relocating from CA (Philadelphia, Chester, King of Prussia: best towns, high crime, how much)

[cmow]

My husband and I are looking into relocating to the Philadelphia area from Northern California to be closer to my family who live on the east coast. I have been reading other threads on this site about Philly and have some concerns. Just to let you know that I know nothing about Philly.

1.It seems that Philly has been going downhill. Not very clean; high crime rate; people are not too happy with the politics going on. Is this true? If so, has this spread into the suburbs or are these just city problems?

2. I was researching public schools in the Philadelphia area. It seems that there are quite a few private schools which leads me to believe that the public schools are not that great. Am I wrong?

Also, I was also wondering how friendly the people are in Philly area? Is it fairly easy to meet people? Do you know your neighbors (more than just their name)?

We have a 4 yr old daughter and are looking into relocating and was hoping people would be honest with me. Would you relocate to Philly?

I REALLY appreciate any info/insight you can share.

[BPP1999]

The city has its problems. Crime is high, and there are dirty parts. The politicians are crooked. But, it's still a great city. If you are into "real" city living, you definately should check out Center City, though many parts of the city are having a significant rebirth.

There are lots of private schools in this region because the area has a strong history of wealth and concern for education. Back before the suburbanization of the country, and the decline of manufacturing, the Philadelphia region had lots of old money who certainly played a part in establishing the private schools.

The suburban public schools are generally very good or excellent. The Philadelphia School District has its problems, but there are some magnet schools in the city that are excellent, if your child can test and place into them. I'm really not sure how that works, as I don't live in the city.

[Berksby Annie]

Hello,

I live in Berks County which is an hour from the city. I have many clients that have moved out of the city due to crime and such. They tend to come in to Berks County becuse it is cheaper to live as far as how much home you get for the money and tax reasons. I personally would not live in the city. If you want to do some reasearch for that area, you can check out my website Welcome to Home

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me.

[cmow]

We would be living in the burbs. Which areas are more middle - upper middle class (e.g. southwest of Philly)?

[newmarlig]

There are many safe areas in and around Philadelphia. To name just a few (and there are many, many more):

Philadelphia
Center City (including Queen Village, Northern Liberties, Old City, Bella Vista, Filter Square, Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West).
University City
Chestnut Hill/West Mt. Airy
Manayunk
the Greater Northeast
Roxborough

There are some very good public schools in Philly, depending on the area, particularly in Center City and University City.

Suburbs
Ardmore
Narberth
Wynnewood
Bryn Mawr
Lafayette Hill
Lower Merion
Media

All with excellent public schools

New Jersey
Cherry Hill
Marlton
Mt. Laurel
Moorestown
Haddonfield

Again, excellent public schools.

[cmow]

Thank you for the great info Newmarlig. This will be a big help.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by cmow

Thank you for the great info Newmarlig. This will be a big help.

You're welcome. Don't be afraid. This is a great city. And after Michael Nutter is elected mayor in November, it will be even better than it has been for the past 8 years.

[rainrock]

Originally Posted by cmow

My husband and I are looking into relocating to the Philadelphia area from Northern California to be closer to my family who live on the east coast. I have been reading other threads on this site about Philly and have some concerns. Just to let you know that I know nothing about Philly.

1.It seems that Philly has been going downhill. Not very clean; high crime rate; people are not too happy with the politics going on. Is this true? If so, has this spread into the suburbs or are these just city problems?

2. I was researching public schools in the Philadelphia area. It seems that there are quite a few private schools which leads me to believe that the public schools are not that great. Am I wrong?

Also, I was also wondering how friendly the people are in Philly area? Is it fairly easy to meet people? Do you know your neighbors (more than just their name)?

We have a 4 yr old daughter and are looking into relocating and was hoping people would be honest with me. Would you relocate to Philly?

I REALLY appreciate any info/insight you can share.

The city itself you can basically split into 3 categories equally presented. World class
Middle Class
Lower class

Unfortunately the lower class seems to make the most noise in Philly.

The world class sections of Philadelphia blow anything in the suburbs out of the water imo. Center City/University City/Chestnut Hill/Fairmount Park in particular.

The suburbs by and large are exceptional. To answer your question, yes I would move to the Philadlephia area.

Other suburbs to consider along with what newmarlig mentioned.

West Chester
Malvern
Chadds Ford
Wayne
Tredyffrin
Paoli
Great Valley
Newtown Square
Garnet Valley
Upper Providence
Exton
Chester Springs
Doylestown
Valley Forge
King of Prussia
Newtown
Yardley
New Hope



3 of the Philadlephia suburbs were included in top 15 of Money magazines 100 best towns of 2007. No other metro had more than 1.

9.Nether Providence( near Media) Delaware County Pa.
12.West Goshen(near West Chester) Chester County
15.Horsham(Montgomery County)

Good luck

[cmow]

Thank you rainrock. We will definitely be visiting this Fall. Can't wait!

[mondo96]

I have lived in the northeast suburbs my whole life. I live in a town called yardley, it is very nice and safe. schools are good. Newtown and langhorne are also very good. I would not live in the city, I always tell people 40% of the city is great, the other 60% you avoid.

The suburbs of philly are some of the wealthiest in the country.