We are considering a move to the PA/DE area. In looking through online real estate, I wonder if anyone could comment on moving to the "Main Line" area outside of Philadelphia if you are going to work near Wilmington DE. Would need a good middle/high school system.

I realize the commute would be about 40 minutes to work, but it seems most would be on major highways (not highways with traffic lights).

Based on taxes, driving, schools, etc., what do you think? Thanks for your help.

Hi Gbelle,
I live further west than the Main Line and further south on Rte 202, and it takes me 40 minutes to get to Wilmington so I believe that it would take longer than that from most places on the Main Line. It may look like all highway driving but your most likely route would be to get on Rte 202 at King of Prussia and travel south. South of West Chester, 202 has many traffic lights and much congestion. If I were you, I would check out the areas north of Wilmington in the Chadds Ford-Unionville School District,the West Chester School District (also a very nice town to live in), and the very farthest north I would go: Great Valley School Distict.

Thanks Suki. I was looking at 478 to 95 which seems like major highways.

How do the schools compare in the Main Line area vs the Chadds Ford-Unionville? How about private vs public? How about taxes?

You're right, 476 to 95 is all highway driving, but they are 2 of the most heavily traveled roads in the Phila area. I would not want that commute every day. I have no idea about the taxes but I imagine that the Main Line is in a higher bracket when compared to most other places. Public school districts are pretty good in the areas surrounding Route 202 in Chester County PA as you work your way north from DE. I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a place to live. As I mentioned, West Chester is a great small town with some good restaurants and nice housing stock, but it is at least 50 minutes from downtown Phila. If being close to the city is a big priority for you than maybe the rush hour commute from the Main Line is worth it to you. If you think you would like to live in the bucolic countryside made famous by the Wyeth's then the area just north of Wimington toward Chadds Ford would be a good choice.

I'll second most of what Suki said -- good information.

You'll get pretty tired of commuting from the Main Line to Del. Chester County and the West Chester area in particualr have beome popular and not terribly inconvenient to the city.

If you're still stuck on moving to the Main Line, the Radnor area and school district are well regarded.

I think the Main Line would be a little too much of a commute. The schools are wonderful but it would be very frustrating.

Another wonderful area is Swarthmore/Wallingford. The schools are first-rate and the community seems great. You would still use 95 South but I think it's closer and easier since you could get on almost directly.