Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Local schools holding strong
One of the biggest factors that people consider when looking for their new home is the school district. Everyone wants to have to make sure that their kids have the best shot. Just recently, niche. com unveiled their list of top school districts in Pennsylvania and, to no great surprise, our area has performed very well.
So, now it’s time to unpack what all of these ratings actually mean, and to show you that we’re in one of the top spots for students in the country. In Pennsylvania, there are exactly 500 school districts. In our local Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties we have 12 of the top 25 schools in the state. That is fantastic.
The counter balance to the question of school district is the question of price. Three of the most popular school districts that I see amongst buyers are Unionville-Chadds Ford, Great Valley and Rose Tree Media. Respectively holding their coveted top 25 slots ranking at 5 (Unionville-Chadds Ford), 9 (Great Valley), 23 (Rose Tree Media). For these coveted spots, you can expect to pay a premium. Whenever I consult with a buyer in these areas, you can bet that I tell them their house is worth a good bit more than if the same house was in another district.
Now comes the question of how important these specific schools are for the success of your child. In reality it’s good to be in the area, because you cannot go wrong.
The reality is that when it comes to a grading scale, all of the schools around here are great. So, if you can’t afford the premium that comes with living in these fancy school districts, your kids will still have a great shot.
Major school districts in our area that didn’t make the top 25 slots are West Chester (ranking 31st) and Downingtown (ranking 30th). The thing that shows just how good our schools are is the fact that Downingtown and West Chester are both still given an A+ rating; yes that is the same grade as the top-rated school district.
When it comes to sorting out
the best from the rest, there is a very tiny sliver that makes the difference between rank 5 and rank 31.
If you can afford to pay the premium to move into the absolute best school districts around, then that is great, and you should take advantage. If those premiums make you blush, then be sure to remember that your kids will get a fantastic education.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new home, move to a new area, or just figure out what is best for your family, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties are giving your kids the best shot at life. Most people don’t have
the incredible options that we have in this area.
When it comes time for you to choose the best school district for your family, make sure that you talk to your local real estate agent to find the best price to school balance for you. They will
be able to guide your way through choosing the best house.
Wayne Megill is the Principal of The Wayne Megill Real Estate Team of Keller Williams Brandywine Valley and the President of Megill
Homes, Inc. For buyer or seller representation, or for more perspective on the local and national real estate market, please email Wayne@ waynemegillteam.com and visit The Wayne Megill Team site at http://www. pahomesandrealestate.com