Please help...Philly is an option (Philadelphia, Penn: fit in, rent, houses)

[Kween]

I am a single mom of 4 boys and I am looking to relocate. Philly and Charlotte,NC are my finalists,lol!! I am recently leaning towards Philly since its so close to NYC, Baltimore, and Ohio (where I am moving from). Plus I know nothing of country southern living (unless the streets of Baltimore count).

I am an artist (Spoken word poet) and also kind of used to city living. But I am also a very friendly warmhearted person and Cleveland is just not doing it. Maybe its idiotic to move to another state thinking people will be friendlier,lol.... (of course thats not my only reason) .... But I also need a change in general. Any guidance, support, or tips on my transition? How is the culture diversity in Philly?

Thanks in advance!

[Phillyhoosier]

Philadelphia is certainly not the place to move for friendlier people. There is a lot of racial diversity in the city, but very little integration. There is a great amount of racial tension between whites and blacks in Philly. In the recent mayoral primary, one candidate told voters that if they didn't vote for him, they should at least vote for one of the other black candidates. Even amongst the leaders of the city there is a white vs. black mentality.

Racial diversity can be found in some areas, however. In University City(between Center City and West Philly) you have some racial diversity because of UPenn and Drexel (also racial tension fueled by great difference in economic class of West Philly and U city). South Street, which borders South Philly and Center City is a great place for an artist. It is an eclectic neighborhood where nearly anyone seems to fit in. Another area which may give you a good feeling is the Northern Liberties area in the Northeast part of Center City.

[lovephilly]

your not going to believe this but I am moving from cleveland as well, and my finalist were Philly and NC. Philly won out though. Im hopefully taking the PA bar in Feb. I want to be prosecutor and I know I will get way more experience in Philly then I would in NC. I also chose philly b/c it gives you that big city , and it is not that expensive as it could be. I plan on moving in October. I think for your artistic side Philly will be better, but far as family goes the NC would be a nice place to raise a family because of housing, schools and etc. Good luck with your choice.

[katenik]

i would advise against moving to philly with kids unless you plan to live in the suburbs, or can afford private schools for all of them.

[smiley411]

Philly is much nicer than B-more and less expensive than New york. And your chances of survival are much greater than living in B-more...LOL!!!

[newmarlig]

I would suggest you look in Queen Village. It is a very diverse area. You can walk to center city and there is a very good public school there (Meredith). This is a great city and I hope you love it here.

[Kween]

Wow...you guys have helped out immensely!! And to "lovephilly" its a hard decision to make for me. NC is sooooo far from everything. And since I am really not established in my career I may need to think of the mass transit system I hear Philly has a GREAT mass transit system. Anyway, I also hear that Philly is the Murder capital....Hmmm...anyway, my research will continue.

Again I appreciate everyone!

[philly76er]

I lived in Queen Village and loved the area. I'm not sure what your price range is, but if you're thinking of buying it can be quite expensive. I rented and my rent wasn't bad at all.

I also lived in Northern Liberties and that may be more fitting for an artist. That area houses a lot of artists and musical professionals. I'm not sure about the school systems in these neighborhoods though.

good luck...philly is great. I just moved to Florida for work and I am homesick.