Town By Town: Good schools, older homes

One in a continuing series spotlighting real estate markets in the region's communities.

Marple and Newtown share a school district, but when it comes to housing, the two Delaware County municipalities have little in common.

Marple, which saw large-scale development right after the end of World War II, is filled with houses from that era: primarily single-family homes of 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, with three bedrooms and 11/2 to two bathrooms. But there are also some rowhouses and twins in the mix.

The price range for the 62 houses now for sale is $155,000 to $450,000, with the median list price $359,900.

There are exceptions, but that's what a buyer shopping for a house in the school district will find in Marple, of which Broomall, perhaps better known outside the area, is a large part - about half the township's population of 23,000-plus.

What's new in housing here is about 30 years old - the single-family detached houses and townhouses of Langstoon and Paxon Chase and the townhouses of San Francisco East and Marplewoods - all built between 1977 and 1988.

San Francisco East has the lowest-price house of the 62 on the market, $155,000 for two bedrooms and 21/2 baths, listings show.

Though Newtown Township has older houses that have proved to be attractive to first-time buyers looking for fixer-uppers, it is known for its new developments of more expensive and larger houses, ranging from $125,000 condos to $3 million-and-higher estate homes, including those in Toll Bros.' Liseter community.

Buyers looking for entry to the school district see Marple as the obvious choice, "not an alternative to other places," says Barbara M. Mastronardo, an agent with Weichert Realtors based in its Media office.

One thing that tips the balance in Marple's favor - we aren't just talking about Newtown here, but other communities, as well - is its neighborhoods.

"A lot of buyers grew up in these neighborhoods and had a positive experience," Mastronardo says. "They are eager to buy in these neighborhoods and offer the same experience to their children."

Marple "has a great sense of community and a lot of spirit," she says. "The school district is very proactive and encourages parental involvement. It's a cool place, and very well thought of."

The township's property taxes are among the lowest in Delaware County, thanks to a base that includes retail and office spaces, she says.

"Marple's are 3 percent to 5 percent less per square foot than Newtown Township," says Mastronardo, even though the latter has multinationals such as SAP, Sunoco, and health-care companies.

Newtown's median price is $450,000; Marple's second-quarter median was $385,000, according to Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors HomExpert Market Report.

The houses that sell for the highest prices, by and large, are those in Langstoon, she says - areas such as Dundee Mews and Guerney Lane. The detached singles are 2,500 square feet on lots of about one-half acre.

"Some even have fireplaces," says Mastronardo, adding that many have been updated.

Townhouses have two to four bedrooms, basements, and attached garages. One house recently sold and settled for $307,000, she says, adding that the 2,100-square-foot single-detached "probably had a finished basement."

Taxes are about $5,200 a year, and there's an annual homeowners' association fee of $200.

Townhouses in Marple range in price from $150,000 to $350,000.

There are 24 sales pending, with a median price of $334,900, Mastronardo says. There is 21/2 to three months of for-sale inventory.

In the last six months, 113 houses have gone to settlement, with the average price $319,000.

There also is redevelopment of some properties in Marple as over-55 housing, Mastronardo says.

The township is the site of the archdiocesan cemetery of SS. Peter and Paul, Delaware County Community College, the Thomas Massey House (1690) on Lawrence Road, 11 parks, and Paxon Hollow Country Club.

Marple was the first in line on Route 3 for post-World War II development, she says, and Lawrence Park in Broomall is one of the oldest such areas.

"When buyers ask me where Lawrence Park is, I mention Mrs. Marty's Deli and the location is clear," Mastronardo says.

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Population: 23,428 (2010)

Median household income: $74,197

Area: 10.5 square miles

Settlements in the last three months: 57

Homes for sale: 62

Average days on market: 69

Median sale price: $385,000

Housing stock: 8,797 units, most post-World War II

School district: Marple Newtown

SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau; City-Data.com; Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors HomExpert Market Report; Barbara M. Mastronardo, Weichert RealtorsEndText

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