Raising kids "in the city" - is it possible?? (Lincoln: condos, new home)

[gtrgrl74]

We are relocating and do not want to live in the suburbs. We love the city. Is this possible without a fortune and without sending the kids to public school? Thanks

[NYrules]

Originally Posted by gtrgrl74

We are relocating and do not want to live in the suburbs. We love the city. Is this possible without a fortune and without sending the kids to public school? Thanks

What kind of city atmosphere are you looking for? Are you looking for tree lined streets, houses that are close together but have yards, alleys in the back type of thing, or do you want high rises, tons of traffic and people, sirens blarring, horns honking, basically Manhattan type of stuff? As for cost what do you want to spend? Do you require parks? Do you plan on having a car? All questions that need to be asked before recommending an area.

[gtrgrl74]

I do not really care about the atomsphere as long as there are other families there. We are coming from Tampa (I know -not a real city). My husband loves the big highrise condos but I am not sure if they are family friendly. Would like a park if we don't have a yard. We both have cars now, but would like to get rid of at least one. I love Manhattan - if that helps...lol. But, we do have small children and don't want to raise them where people will think we are crazy ...........Thank you so much!!!

[aragx6]

A lot of people raise kids in the city; you certainly wouldn't be looked down upon for that (A lot of people will give you kudos for that actually) there are a lot of family-friendly neighborhoods in the city that are a little more "neighborhoody" in feel with lower density and more "walk-ups" buildings that are 3 or 4 stories tall with several units. But you can also live in places like River North or Streeterville in a high-rise.

Again, a lot of this depends on your price range though. City living is very expensive. If you tell us your price range we should be able to recommend some good neighborhoods.

Also are you looking for a 3 bedroom?

[GoCUBS1]

Originally Posted by gtrgrl74

I do not really care about the atomsphere as long as there are other families there. We are coming from Tampa (I know -not a real city). My husband loves the big highrise condos but I am not sure if they are family friendly. Would like a park if we don't have a yard. We both have cars now, but would like to get rid of at least one. I love Manhattan - if that helps...lol. But, we do have small children and don't want to raise them where people will think we are crazy ...........Thank you so much!!!

For some time, I have been on the verge of packing it all up and moving our family back to the city. I miss it. The burbs can feel really boring sometimes. Yesterday, I talked to my friend with kids who just moved to the burbs from Lincoln Park. They were attending good private schools in the city but she felt it was so hard for her kids to socialize and play in a secure environment. She was always freaked out (about car accidents, crime, etc.) when her kids had to walk down the block to a friend's house. She loves the fact her new home has a huge backyard with lots of families nearby.

A family could have an excellent lifestyle in the city. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it's as easy to do with your criteria of "without a fortune."

[skyeINIL]

I've been wondering about the public schools up north. Since the neighborhoods up north are generally viewed as better, shouldn't the schools be better, too? My husband and I were thinking about moving to the North side a while back and I looked into a few elementary schools in the area (e.g. Ravenswood, Coonley, Bell). I would have had no problem sending my children to any of them. I realize that my standards may be different than others, but what is wrong with the public schools I mentioned and others in the area?

[gameguy56]

Lincoln Park HS is known as a wonderful school, and I think it's actually one of the top in the nation.

[gtrgrl74]

We are looking to stay under the 500k range.........would love to be 350-400k if remotely possible. I think I would probably prefer the "walk-ups" too. If we live in these neighborhoods, is public school still possible. We are both Catholic school kids and so are our children now, but would still like the public school option. Yes - 3 bedroom.

[aragx6]

I think it can def. be done on that budget. Even at 400k. I know more about the neighborhoods where the younger crowd tends to hang out, but I know there are others here that can give you suggestions on neighborhoods that are more family-friendly. I don't have kids, but from what i have seen, the notion that every city school is a nightmare is false. Also look into magnet school options for sure.

[NSH]

YOu may want to look into Beverly Hills/Morgan Park. The neighborhood has a very strong community feel and as a guess I would say it is 70% families with children. 350-500K will get you a good house with 3 br + in very decent shape.

More info here
BAPA - Beverly Area Planning Association