Grass plenty green in Philly’s suburbs
We live in a mecca of home value stability, great schools and a vast variety of neighborhoods and communities. It’s no wonder that homes retain their investment so well and why our local counties are growing more and more each year.
With so many areas to choose from, it’s hard to decide which is best. From a real estate standpoint, the counties in our local area host some of the highest sale prices and are home to the most popular suburbs with close proximity to Philadelphia. From a home buyer perspective, the quality community life and excellent school systems throughout make many people stay in our area for more than just home values.
Chester County
With a population upwards of 515,000 (and a growth rate of 38 percent) Chester County boasts low unemployment and an ever growing community of microbreweries, shopping and picturesque landscape.
If you’re looking for the most affordable place to live, Chester County might not be your best bet, especially if you are looking to move into high demand areas such as Berwyn, Malvern, Devon, Chester Springs, etc. but the higher median price in these high demand areas comes with good reason.
The county has the fourth-highest high school graduation rate and
the third-lowest poverty numbers in our area. While commute times can be a bit longer, the lovely scenery, great school systems and bountiful restaurants, historical venues and attractions such as the nationally loved Longwood Gardens are just the beginning of the great things Chester County has to offer.
Delaware County
With a population of 563,894, Delco, as it’s known by locals, is one of the most desirable areas to live in our area. Towns like Villanova, Haverford, Wayne & Chadds Ford know how to treat residents to the good life. Slated with history at every turn, the area has low crime and over 90 percent of students graduate from high school. The county boats over 10 colleges, which is ideal for local students ready to further their education. But beyond the great schools, Delaware County boasts plenty to keep life full of entertainment and style. With great shops, galleries, parks, original restaurants and sports teams like the Philadelphia Union and Villanova basketball, there isn’t a lack of things to do.
Montgomery County
Sometimes nicknamed Montco, Montgomery County deserves a long look as it has one of the highest median incomes at nearly 80K, has low unemployment at 4 percent and plenty of history, such as Valley Forge National Park. Montgomery County has well admired towns such as Bryn Mawr, Merion Station, Gladwyn and Fort Washington to name a few. Among the best standouts for Montgomery County, with a population of 819,264, is the fact that it holds the best high school graduation rate among the other counties in our area at more than 93 percent of students graduating. The high grad rate speaks volumes about not only the school districts but also the communities of families who call this county home.
Bucks County
New Hope, Washington Crossing, Newtown and many more make up the promising area of Bucks County. Bucks is great place for young families and retirees alike to enjoy. Home to several Stephen King stories, the county’s population of 627,367 will tell you their homestead is anything but creepy. Less than 3.8 percent of families are below the poverty line, showing that Bucks has employment and prosperity to go around and. Bucks County not only has high graduation rates, it also boasts culture with its theatre scene and good times at the local pubs and a variety of restaurants and parks.
Maureen Hughes is the Lead Listing Specialist of The Wayne Megill Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Brandywine Valley in West Chester. For buyer or seller representation, or for more perspective on the local and national real estate market, please email maureenhughes@kw.com and visit The Wayne Megill Team site at www. waynemegillteam.com.