2 mom family seeking safest (Greater Philly) neighborhood... opinions wanted

[nrosetulip]

I'm interested in a similar bit of info about Boston... potentially moving from Phila. We're a mixed race household with a whole heap of kids, need a big house, some space to run, good schools... and of course not astronomically priced. Any ideas for us?

Looking at the physical requirements of your home, you *might* find a house to suit you in Mt. Airy/Germantown. Philly has so many neighborhoods that are made up of rows or twins. I have several colleagues (I'm in UC area for work) who commute from Mt. Airy via train. I know of a couple of two mom and two dad households that live in Mt. Airy. I might even be able to help put you in touch, if interested. (Friends of friends...) East Falls might also be a consideration (zip is 19129, if you're searching realtor.com or something). UC does still have some small houses, but not many, and it would be a good personality fit. It's become a very family oriented area, and family is NOT predefined.

good luck!

[solibs]

If I were in your shoes there is no way in the world I would move to PA. If you were single or just in a relationship I would say, "yeah, there are lots of great towns in PA" but since there are kids in the mix it's a whole different story. There are just too many people in the state legislature that are openly hostile to the idea of same-sex couples. We had a "Defense of Marriage Act" that passed the State house and was ready to go before the State Senate back in May. I'm not sure what happened with it . . .

Anyway, I would spend some time on Haddon Ave. (Collingswood/Westmont/Haddonfield) and on Germantown Ave. (G'town/Mt. Airy/Chestnut Hill). They're both about the same distance from Center City and have many of the same amenities.

After you consider the legal protections you have on Haddon Ave. that you don't have on Germantown Ave. I think it would become a lot easier to make a decision. Generally, i think most people in the Philly region are socially, pretty liberal regardless of what side of the river they're on so I doubt that you'd experience any problems here that you wouldn't experience in Mass.

It's really just comes down to doing what's best for your family.

[MoorestownResident]

OP, there is nothing like Moorestown or Haddonfield in PA or the region except Princeton 30 miles to the north. I realize this is PA board and people can't call it real here but if you don't check these towns out, including Medford, you are making a huge mistake. PM me if you want more info. Moorestown is also progressive. I had two moms living next to me until they sold over the summer - they stayed in town, and the people who bought their house moved a whole 3 blocks. Once you move in, you don't leave. The family house stays in the family. Kids relocate back to Moorestown and buy the family house to raise their kids.

[ooodsie]

I know quite a few same sex families w children who live in the Yardley area. Yardley is a 30 minute commute to center city Philadelphia and also a nice community, nice yard sizes, great school district, etc.. I second the suggestion for Haddon Ave area of NJ as well. I think either of those two areas would be great bets for your family. If you want more info on the Yardley area feel free to PM me I would be happy to provide more in depth information.

[clickclack]

MOUNT AIRY IS THE BEST!!!

I grew up there and when I was little, my two best friends both had two moms, it's totally diverse and everything. Plus about 25% of all kids are adopted there, practically, and at my school, there was only one Republican family (maybe that part is not so diverse). It's totally what you are looking for!

[newmarlig]

Queen Village would be another excellent choice. It's a great area and you can walk into center city. There is an excellent public school there (Meredith) as well.

[kyle19125]

Like newmarlig, I too would recommend Queen Village or Society Hill. People literally don't blink here regarding "two moms", the neighborhoods are similar to what you know in Boston, and the location (in-town) is convenient and safe. Very walkable and quiet for the most part given the location. Yes, Mt Airy is "in-town" but far removed from the city center and things to do. I feel some what more authorized to provide commentary as a gay man versus the heterosexual perspective. <g>

[Hobokenkitchen]

Originally Posted by ooodsie

I know quite a few same sex families w children who live in the Yardley area. Yardley is a 30 minute commute to center city Philadelphia and also a nice community, nice yard sizes, great school district, etc.. I second the suggestion for Haddon Ave area of NJ as well. I think either of those two areas would be great bets for your family. If you want more info on the Yardley area feel free to PM me I would be happy to provide more in depth information.

Yardley IS 30 mins commute - with no traffic. If your partner needs to commute during rush hour, I would double that commute time. Make sure you try it out several times if you are considering Yardley.

It would be nice to be close to New Hope which actually has it's own gay pride festival - pretty impressive for such a small place! Having said that, New Hope is only an hour away from Philly itself, so still easily accessible for days out.

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Like newmarlig, I too would recommend Queen Village or Society Hill. People literally don't blink here regarding "two moms", the neighborhoods are similar to what you know in Boston, and the location (in-town) is convenient and safe. Very walkable and quiet for the most part given the location. Yes, Mt Airy is "in-town" but far removed from the city center and things to do. I feel some what more authorized to provide commentary as a gay man versus the heterosexual perspective. <g>

CC would be ideal for you in terms of feeling comfortable as a same sex couple. I grew up with two Mums, and my Mother loved it here when she last came to visit.
BUT you will not find a single family home here, they are all rows, and I doubt you would get the backyard you are looking for in CC.

Chestnut Hill may be possible, but you might have budget issues there. I think West Mount Airy is the best all around solution, but would definitely check out Moorestown as well, although not sure how diverse Moorestown is.

Good luck and welcome to the area!

[kelb]

Consider Jenkintown/Glenside/Abington area...tons of single homes where you can walk to a train station, and it is not a long train ride to UC. Progressive area with the advantage of being able to walk to shopping, restaurants, etc.