Hello!

That's most likely true. So many of the parents I know, at work and at the gym, have put their kids in private schools due to what they know (or think they know) about NASD.

Norristown, in general, has always gotten a bad rap. I run down Cherry Street to get to the SRT, and I probably would not want to live there. That area near the Zoo, though, looks nice to me, at least when I run or bike through there. Proximity to the Farm Park would be a big selling point for me, as that Farm Park is great. I am in Coleston, near Cole Manor Elementary, and love it. Houses go up for sale occasionally here, but usually are not on the market long. I bought this house in 2002, and it's doubled in value. Not too transient here - once folks move in, they tend to stay.

That's also very close to the Farm Park, which is where I did my long run this morning. And close to the State Hospital, which used to have some very cool abandoned buildings but they are tearing them all down now :-( I have run through all those neighborhoods - they don't *look* too bad, and most of the homes look to be kept up pretty well. I think the closer you get to Markley Street, the less desireable it gets. I really dannot offer anything else about the neighborhood, but anything around there is a good location - close to Transportation Center, and can get to highways, KOP, malls pretty easilty.

I live in East Norriton - have been here for 22 years. I really like it, have had no problems with crime, noise, etc. Norristown proper ends at Johnson Highway - I live near Cole Manor elementary school. The neighborhood is bordered by Johnson Highway, Dekalb, Swede Street, and Germantown Pike. There are homes for sale here, and not outrageously priced. Take a drive around, then look them up on Zillow. Only downside here is if you have kids, Norristown School District has rep of not being the best. I am single and childless so that isn't an issue for me.