The "BEST" Place To Live Near Villanova University? (Radnor Township: best neighborhood, apartment)

[P.G.M]

Hi! Here we might be moving to Villanova area soon (December). What is the BEST place to live near the Villanova campus? The BEST Public Library (Children's area), playgrounds, mom social network, BEST elementary school and if there is a Parent Cooperative for Preschoolers in the area, BEST neighborhood, did I mention best to much? I will start from the BEST to narrow into "our" best financially talking.

Thank so much for all the help.

[cpomp]

I hope you are ready to pay for the best.

Budget??

[P.G.M]

Let's say no budget.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by P.G.M

Let's say no budget.

This is so subjective, but IMO, Lower Merion and Radnor.

[mls128]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

This is so subjective, but IMO, Lower Merion and Radnor.

Yeah, I'll second that. Nowhere really comparable to those two, assuming you can afford it. Tredyffrin/easttown would be a close second but that's a little further out than the other two.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by mls128

Yeah, I'll second that. Nowhere really comparable to those two, assuming you can afford it. Tredyffrin/easttown would be a close second but that's a little further out than the other two.

Yeah, it would be helpful if the OP provided some kind of guideline besides reputation--not that the Main Line isn't great--but it's not for everybody, either.

[P.G.M]

Thank you all for your answers. Super helpful so far.

Question: HeavenWood, What do you mean by "it's not for everybody, either"?

Also, Does any of you have your children in this schools?

Thanks again,

[P.G.M]

Also, Between Radnor and Lower Merion. What are the pros and cons?
Thanks, again!

[JEO]

I really don't think you can go wrong with either Radnor or Lower Merion. My children attend Radnor public schools and I have been thrilled. Radnor School District has one middle and high school and three elementary schools. Lower Merion has two high schools, two middle schools and several elementary schools. The two Lower Merion high schools both have about 1,100 students - the same as Radnor. With that said, Radnor is a smaller school district, which in my opinion fosters a tighter knit community. Neighboring T/E, which is west of Radnor is a very large school district, and the general area is newer and with homes on much larger parcels. T/E is not as affluent as Lower Merion or Radnor; however the school district is very well regarded. I have heard this school district appears "great" on paper; however has a very factory-like feel - over 2,000 students in an older jam-packed facility. Radnor Middle School also is located in downtown Wayne, which is a lovely and vibrant 'downtown' section of Radnor Township. Students can walk into town on Friday's after school, which really provides a sense of freedom as well as connection with the community. Good luck!

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by P.G.M

Thank you all for your answers. Super helpful so far.

Question: HeavenWood, What do you mean by "it's not for everybody, either"?

Also, Does any of you have your children in this schools?

Thanks again,

I just mean that even if you have a sky's the limit budget, other preferences might push you elsewhere (I'm not saying they should, but since you haven't really outlined your preferences beyond being close to Villanova and having good schools, I don't want to push you somewhere that turns out to be sub-optimal for your needs).

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And I attended LMSD schools 1st through 12th grades ('07 Harriton alumnus). They were fantastic, but they're not the only fantastic option out there.