What would you look for if you had to chose the best county to live if you are raising a family?
I chose Chester County as the place I wanted to raise my family. For so many reasons.... the schools, the activities, the opportunities, the close proximity to beach/mountains/NYC, and so much more. We moved to Chester County seven years ago, my husband, myself, my daughters (22, 19, and 5) have never looked back!
Forbes magazine looked for school districts that have "good" funding (at least half of per-pupil spending comes from property tax) and SAT scores of 1,050+. Then he narrowed down the 97 counties remaining by looking at the following: Cost of Living, Graduation Rate, Standardized Test Scores, Home Price, Property Tax (what percentage of median home price), Percentage of Owner Occupied Homes, Per Capita Income, Air Quality, Crime Rate, and Commute Time.
Here are the results........
- Hamilton County, Ind.
- Ozaukee County, Wis.
- Johnson County, Kan.
- Geauga County, Ohio
- Delaware County, Ohio
- Morris County, N.J.
- Hunterdon County, N.J.
- Waukesha County, Wis.
- Montgomery County, Pa.
- Chester County, Pa.
That's right! Two of the counties that I serve for Real Estate needs made the Top 10 List!!! I'm so proud!
Mr. O'Malley Greenburg has a presentation with maps on each of the featured counties and a description of why it was chosen.
"Located 30 miles west of Philadelphia, Chester County borders Montgomery County along the Schuylkill River. Chester's median home price of $328,400 is a bit pricey, but families are rewarded with a high school graduation rate of 96% and average SAT scores of 1,075." Mr. O'Malley Greenburg stated regarding Chester County, PA.
If you don't think you want to pick a house in the Chester County, PA or Montgomery County, PA area, I have a great network of associates from around the country. I can help you select someone with expertise in the area you chose.
Excellent photo. Did you take the B&W? I really like it Kim. I have to get going here. Nice localism post.
What a great and informative Blog Kim on your area ! As a mother I would want to know it is a safe place to live !! Way to pound the new localism ! Great job !
Kim this is great news for your area and can possibly be used as a promotional item for those relocating to your area.
Melissa, Yes, get the information out for Localism - phew! I want to provide information helpful to people moving to the area, I try to think of what is important to me.... hopefully some can relate :)
Gary, It is! Of course the people that live here already know how wonderful it is - but it is great for people that don't know yet :)