Garnet Valley, PA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Garnet Valley is an unincorporated community in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It is popular for being a quaint, residential area near abundant hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. Additionally, residents enjoy its close proximity to both Philadelphia and the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate & Geography

Located in Eastern Pennsylvania, Garnet Valley has a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and winters are cold, but neither season experiences extreme temperatures thanks to the moderating effects of the Atlantic Ocean. Residents can expect 46 inches of rain, 15 inches of snow, and 204 days of sun each year.

Garnet Valley is primarily flat with the Delaware River bordering on the east. Philadelphia is approximately 20 miles away.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Garnet Valley is mainly residential, but it is surrounded by greenspaces and natural areas to explore. These include Bellevue State Park, Chester Creek Trail, and Brandywine Creek State Park, where residents can hike, bike, and fish.

For local entertainment, Garnet Valley residents enjoy visiting the Penns Woods Winery, golfing at the Clayton Park Golf Course, and shopping at the nearby Concordville Town Centre and Concord Mall. For high-end boutiques, sporting events, and historic museums, Philadelphia is a half-hour away.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Garnet Valley is higher than the national average because of high housing and transportation costs. Other factors like health care, groceries, and utilities are also slightly above average.

Pennsylvania is very tax friendly towards retirees because it does not tax Social Security benefits. In addition, all other forms of retirement income are exempt from taxation for retirees over 60. Property taxes are high, but the state offers a rebate for qualifying retirees. Sales taxes are also high, but clothing, groceries, and prescription drugs are exempt.

Health Care

The Philadelphia metro area ranks in the top 105 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

Though there are no hospitals in Garnet Valley, residents are close to several nearby hospitals that are rated high performing by U.S. News. These include Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Riddle Hospital, and Chester County Hospital. In addition, Philadelphia is home to four nationally ranked medical centers: Wills Eye Hospital, Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian, Jefferson Health-Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Pennsylvania Hospital.