable with a larger school district, Chambersburg would fit the bill. If you're looking for the best bang-for-your-buck, Shippensburg would be the best option. If you're basing your decision more on schools than immediate proximity to amenities, you should consider Greencastle or Waynesboro.