Relocating to Philly-mid 30's, family, looking for Rec (Philadelphia, Glenside: neighborhood, private schools)

[DS_to Philly]

My wife and I are relocating to Philadelphia from Chicago. We are youngish professionals with a couple of toddlers. We have loved living on the North side of Chicago and all that cities have to offer, but would like a little bit more space. Our priorities would be:
1. Decent to good public schools
2. Walkable area that is Safe-having a few restaurants, coffee shops or grocery stores walkable would be nice
3. Within 10 min walk to public transportation
4. Good community vibe
5. We are looking for Single Family or Twin type housing, with a small yard, more than space for a table & chairs.

I would love to find a nice urban neighborhood in the city, but fear that the schools aren't good. Are there good options in the city, or close in Suburbs. From afar we have looked at, West Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Wyndmoor, Glenside, Jenkintown, Narberth, Media.

How would people rate those areas or would you have other recommendations. Thanks, and we are looking forward to learning all about this new city.

[chicagoliz]

Those are good choices -- only issue is that Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill are part of Philadelphia, which would be Philadelphia public schools, which, like most large-city schools, are not very good. There are, though, many private schools in that area.

Check out parts of Bala Cynwyd, too.

If you're willing to go a little further out, Wayne has top notch public schools, a nice downtown area, and has the commuter rail.

You're going to miss the North side of Chicago, no matter where you go. ;-)

[BPP1999]

Check out this link. These are suburban towns:

Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia