Whats the area around Kennett Square like? (Lancaster, York: townhouse, safe neighborhood)

[lialleycat]

I'm considering going after a position around Kennett Square. I have yet to visit that area, being more familiar with areas closer to Philly or Lancaster. I'd be looking to be able to buy a nice house in a safe neighborhood with a little property (at least half an acre) where I can grow my own veggies and perhaps have a few chickens. Oh, and I don't want to spend over 200K. Can I find something like this within commutting distance of Kennett Square?

I was looking in the area of Lancaster because I really like the lay of the land and the housing, but this offer might be worth looking into further and I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks!

[DC Oldtimer]

It was beautiful there when I was a kid, but that was a few centuries ago and I havent been back to visit since. Close to Longwood Gardens, a wonderful place to visit.

We were always told that Kennett Square is the mushroom capital of the world. We never bothered to find out if it was really true.

[Icy Tea]

You can smell the mushrooms along route 41 just at the Delaware state line. I think Kennett Square might be a little bit away, I don't know if the smell carries there as well.
Longwood Gardens is a gorgeous place and the surrounding area is pretty nice. I'd expect property to be very expensive. Traffic is also bad, especially around rush hour and school drop off/ pick up. 200K should get you a townhouse, I'd think.

[lialleycat]

What about 30-45 mins away? Can I get land then with a small house (1br would even be fine - it's just me)? I can't do a townhouse, I have too many pets. I need some land.

[toobusytoday]

Lots of mushroom farms out that way, but it's very pretty with rolling hills and farms. I think you will be able to find something reasonably priced north and west of Kennett Square. You will want to be out of town anyway with animals. Make sure to check the zoning regulations before you buy, with the township, not the Realtor, regarding pets and farm animals and amount of area per animal.

[MamaBear41]

Liallycat,

I actually live in Kennett Square and have lived there pretty much all my life. There are areas where you can buy a decent tract of land, not necessary in the Borough if you are looking for a half and acre, but the surrounding townships: Kennett Township, New Garden, and East Marlborough offer properties with decent chunks of land. I actually lived in New Garden when I was married, I think this township offers the most value for your money right now (I'm an RE appraiser), but it also has some areas you may consider less desirable. There are some good home purchase deals to be had right now, especially if you are looking in the low to moderate price ranges.

There really isn't much crime. Personally, I live in the Borough, not in the worst neighborhood, not in the best, but police presence is excellent. We got a new police chief last year who was the long time liutenant (sp?) Biggest problems we tend to have around here are loud music complaints and some graffiti.

Do you have children? There are a few different school districts around here.
Good luck to you. Let me know if you have questions that I didn't address.

Suz

[lialleycat]

Thanks MamaBear! I didn't get the position, but I'm still looking. Luckily I do not have children, so school districts are not a concern of mine, just my animals and future pets I'm looking out for!

[casakny]

My husband and I are looking to relocate to the PA area after he retires. We are looking in at the Kennett Square and really don't know if that would be a match, so maybe you guys can help? We are coming from New York itself so we are looking to downsize on the size of the boroughs we are moving into next. Nothing really small mind you. We have 4 children, 2 who will need to have a special education component in the school system (3 of our children have IEP's). Any help would be great thanks.

[surfingmom]

Having moved to the area 4 years ago, we chose the Kennett Consolidated School District over the Unionville Chadds Ford or Avondale one, mainly because we wanted diversity for our kids( at that time 10th grade and kindergarten), and we don't regret it. Unionville has the more sucessful sport teams if that is important for you. None of our kids are special ed. What we did was visiting the 2 first districts( the 3rd was out, because elementary school was already split in 2 different level schools; I think K-2 and 3-5)high school and elementary unannounced to get a feeling how we liked it, and to speak to parents if there were some around. We had made appointments with the principals/ counselors earlier for a later date and then asked all our important questions. Kennett has a small town feel, the library and YMCA is great. We live in New Garden Township on 1/2 acre, which is small for the area. You can find very nice lots,depending on the condition of the house they won't be cheap though. Check zillow.com

[Kennettowner]

Kennett keeps getting better. I was torn about coming here in 1999. No longer, as people take care of their homes, better shops have opened, Talula's Table, the 5 star restaurant and market has been here for 2 years or so and is as outstanding as praised (incredible coffee, and I've been to Italy). It's safe here, wonderful houses to see if you are out strolling, friendly people, Challie's and Half Moon are solid, and the new Ice Cream place is packed. Genesis may have built a death star-sized building, but money is being put into the town and it is showing (more please- pave union st). Downside- trucks and the awful siren in the center of town (PLEASE get rid of the old establishment good-old boys who insist to get cell phone systems would cost the borough 500,00.00- a total lie). Kennett is so close to everything- 17 mins from a regal cinema, 50 mins from King of Prussia, 40 mins from Philly, you name it. Even the Giant has remodeled. Add a school system that has a good rep and you have a winner. I bought a 3 story victorian here and thank goodness I did! Your friends will love to come visit.