Old Money vs New Money (Drexel Hill, Springfield: home, buy, public school)

[BajanYankee]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

I would say that Main Liners prone to having airs, whether of old or new money origin, tend to act like bluebloods.

How does one act like a blueblood? Do you have your chauffeur pull up to another car, roll down your window, and ask for a bottle of Grey Poupon?

[BajanYankee]

"Would ya pleeeze paass da jellliee?"


Polaner All Fruit Commercial 1989) - YouTube

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by BajanYankee

How does one act like a blueblood? Do you have your chauffeur pull up to another car, roll down your window, and ask for a bottle of Grey Poupon?

Pretty much.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by soulsurv

Then you should spend more time in Garnet Valley, particularly around the parents of school children. It is a hotbed of over-the-top keeping up with the Joneses. It's a shame there are no stats on how many parents, say, take their 8-yr-old for weekly manicures, take their hs kids to NYC for prom dresses, spend thousands on catering garish birthday parties, etc.,

By the same token, the old money vibe which I have found to be very solid, was never a bad thing in my mind. I have respect for people with restraint (stiff and crusty?). While I understand your aversion to "labels," that doesn't mean the behaviors don't exist in a notable quantity.

I have many friends from garnet valley. Yes that is a common occurrence, I know kids in high school who received a new Lexus or Mercedes, but I would not categorize it as sickening. People there even though flashy are still very kind and considerate, and I have never felt any negativity the many times I have been there.

Whereas in parts of lower merion if you drive down certain streets in an 89 camry, people will be wondering what the hell are you doing in their neighborhood. Attitudes vary from town to town. Much of lower merion I feel is more judgmental about ones status than in garnet valley, people just like to show off more in the newer suburbs.

[RCdelco]

Garnet Valley is a solidly middle class area with some upper middle class families that boost the median income. You don't have to be upper middle class to afford a Mercedes or a Lexus. You need to remember that, until 2006, Garnet Valley was a part of Chichester Township. Since when has any part of Chichester Township ever been wealthy? Face the facts, if these people really had money, they'd be moving the hell out of that area.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by RCdelco

Garnet Valley is a solidly middle class area with some upper middle class families that boost the median income. You don't have to be upper middle class to afford a Mercedes or a Lexus. You need to remember that, until 2006, Garnet Valley was a part of Chichester Township. Since when has any part of Chichester Township ever been wealthy? Face the facts, if these people really had money, they'd be moving the hell out of that area.

Municipal boundaries didn't change; the Garnet Valley portion of the zip code simply split off from Marcus Hook and was granted its own post office, probably because its residents had no interest in being associated with Upper Chichester.

[soulsurv]

I'm talking about the newer developments...the folks who are always shopping - and yeah, I think it's RIDICULOUS to purchase a Lexus for a teenager. Just as ridiculous as another person I know who had his 3-car garage converted to EXTRA CLOSET SPACE for his two young girls in their 6 bedroom/7 bath home. He got this brilliant idea from a neighbor. I have no idea what Lower Merion is like. Never spent any time there.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by stylistvg

Soulsurv, you are right. I come from old money ( though i dont have much anymore) and was always taught to never flaunt anything growing up, it wasnt necessary. I moved to Los Angeles and am continually horrified at the "bling" etc and shameless self promotion ( ie the kardashians ) that people engage in here. Sounds about what you've observed. When I visited last year I immediatley loved Chestnut Hill, my boyfriend said, " of course you do, these are your people". I laughed, he was right. Plenty of money, but in a 3 year old subaru and a comfy sweater ( though probably Loro Piana cashmere) and scruffy jeans. New money does tend to be flashier, some people like that sort of thing, old money people do not.

Some old money families are very flashy. The Hilton's come to mind.

[RCdelco]

Soulsurv, those are ridiculous things to do. However, you don't necessarily have to be upper middle class/wealthy to do them. People in all different income brackets choose to spend money they don't have or make frivolous purchases such as luxury cars for their teenagers. Think of it this way - those who partake in ostentatious displays of wealth feel that they have something to prove. That is why Garnet Valley and even places in the surrounding areas (Ridley, Glenolden, Prospect park) have people driving Lexus' and BMWs they can't afford. Drive through a truly wealthy neighborhood and you'll see tons of Toyotas, old volvos and Hondas.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by RCdelco

Drive through a truly wealthy neighborhood and you'll see tons of Toyotas, old volvos and Hondas.

That's true because they don't retain wealth by being frivolous.