Is it possible; 4 bed, 2 bath, > $250k house, top notch public schools, commutable to Philly? (price, activities)

[sbhubbell]

I second the previous poster...you're both right. I experienced both very liberal and very conservative people in the Lehigh Valley. Most people I knew there lived in new, upper income neighborhoods. Parkson HS is really fantastic, although I'm not sure how it compares to Philly burb schools which I am partial to.

[solibs]

To the OP - if you are commuting to Center City and want to get to work in 45 minutes or less Most places in Chester Co. are well beyond that as is Lehigh Co. and most of Bucks & Montgomery north of the PA Turnpike. I would look in northern Delaware Co. and in eastern Montgomery just north of the city. I think that's where you'll find the best deals.

[Hooper's Judge]

I was lured to Allentown PA by the low housing cost. I hated it there. My experience was that there was no work, the area was a junky (again my opinion), and the people not overly friendly. I am sure there are people who love it there but this was not my experience.

[toobusytoday]

Is it possible; 4 bed, 2 bath, > $250k house, top notch public schools, commutable to Philly?

Originally Posted by jfbd6805

Is it possible to to find such a place near Philly? I think the city itself would be too expensive for us. Plus we enjoy the outdoors so a place with parks and outdoor recreation would be nice. Any suburbs fit the bill or shoud we stick to considering the Midwest?

When I say commutable I mean around 30 - 45 mins.

Our kids our young so schools from elem and up are important.

DH could also put in for Allentown - is that a better choice for us considering our modest budget?

Forgot to mention, we'd like a decent yard (no townhomes).

Thanks so much and look forward to your suggestions. I have no idea where to start looking so am hoping for some town names so I can get on a few real estate websites and see if its something we like or not.

I thought it might be a good idea to repost the question.

[WinstonRoad]

Right next to the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, easy access to train lines into Center City, great, small public school system, and plenty of 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes with big lots on the former grounds of the Whitemarsh Hall estate in Wyndmoor.

They aren't the prettiest homes ever, but they are solid and the lots are beautiful. You can still get them for $259,000, etc.

[jfbd6805]

Wow! What passionate responses!

Thank you so much those of you who have given names of towns for me to google and look up. Also, those you have put down school district suggestions and commute times - big thanks to you too!!

I should have mentioned in the original post that my husband has to drive to work so access to train lines is only slightly important (if I want to go to the city myself) but not top priority.

Thanks and dare I say, keep it coming!

[kelb]

If he has to drive into the city, I'd recommend Chestnut Hill, Media, or Consohocken. These are charming towns closer to the city (Chestnut Hill is actually in the city) and you will find older or attached homes in your price range.
Good luck and keep us posted!

[kelb]

Oh just remembered, another great option is Roxborough - plenty of good housing in your price range, easy drive into the city.

[toobusytoday]

And if you decide to look in the Lehigh Valley, the small towns that many newcomers choose are Center Valley/Coopersburg (Southern Lehigh School District), Emmaus/Macungie (East Penn School District), Parts of Whitehall and parts of Allentown (Parkland School District), Nazareth (Nazareth School District) and Hellertown (Saucon Valley School District). It seems the majority of new people are choosing Emmaus and Macungie for the schools and housing costs.

[bikegirlgriff]

Have you considered Berks County? We are more like 1 hour from Philly, but that price range and what you want is here. If you want me to set up a free search for you on the local MLS via an e-mail address just let me know. In the meantime, if you are on Moderator Cut: Real estate advertising check out areas such as Douglassville, Pottstown, in this area Reading is the city, however the zip code dictates the desired area, so try 19606, 19607,19605, I think you'll be surprised with what you get for the money.