New York vs San Francisco (Newark, Larchmont: home, neighborhoods, school)

[crayonsmagiques]

Hi everybody,

I am originaly French, living in Florida, but thinking about moving somewhere else, with 4 seasons, more culture and many openings for the languages courses/creativity/communication workshops for both Europeans and Americans that I am currently creating.

We have a 2 year old little girl, and we are thinking about New York or San Francisco, we don't know yet. My husband and my job are "transportable", we can work from home, so moving is not an issue.

New York is highly acclaimed, has this extremely attracting reputation but life costs can be discouraging. San Francisco on the other hand seems to be less expensive, and might have a little "village" touch that we truly like. Safety and schooling system are my priorities. It seems to me that SF is safer, and 'cooler".
But I am open to all recommendations/suggestions/input.

Thank you to everyone and have a great week end

CM

[BXGEAR]

Originally Posted by crayonsmagiques

Hi everybody,

I am originaly French, living in Florida, but thinking about moving somewhere else, with 4 seasons, more culture and many openings for the languages courses/creativity/communication workshops for both Europeans and Americans that I am currently creating.

We have a 2 year old little girl, and we are thinking about New York or San Francisco, we don't know yet. My husband and my job are "transportable", we can work from home, so moving is not an issue.

New York is highly acclaimed, has this extremely attracting reputation but life costs can be discouraging. San Francisco on the other hand seems to be less expensive, and might have a little "village" touch that we truly like. Safety and schooling system are my priorities. It seems to me that SF is safer, and 'cooler".
But I am open to all recommendations/suggestions/input.

Thank you to everyone and have a great week end

CM

I heard SF was the NY of the west. NYC has little "villages" too. And mass transit = lower cost of living. NYC is better if you're more into being hip. SF is better if you like weird people. But both are progressive

[NYNY10013]

What will be the combined income + your housing budget?

Before NY, I lived in California (LA and San Francisco) and they don't even compare to NY in my opinion. NYC is in a class of its own, but its the most expensive.

[john_starks]

if you're from France, i suggest SF much more easy going and picturesque....NYC is gotham city - a tough life for a new family with a child. unless you like a massive "brick city" (and i don't mean Newark)

[NYNY10013]

Originally Posted by john_starks

if you're from France, i suggest SF much more easy going and picturesque....NYC is gotham city - a tough life for a new family with a child. unless you like a massive "brick city" (and i don't mean Newark)

What's so tough about raising a child in New York? How many millions of children have been raised in NYC? Much larger number than in San Francisco. They grow up perfectly fine and are more savvy than kids raised in suburbia.

I know many new families in NYC and the toughest part is cost.

[crayonsmagiques]

Thank you all for your replies, it's true that the "mass brick fabric" doesn't motivate me very much. But honestly if you want to see weird people, you are very welcome in Florida LOL

We are considering the costs of living, safety, schooling (for later), childcare (halftime), and a nice quiet and safe neighbourhood to live in (I heard good things about Chelsea...)

[Fred314X]

Yet another instance of someone saying the words "New York" and really meaning "Manhattan." There are great neighborhoods in all five boroughs. (I'm a native-born Brooklynite, and therefore not affected by Manhattan's allegedly magical spell!)

[crayonsmagiques]

LOL
How is life in Brooklyn for a family having a young child? Parks, playgrounds, activities for mom/child like Gymboree etc?
I am from Paris so I am pretty much used walking short/long distance, using public transportation, etc.
How safe and expensive is Brooklyn?
Thanks

[Kevrltr]

There is a large French population in Westchester County, particularly in Larchmont.
It is a 30 min commute to NYC and an "Easier" lifestyle. Safer, cheaper, you can afford a home and a car.

All the best!

Kevin O'Shea

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by NYNY10013

What's so tough about raising a child in New York? How many millions of children have been raised in NYC? Much larger number than in San Francisco. They grow up perfectly fine and are more savvy than kids raised in suburbia.

I know many new families in NYC and the toughest part is cost.

you're probably right. i did not grow up in the city