Just how bad is Coatesville? Boundaries?

[soulsurv]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

Maybe Parkesburg or up toward Lancaster may be worth considering. I think there are cheaper places up in this notch that is not quite Coatesville.

I have an acquaintance who used to live in Coatesville, and she told me her family would always get robbed during the holidays, and they would just let robbers come in and take whatever they wanted and then let them leave. Then they would continue the holidays like normal. She also told me at least one, maybe a few stories of arson on her place.

They would've continued to live there, except the couple got separated. I'm not sure if the husband still lives there or not.

So, if you don't mind stuff like that possibly, then living in Coatesville or maybe even Chester would be okay.

HOLY MOSES! That's...well...just INCREDIBLE!

[chessimprov]

if you're willing to venture into or very close to Lancaster county, I've seen microhomes going for like 95k off of Rt. 30. I don't know if a microhome or possibly even a trailer would be suitable for you, or where you would be allowed to have such things.

I believe the 95k is really a base price, and there are many other things such as sewer lines and plumbing that are extra. So, the "price" is misleading, but it seems this type of thing would be in your budget too.

Might be worth considering.

[Flyers Girl]

I believe someone else suggested this, but since you're working with a strict budget, I think it really is in your best interest to work with a real estate agent. He/she has access to the MLS and other agents, and would really be able to narrow things down for you.

[Felinae]

I am a resident of one of the newer construction areas a stone's throw from Coatesville. They are working on re-building some parts of the actual city, which is nice. In my experience, you can literally drive 10 minutes in any direction and find everything from a broken-down street corner to a million-dollar farm, to an equally expensive home, to a trash heap with a house somewhere n the middle. All of these could lay within the "Coatesville" area, so I wouldn't necessarily judge based on the city name alone.

So far, we've had nothing but nice folks here, but I can see the reason others would recommend moving elsewhere. I would recommend just driving around the neighborhood you are interested in, checking in on forums like this one, and planning a security system into whatever home you decide on. So far so good for me in my new house, and knocking on wood in hopes that it stays that way.

[rowhomecity]

Hmm maybe try Lancaster? It is absolutely beautiful, and Rte 30 is not that bad of a trip.

[bluemonday]

MONTCO! All the way...I lived in Chester Co and hated it! Downingtown, but it was on the edge of Caln! I've moved to Montco and so very happy I didn't relocate permanently to Chester County. My husband lived in Chester County though for 25+ years and I had to pry him away from the place. Maybe try some areas in Berks county too, since it is in your price range (specially Eastern Berks, closer to Pottstown).