Considering move from Haddonfield to Media/Newtown Sq area

[flexmama]

HeavenWood,
Not talking about attitude at all. We are surrounded by pavement in our immediate area.
Just looking for a different aesthetic. Hiking, biking, fishing at our fingertips. It would be nice to take a short bikeride from our house every weekend, instead of schlepping all the way to Green Valley for a morning of hiking or trail riding.

Does anyone have suggestions for neighborhoods?

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by flexmama

HeavenWood,
Not talking about attitude at all. We are surrounded by pavement in our immediate area.
Just looking for a different aesthetic. Hiking, biking, fishing at our fingertips. It would be nice to take a short bikeride from our house every weekend, instead of schlepping all the way to Green Valley for a morning of hiking or trail riding.

Does anyone have suggestions for neighborhoods?

I see.

Given your other specifications, I would recommend anywhere from Swarthmore-Wallingford up through Newtown Square. Swarthmore/Media proper are the sweet spots if you want to be directly in a charming, walkable town. If you'd prefer somewhere more bucolic and don't mind the car dependence that comes with that, any of the surrounding areas will work fine.

[cpomp]

There are homes within walking distance of the ridley creek state park and the tyler arboretum, and rose tree park. or just a short 5-10 minutes drive. Right by the reservoir homes tend to be 1+million upwards because that is the most demanding spot to be, near a reservoir and parks and minutes from media.

Do you prefer new construction or older?

[rainrock]

You can find homes in that general area in the lower end of your price range if you do your homework.

Zillow.com is an excellent tool for house hunting. Gives you a birds eye view of every house for sale, property tax info,photos, price reductions, sales history etc..

I was just over in Cherry Hill,Mount laurel,Haddonfield on Monday and I was surprised at how quickly the vibe changes over there. You go from pristine areas to sketchy areas in very close proximity. And hate those damn traffic circles and too many expressways/major thorofares. Sheesh its a mess you have the NJ Turnpike,295,38,73,45,30,70,42. Heck with that give me my major lonely arteries 95 +476, trees, hills and narrow roadways in Pa.

Over here in Pa. things are much more economically segregated. That can be a good thing or bad thing depending on your point of view. For instance RT 252 is a prime example. Starts in Chester(not good) but from Swarthmore to Valley Forge(20 straight miles) you wont hit a bad neighborhood.

If you get a chance ride N on Providence Road past Rt 3 into Willistown,White Horse Village,Sugartown. Incredible pastures,estates, and old farm houses. There are newer developments there to(Applebrook) but my guess is they are very expensive.

Good luck.

[flexmama]

Now we're getting somewhere! Rainrock, you hit the nail on the head. It is a total shift in the vibe. Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. We will check them out on our future Sunday drives.

[GANGOF5]

Schooldigger.com is a great site for school rankings. Media places very high on the list. We also are considering a move to the area..we are looking at houses in both the Rose Tree Media area and the Walingford Swarthmore area. Both have excellent schools! We toured a couple of schools and fell in love with the Swarthmore Rutledge School as well as Strah Haven HS.

Also you absolutely can find a home in the 450k price range. We have been looking and our price range is lower then that. And we have no problem finding a house big enough for our large family!

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by GANGOF5

Schooldigger.com is a great site for school rankings. Media places very high on the list. We also are considering a move to the area..we are looking at houses in both the Rose Tree Media area and the Walingford Swarthmore area. Both have excellent schools! We toured a couple of schools and fell in love with the Swarthmore Rutledge School as well as Strah Haven HS.

Also you absolutely can find a home in the 450k price range. We have been looking and our price range is lower then that. And we have no problem finding a house big enough for our large family!

One thing to keep in mind with Wallingford-Swarthmore is the property taxes.Very high. Its a sought after fabulous area though which is not the norm for these older areas. That says alot about how well planned out and taken care of that Swarthmore,Nether Providence,Wallingford are.

Taxes in newer communities like Garnet Valley,Chadds Ford have very reasonable taxes and very good schools.The only drawback is that they are a bit further from the city.