Living in Lower Merion (Chester, Ardmore: new home, established neighborhood, buy)

[TFZC1922]

We are house hunting all over the main line- as far was as malvern and all the way down 30.
We were looking in malvern, Berwyn, Devon, Wayne and since have found a home in penn valley close to everything but with a good yard for kids and possibility for a pool in the future, on a nice tree lined street in an established neighborhood. The home is considered "new" for the neighborhood but it's still 25 years old.
It's much different than where we live now in a rural suburban development of 22 homes no more than 10 years old on 1/2-1 acre lots.

My husband and I have a 1 year old and 3 year old and our family is complete. What can you tell me about this area, these "older" sometimes smaller homes vs newer development type homes etc. the lifestyle in general... I just want to make sure we are making the right decision.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by TFZC1922

We are house hunting all over the main line- as far was as malvern and all the way down 30.
We were looking in malvern, Berwyn, Devon, Wayne and since have found a home in penn valley close to everything but with a good yard for kids and possibility for a pool in the future, on a nice tree lined street in an established neighborhood. The home is considered "new" for the neighborhood but it's still 25 years old.
It's much different than where we live now in a rural suburban development of 22 homes no more than 10 years old on 1/2-1 acre lots.

My husband and I have a 1 year old and 3 year old and our family is complete. What can you tell me about this area, these "older" sometimes smaller homes vs newer development type homes etc. the lifestyle in general... I just want to make sure we are making the right decision.

None of those towns are in Lower Merion Twp which is in Montgomery Co.

Malvern, Berwyn and Devon are in Chester Co and Wayne is Delaware Co.

If you really are interested in LM, you would need to travel further east on Rt 30 toward Bryn Mawr, Haverford or Ardmore.

[Flyers Girl]

I think it comes down to personal preference. One person will tell you that newer is better as there won't be the typical issues you have in older homes, while another person will tell you that older is better because newer houses are made cheaply with crappy materials. I fall into the latter group. I love older homes and will never buy new.


I live in Havertown, not very far from the Penn Valley area. It sounds to me like a wonderful opportunity. Good luck!


ETA: Something built in 1990 is not the "old" I'm talking about (my current house was built in 1928), but it's also not so new that it's being built with all composite and junk (IMO only).

[Flyers Girl]

Originally Posted by kyb01

None of those towns are in Lower Merion Twp which is in Montgomery Co. <snip>

...except the one she said they found in Penn Valley.

[1ondoner]

All the areas you've mentioned are OK. In some ways it really depends on your tolerance, preference and budget. They are affluent communities with highly rated school districts. It would help if you provided your budget, house size and place of work. Commuting to work is a big issue in the area. The closer you are to the city the more expensive and congested it gets. So, in that respect Malvern and Wayne may be more suburban.

As for the swimming pool, this will depend on your lot size and tree foliage. Leaves will be an issue if you have a small lot and lots of trees. Personally, I prefer modern houses built in the 70's or early 80's. Others swear by new homes. At the end of the day, you can add or replace stuff to your liking.

[TFZC1922]

Does anyone have any advice/insight on the school districts?
The ratings are different depending what report you look at (us news vs newsweek vs k12 niche)

Given that we aren't from this area, I am nervous choosing what district to live in and don't later want to wish we had made a different choice once we know the area more. If there are 2 acceptable houses we found for example but one is in LM school district and the other is in TE school district, should we be choosing TE? We have looked at homes mostly in TE, some in Radnor and some in LM.

[TFZC1922]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

All the areas you've mentioned are OK. In some ways it really depends on your tolerance, preference and budget. They are affluent communities with highly rated school districts. It would help if you provided your budget, house size and place of work. Commuting to work is a big issue in the area. The closer you are to the city the more expensive and congested it gets. So, in that respect Malvern and Wayne may be more suburban.

As for the swimming pool, this will depend on your lot size and tree foliage. Leaves will be an issue if you have a small lot and lots of trees. Personally, I prefer modern houses built in the 70's or early 80's. Others swear by new homes. At the end of the day, you can add or replace stuff to your liking.

We want to stay below $1.2 and we don't really have commute issues to consider as much as we have a requirement of easy access to PHL airport. I'm a SAHM and my husband doesn't work locally, he travels all over North America primarily flying and will use PHL airport.

[1ondoner]

In that case I'd recommend you have a look at Easttown. It's in T/E and is less congested than the other areas. You'll also find a good house for well within your budget. Some parts of the area are secluded and still have farms.

Originally Posted by TFZC1922

We want to stay below $1.2 and we don't really have commute issues to consider as much as we have a requirement of easy access to PHL airport. I'm a SAHM and my husband doesn't work locally, he travels all over North America primarily flying and will use PHL airport.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Flyers Girl

...except the one she said they found in Penn Valley.

Yep, you're right!

[Flyers Girl]

Your husband will have an easier time getting to PHL from Lower Merion Township versus T/E. Again, it comes down to personal preference. Both are highly rated districts.