Worth relocating to Lower Merion just for the schools?

Tracy Nelson
Home Buyer
19446

My wife and I are relocating from Nebraska, and we want to place our daughter in a good school district. My wife thinks Lower Merion is the best, and wants to settle there. I've been hearing from other people (Realtors, mostly) that the adjacent school districts are just as good, and we can get more house for our money someplace else (close by). While I'm not really excited about buying a house now and having to move in six years when my daugher (now in a private school) goes to middle school, the housing prices in LM are quite daunting. I'd be interested in hearing other people's opinions.

Answers (5)
Shuytza
Other/Just Looking
Phila, PA

To get a better picture of the school rankings in the Greater Phila area, see

Thu Sep 24 2009, 07:12
Pete Simonetti
Agent
19087

Tracy,

I'd agree with what you've uncovered so far - typically, the further west from Phila. you go, the more house you'll get for your $$. Housing stock is typically older in the Lower Merion-Radnor-TE corridor. Besides determining the best sd for your daughter, proximity to work is going to be a consideration. Are you going to be working in the city?

Also, if you are being relocated by your company, are they providing you with any relo services? house hunting trips? a relocation Realtor on this end? If you're doing this on your own, I'd suggest making contact with a local Realtor who can spend some time with you before you get to Pennsylvania and help you focus your search on areas that best fit your needs. I think you'll find a number of well qualified, local Realtors here who can assist.

Pete

Tue Jan 29 2008, 11:07
Edmund Choi
Agent
Collegeville, PA

As a Realtor, I cannot comment on school districts. However, if you go this site, http://www.schoolmatters.com, you should be able to compare the different school districts in your target search area. You'll need to determine whether or not the services offered by the school meet your and your daughter's expectations.

As for housing, prices vary by neighborhood and amenities. Please use the link below to search for properties within your target area by map. If I can be of assistance, let me know as I am the relocation specialist at our office.

Tue Jan 29 2008, 10:19
Paul K
Home Buyer
19096

Hi Tracy,
I grew up in the area and went to school in LM school district from K thru 12. LM is considered to be one of the best school districts in the state, not to mention the country. However, I do know that Radnor and Tredyffrin-Easttown School districts are just as good as LM. In terms of housing prices (my wife and I are currently looking), you should hopefully be able to find a better deal out in Radnor and TE. I hope this helps!

Tue Jan 29 2008, 10:16
Hadjer Ahner
Agent
18951
FIRST ANSWER

Tracey,
I advise my clients to log onto this helpful website to find out for themselves, Let me know how i can help you. http://www.schoolmatter.com

Tue Jan 29 2008, 09:20

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Ask a question!

Search Advice

Ask a question

Got a real estate question? Get answers from locals, experts and real estate pros.
Ask
Email me when…

Learn more

View all » 1 - 2 of 2
Copyright © 2009 Trulia, Inc. All rights reserved.   |   Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Help us improve our service—send us feedback