19809-Bellefonte area

[Sassygirl18]

Does anyone know anything about Bellefonte? If you read my other thread you know that hubby and me are looking for an older neighborhood (with homes built in the 1920s-1930s) in the price range of $300-$325K and someone suggested Bellefonte. I pulled up the real estate listings and it does look like the houses are similar to what we have now and what we like.

An article I read said Bellefonte is "up and coming" so I imagine that means it is in the process of a revitalization. Can anyone comment on this? Is Bellefonte surrounded by other nice areas or are bad areas nearby? What kinds of people live in Bellefonte? Do you think it's a safe area?

Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. We are considering putting it on our list of places to check out when we come to visit again in May.

Thanks!

[ss0847]

welp...all i can say is...as long as you STAY in bellefonte you should be ok...not really sure...i guess it depends on where your at...the closer you are to the bellevue park the better...and as long as your not to close to pila pk and gov.ptz meeting...you should be ok...your minutes away(literally) from edgemoor...which is what many feel one of the biggest scum buckets in newcastle county...a few minutes further...you get into the nasty part of the city of wilmington...i dont really know about up there as im only up in the area once a week...but...as long as you head to marsh/foulk/concord pike/naamans road to do your shopping and junk....ya should be ok

[Chase]

That's a decent description IMO SS, lets all remember as we are talking about neighborhood in DE that it could be someone here on the sites area so try and keep that in mind when describing....

[hockey]

I love Bellfonte, Sassy.... it is a nice area that is in the process of changing for the better. The houses are old and beautiful with loads of charm. My sister lives in Bellfonte and loves it. She moved in about 5 years ago to a big, stunning old stone house that has since doubled in price.

The one major drawback, as SS & Chase mentioned, is Edgemoor Gardens. It is an area of section 8 town homes off towards Governor Printz Blvd, Edgemoor Rd side of Bellfonte. Generally, the kids will walk through Bellfonte to get to Mt. Plesant HS. The local community groups do band together and work with the police to keep crime down. The biggest suggestion they will make is not to have basketball poles in your driveway or you'll be inviting these kids to play there.

There are some risks moving into an area that is "up and coming". I strongly suggest asking for a real estate agents opinion on Bellfonte. Personally, I would buy into Bellfonte as the house are adorable and the prices are low. There's plenty of nice shops along Brandywine Blvd too.

Try searching through the crime maps at delawareonline.com too. Bellfonte zip code: 19809 It may help answer some of your Q's.

Good luck, Sassy.

[hockey]

That's a decent description IMO SS, lets all remember as we are talking about neighborhood in DE that it could be someone here on the sites area so try and keep that in mind when describing....

I think anyone who lives in Edgemoor Gardens is well aware of their situation.

[Chase]

Well I'm sure, just like i know quite a bit about living in Jefferson Farms. If someone where to log on and totally trash talk my neighborhood though, i could get a little steamed (Chase rarely ever gets steamed, just sayin)

[Sassygirl18]

Thanks for the perspective, everyone.

So looking at a map then, the area near Gov. Printz Blvd where it intersects with Edgemoor Road is bad?

Which area is the best area?

[hockey]

Brandywine Blvd and the streets that intersect are worth looking into. The only "bad" area is Edgemoor Gardens. Edgemoor Terrace is nice and it's right next door to the Gardens.

[Tracy]

I love Harry Bellefonte!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZTESVII9Q

[Discgolfer]

Well, I don't think I've actually posted on TD yet, so I may as well start with a post about my neighborhood. Hopefully the information isn't too late for you.

Although Bellefonte is relatively close to Edgemoor, you will have minimal - if any - problems from those that live in Edgemoor. To be honest, the only times I see people from that development around my home is Halloween, and they're just tryin' to get some goodies. Also, I don't think I've ever seen anyone from "that part" of the city come through Bellefonte, even though geographically they aren't far off. Bellefonte is a nice mix of young/old, but I'd definitely say the neighborhood is on more of a younger swing recently. My neighbors are, for the most part, excellent; anyone else I've come by has also been cordial.

Honestly, the only problems I've had are a few kids in the area who are generally unaware - whether by conscious choice or not - of those around them and they can be slightly unruly. However, they're middle schoolers, so I don't expect an amazing amount of restraint from them.

Overall, it's a great area and I'm glad I bought a home there.

[Mark]

Welcome to Talk Delaware Disc! Also thank you for the informative post!

[Chase]

Great post Discgolfer, welcome to TD friend

EDIT: and i guess ill move this to the "Neighborhood Review" section

[Discgolfer]

Man, you guys are quick to welcome someone! Thanks for the greetings.

[Chase]

we are very fast, and sneaky

[Sassygirl18]

Thanks, discgolfer. I really appreciate your perspective, especially since you live there, and welcome to the board!

[You overpaid]

Bellefonte is deceiving to the unfamiliar, risky at best and overpriced due to the close proximity of Phila Pike, Edgemoor Rd and Edgemoor gardens, and Gov Printz Blvd. If you like to watch hookers, drug deals, and other criminal activity, well then go ahead and waste your money. Don;t be fooled by the few blocks of quaint charm. I wouldn't let my kids walk anywhere NEAR there.