Moving to Philadelphia? (places, family, research)

[penn_love_202]

I do concentrate on my education, a lot, so that when I am an adult I can move where I would like. Again, it's just that I'd love to live there now. Just because I want to live in Philly, doesn't mean that if I did live there/end up living there, that I would neglect school.

[lpranger467]

A nice short term goal also would be to look at the many universities in Philly, U Penn, Temple, University of Sciences, St Joseph, Drexel, Philadelphia University,,the list is very long. My son started taking the train down to Philly in his teens and loved it. If your family does end up in the burbs all the trains into the city are very safe and walking around Center City is also safe. I'd just say that if your family decides not to live in the city it wont be the end of the world as that college is around the corner for you and unlike many large cities its easy to get from the burbs to the city here.

Originally Posted by penn_love_202

I do concentrate on my education, a lot, so that when I am an adult I can move where I would like. Again, it's just that I'd love to live there now. Just because I want to live in Philly, doesn't mean that if I did live there/end up living there, that I would neglect school.

[penn_love_202]

Originally Posted by lpranger467

A nice short term goal also would be to look at the many universities in Philly, U Penn, Temple, University of Sciences, St Joseph, Drexel, Philadelphia University,,the list is very long. My son started taking the train down to Philly in his teens and loved it. If your family does end up in the burbs all the trains into the city are very safe and walking around Center City is also safe. I'd just say that if your family decides not to live in the city it wont be the end of the world as that college is around the corner for you and unlike many large cities its easy to get from the burbs to the city here.

I don't think it'd be horrible to live outside the city, in fact I'm just excited either way because I've never lived out there so it should be interesting. I'm only saying it's my preference. I'd probably like to take the train down and hang out in my free time. Though I'd spend time in my neighborhood I live in of course.

What colleges in Philly would you recommend? Based on area and the performance of the school (good teachers, environment etc.) There are a lot of them and I had been researching because I plan to go to college in the area.

[lpranger467]

I suppose it would really depend on your major. U Penn & Drexel are right across the river from Center City and are very busy campuses. U of Sciences is just south of these two. Philadelphia University is a smaller campus in the NW portion of the city and is right next to Wissahickon Park which is a dream area for outdoorsy people. Temple is in North Philly right along the subway line just north of Center City. There are many other smaller universities scattered around as well. My son was going to go to Temple but decided to go as far as he could in community college first. I think pretty much all of them are good schools and each the bigger ones all have their own respective village areas on campus.

Originally Posted by penn_love_202

I don't think it'd be horrible to live outside the city, in fact I'm just excited either way because I've never lived out there so it should be interesting. I'm only saying it's my preference. I'd probably like to take the train down and hang out in my free time. Though I'd spend time in my neighborhood I live in of course.

What colleges in Philly would you recommend? Based on area and the performance of the school (good teachers, environment etc.) There are a lot of them and I had been researching because I plan to go to college in the area.

[TFZC1922]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

Look at it this way, after high school, you will have the rest of your life to live in a city of your choice. I had a similar conversation with my son who is the same age as you.

You may have heard this before, but whatever seems important now, with time it will most likely become irrelevant. So I wouldn't worry too much about what you don't have now. You have more years (decades) ahead of you and how it pans out will depend on the choices you make today.

Focus on schooling, that's what is important to you right now. Train line to the city is irrelevant to you at this point in your life. I don't even know why anyone thinks its important for you.

...Because I am not ignoring her desire for the city just because she is a teenager (which I find is something us "adults" and "parents" do often, tell "kids" there's plenty of time to live later, do nothing but keep your nose down etc.) I personally don't agree with the "do as I say, not as I do" way of thinking. Anyway, to go more in depth as to why I recommended main line towns... They have their own little walkable downtowns which may satisfy her but the fact that there's train access to center city gives her more options (sometimes just knowing you have the option is enough). Or maybe a once a month day in the city for example. I feel main line towns are perfect for her because of these reasons (again, listening to her wish list) AND because they're home to some of the best school districts in the state and in a few cases, in the country.

[penn_love_202]

Originally Posted by lpranger467

I suppose it would really depend on your major. U Penn & Drexel are right across the river from Center City and are very busy campuses. U of Sciences is just south of these two. Philadelphia University is a smaller campus in the NW portion of the city and is right next to Wissahickon Park which is a dream area for outdoorsy people. Temple is in North Philly right along the subway line just north of Center City. There are many other smaller universities scattered around as well. My son was going to go to Temple but decided to go as far as he could in community college first. I think pretty much all of them are good schools and each the bigger ones all have their own respective village areas on campus.

Ah, cool. I am an outdoor-type person so that's pretty appealing. As are the other 3/4 which are close to Center City. Although, I am still trying to find out what exactly I want to major in/study; I have a few things in mind but haven't decided, so I'll do more research once I've decided.

[penn_love_202]

Originally Posted by TFZC1922

...Because I am not ignoring her desire for the city just because she is a teenager (which I find is something us "adults" and "parents" do often, tell "kids" there's plenty of time to live later, do nothing but keep your nose down etc.) I personally don't agree with the "do as I say, not as I do" way of thinking. Anyway, to go more in depth as to why I recommended main line towns... They have their own little walkable downtowns which may satisfy her but the fact that there's train access to center city gives her more options (sometimes just knowing you have the option is enough). Or maybe a once a month day in the city for example. I feel main line towns are perfect for her because of these reasons (again, listening to her wish list) AND because they're home to some of the best school districts in the state and in a few cases, in the country.

Honestly, I will hear a lot about how "focus on education, in 4 years you'll be able to".....whatever. I mean I know that education is important and I take it seriously as I've said.

And Philly just seems awesome. People say otherwise and they haven't even been there so whatever, haha. There is just so much to do (which I've probably said a million times but oh well) and it's really unique.

As for the main line town school districts, what are the kids like? Are there a lot of fights or are people generally fairly nice? What are the better districts?

For my dad, would you recommend he drive or take a train to work? And is the area generally pretty pricey?

[lpranger467]

Mainline schools are primarily affluent so I don't imagine there are hardly any fights at all. I also believe most would have special programs (for your brother). As that the area is more affluent obviously house prices will be as well. Most homes here are a bit older that the west side of the state but they also tend to have more character.


As for people saying focus on education, I think you doing this for your family is a form of education in economics and communication; kudos to you for doing it, I always encouraged my son and daughter to do the same.

[penn_love_202]

Originally Posted by lpranger467

Mainline schools are primarily affluent so I don't imagine there are hardly any fights at all. I also believe most would have special programs (for your brother). As that the area is more affluent obviously house prices will be as well. Most homes here are a bit older that the west side of the state but they also tend to have more character.


As for people saying focus on education, I think you doing this for your family is a form of education in economics and communication; kudos to you for doing it, I always encouraged my son and daughter to do the same.

What am I doing for my family?.....I'm a little confused haha.

Ah, I love homes with character. Yes, western PA seems to have much different home styles than out east, from what I've seen. It's quite boring.

Oh cool. I'm hoping the schools are friendly, haha, I don't need drama. And yes, the special education programs are highly important to my parents. They really want him in a good environment.

[lpranger467]

I just meant that you were researching places to move for your family

Originally Posted by penn_love_202

What am I doing for my family?.....I'm a little confused haha.

Ah, I love homes with character. Yes, western PA seems to have much different home styles than out east, from what I've seen. It's quite boring.

Oh cool. I'm hoping the schools are friendly, haha, I don't need drama. And yes, the special education programs are highly important to my parents. They really want him in a good environment.