Garnet Valley vs. Unionville-Chadds Ford...pros & cons? (Downingtown: houses, neighborhoods)

[mkl67]

Please note - this thread was started in 2011. The OP posted this one post and never came back.

My family is relocating to the area from SW PA. Based on our research we think we would like to live in either Garnet Valley or Unionville Chadds Ford school districts. Can anyone give me a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each? The housing prices and property taxes seem sort of arbitrary and are hard to get a handle on, which area is generally more affordable overall?

[cpomp]

Both areas are about the same as far as cost of living goes, both have outstanding school districts, chadds ford might be alittle better performing. Chadds Ford is alittle more rural, garnet calley got very built up recently. Theres probably more snobbery in garnet valley, like that keep up with jones type vibe. but you really cant go wrong with either one, both great suburbs.

[toobusytoday]

We lived in Garnet Valley for a number of years. I don't think there was much snobbery really, it's not like it's the main line - just lots of McMansions and family oriented doings. There is no town to speak of, so everything revolves around childrens activities and the neighborhoods. Schools are very good. I'm not really sure of the difference except I thought houses in Chadds Ford were a little more expensive, I could be wrong.

[orrmobl]

Unionville Chadds Ford schools are way better but Garnet Valley are in the top 25-30 vs top 5. Garnet Valley is lots of McMansion developments with keep up with he Jones types who compete over kids parties and pool sizes - that's what I've read any way. Chadds Ford is more spread out and you have to drive a bit more to get to amenities but DE is not too far away for tax free shopping and all the chain stores and restaurants you could want.


If you could explain why these two areas are on your shirt list, we can narrow it down further and make other suggestions as well...

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

We lived in Garnet Valley for a number of years. I don't think there was much snobbery really, it's not like it's the main line - just lots of McMansions and family oriented doings. There is no town to speak of, so everything revolves around childrens activities and the neighborhoods. Schools are very good. I'm not really sure of the difference except I thought houses in Chadds Ford were a little more expensive, I could be wrong.

I dont know long ago you lived there, but Garnet Valley has changed a lot. Garnet Valleys attitude has gotten much more snobby over the years. It is a great area to live in, but a lot of competing going on, which kids get the most gifts, teens wanting a luxury car, caddy housewife gossip, who has the better infinity pool, it happens everywhere, but more in garnet valley, but not as bad as mainline.

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by cpomp

I dont know long ago you lived there, but Garnet Valley has changed a lot. Garnet Valleys attitude has gotten much more snobby over the years. It is a great area to live in, but a lot of competing going on, which kids get the most gifts, teens wanting a luxury car, caddy housewife gossip, who has the better infinity pool, it happens everywhere, but more in garnet valley, but not as bad as mainline.

Or maybe it has to do with who we were friends with. Not really sure what caddy housewife gossip is but I don't think I did that!

To the OP, my suggestion would be to visit the local HS, and see which one suits you better. We visited a HS in a nearby town where I live and found out that it was overcrowded. That's not something you can always see on paper. For us, schools were always a priority so it pays to look at the secondary schools closely, and not just their scores.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by toobusytoday

Or maybe it has to do with who we were friends with. Not really sure what caddy housewife gossip is but I don't think I did that!

Well i guess its just the new crowd, because the population of concord and bethel have more than doubled over the past decade or two, so a lot of the new people just feel powerful with their money and mcmansion, but the people who have lived there longer are more down to earth.

[toobusytoday]

Originally Posted by cpomp

Well i guess its just the new crowd, because the population of concord and bethel have more than doubled over the past decade or two, so a lot of the new people just feel powerful with their money and mcmansion, but the people who have lived there longer are more down to earth.

I don't quite know how to respond, except to say that could apply to anywhere. We have it here in the newer neighborhoods where I live, and I also saw it when we lived in Downingtown. I don't think it's a Garnet Valley thing.

My suggestion stands to look at the schools and see what fits.

[cpomp]

my point for mkl67 is that you cant go wrong with either area, i was just saying there is some excessive snobbery in them.

[Mibocca]

I moved to Garnet Valley last year - Love it!!!! There are definitely lots of McMansions, but I haven't come across any snobbish people at all....