re: moving from Dc suburbs..need advice (Philadelphia, Chester: best towns, house)

[sendero]

Dear all,

I live in Bethesda, MD.
I was offered a job in Wilmington, DE.
Several people told me to find a house Western of Phily.

The most important thing is a good school district for my girls (middle and high school public)...they are in middle school. Also, the shorter the commute, the better.


I was told about Unionville or Swarthmore... the cost of the house is always important but...not the real breaker...

Any ideas? help?
Thanks

[rainrock]

Swarthmore and Unionville are both excellent choices but they are very different in nature. Unionville much more typical modern america suburbia, lots of green space, newer amenities shopping etc.. Swarthmore is an older mature planned town with lots of character and a tremendous older housing stock, has a village feel to it.

Nether Providence is in the same school district as Swarthmore and would more affordable than Swarthmore(Nether Providence was ranked #9 in CNN/Money Magazines best towns of 2007.)

Swarthmore-Wallingford schools are very highly rated.

Unionville schools are excellent, among the best in the entire Philadelphia area. A notch above Swarthmore.

If money is no object I'd go with Unionville-Chadds Ford for 2 reasons.

1.The commute would be less maddening as its as close if not closer to Wilmington than Swarthmore would be.You would be taking less congested back roads from Unionville. Swarthmore to Wilmington you will hit serious traffic via 476, I-95, and Rt 1.

2.As a newer area you will probably find the transition a little easier on the kids as the Unionville area is growing as opposed to Swarthmore which is already maxed out.

There are other options that may work for you. You will get more bang for your buck in Garnet Valley(Concord Township,Bethel Township,Chester heights,Thornbury) which is just to the east of Chadds Ford-Unionville. Great schools although not quite at the level of Unionville. Similar feel as Unionville with even better access to nearby shopping and your chic lifestyle centers.

Westtown area is also nearby and is worth a look. That area is very nice as well and would put you in the West Chester School District.

Good luck

[sendero]

Thanks a lot for your prompt response!
I really like to have some stuff around...shopping malls, movies, supermarkets, etc...If so, it appears that the swarthmore/Garnet Valley area may be better? Also, I think it is closer to Philly...and this could be a plus!

Any other input will be very appreciated!