Mb,
I second Pete's comments!

All The Very Best To You and Your Family For Safe and Happy Move!

Mb,

I think you've made a good decision, and certainly in that price range, you should be able to find a home that will satisfy your needs. If you're going to be renting for a while, you'll have the opportunity to really immerse yourself in the area and decide what neighborhoods might appeal to you, whether you want to be within walking distance of the R5, etc.

Your best bet now is to get in touch with a Realtor who can start helping you identify properties to rent, get you info on the LM schools, and get you better acquainted with the area.

Ok, Line forms behind me.....

Well, we have finally come to the conclusion that the mainline is the way to go. Lower Merion seems to be the best from 'spending/student' - 21+K compared to 15-16K in the other main line counties (Radnor, T/E). Would appreciate some insights into the nuances, or differences between these areas from a living perspective. Thank in advance for your insights and inputs. We will be looking at a home between 700-800 (once our Orlando home sells), and in the meanwhile plan on renting.

Mb- If you're in our area this weekend, we have a listing in the T/E School District in Wayne that's on Open House Sunday. You can check it out on Craig's List.

I have recently assisted a new faculty member of Temple University relocate from NYC to Philadelphia recently. Recommendation available upon request.

Temple is Karen's Alma Mater. Temple is a great University.
With all the Colleges and Universities located along the Main Line, you may have a comfort level living there. Also, the commute will be better for you. The trains are great to travel on and timing is designed for the Commuter.

You are most welcome Mb!

Temple University is where you will be faculty then. If you are considering taking a train (or would at least like to have the option to do so), the SEPTA R5 Rail Line from any one of severl local stations on the Main Line may be more convenient for you as the R5 line runs parallel to the Main Line (hence the name which dates back to the 1800s):
http://www.septa.com/service/destinations/north_phila/temple.html

With Blue Bell, you could also take the train, in this case however, it would not be as convenient as the Main Line area - as you would most likely need to drive to the Norristown Transportation Center) rom Route 202 to catch the SEPTA R6.

Temple University is located at 180 N. Braod St, so driving to Temple from either the Main Line (Route 202N to 76E) or Blue Bell (Route 202S To 76 E, or 309S to 611 S (Broad St) is very possible too, but you'll have to do dry runs to see how you like it (I will often suggest that my Buyers take a dry run during rush hour to/from their place of business and/or home of interest or area of interest to get a true feel for what it is like).

All The Best Again,
John B.

Well your place of employment will have a large bearing on your commute. We have a road here called the "Schu-Kills" expressway. Just kidding its called Schuylkill expressway. However its mostly noted for traffic jams and accidents. This is where I will fallback. I'm familar with the areas you speak of but not intimately familiar with the commute. I'm sure someone here will speak more in specifics.

Thanks all for your great and insightful comments. Truly appreciated. Many of you have asked about the place of work: I will be joining Temple University as a faculty. How does the location of work play into the Tred-Easttown and Blue Bell decision?

You are considering buying in two wonderful areas. The Blue Bell area is mostly newer, while the Main Line has the older charm and a small town feel. Where you will be working will have a bearing on your choice of living areas. Commuting long distances or in traffic can get old quickly. If you will be working in Center City Philadelphia, the Main Line with the train would be a better choice. It also makes it easier for trips into town on the weekends.
Yu must make your own due diligence when picking schools. An Agent can get into trouble recommending one district over another. Investigate both districts and interview administrators.
Which ever area you choose, this is a great part of the Country to live in. Welcome!

I can only address the positives of Tredyffrin-Easttown, having lived there for almost 20 years. Many of the communities in this area have a "small town" feel , yet you have easy access to Philadelphia and all that it offers via the commuter train line. The school district is outstanding, as mentioned by others. Best of luck with your move!

I advise my clients to actually visit the schools and meet with the principals. Just be sure to schedule an appointment ahead of time.

Those of us who do a fair amount of relocation are often asked the same questions.

I can not answer questions about schools (Fair Housing Laws), but when it comes to the difference between two areas such as the Main Line and Blue Bell, etc...my response is often the same: let me personally show you and you can draw your own conclusions. I can tell you that homes in Wayne, Devon, Berwyn - are somewhat older, the communites are established, and there is pride of ownership.

You'll find many newer homes and communities in Blue Bell, gated communties, golf communities, shopping, somewhat more open space and yes, close proximity to King of Prussia, Montgomery Mall, etc.

But until you actually see the difference between the two areas, the type of homes and what one price range will afford you as compared to the other, your commute to/from your place of business and how long it will take in rush hour, will you drive or take public transportation, etc...it can be a challenging question to answer.

I invite you to consider working with a local real estate professional of your choosing to asssit you.

Best of luck in your move!

Mb,

Living and working in Tredyffrin Easttown, I'm kind of partial. Another site to check is the Philadelphia Inquirer's Report Card on the Schools

http://aps1.philly.com/reportcard/aspx/districts2.aspx?distID=63

http://aps1.philly.com/reportcard/aspx/districts2.aspx?distID=43

As Jeremy mentioned, you'll want to definitely consider commuting distances. The TE school district is well regarded. Conestoga high school was ranked #2 in the state and #79 in the country in US News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools.

Best of luck with the move. I'm sure an agent in the Wissahickon area will add to these comments.

For free school reports you can go here http://www.southnewjerseyhomes.com/Schools/
You should also consider your commute. Where will your place of employment be? What type of home are you looking for? This and other factors play a role in which neighborhood will be best suited for you.