Diverse/Family friendly neighborhoods outside of Phildelphia? (Philadelphia, Willow Grove: safe neighborhood, best school)

[lyris]

Hi, all

I grew up in Philadelphia/South New Jersey. Moved to Michigan in 1996.
I am AA, my husband is caucasion. We have 2 beautiful biracial children.
Would love to move close to my extended family but it's a tough call.

We currently reside in a suburb of Michigan. It is very safe, family friendly, diverse and our children attend one of the best school's in our area.

I am looking for a safe neighborhood, excellent schools, diversity, etc. near Philadelphia. Affordable housing would also be a plus!

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
~Lyris

[ajb842]

Check out Cheltenham Township in Montgomery County. I went there, and believe me, it's about as diverse as a "suburban" school could get! It has a city feel, and is literally just outside the city, but is a good suburban school. I loved the high school there. However, I should say that living near a major city like Philadelphia, many of the suburban schools are plenty diverse. I would be surprised if you lived anywhere(Abington, Jenkintown, Willow Grove, etc)and felt odd due to your biracial family. There's plenty of diversity all over here, so I wouldn't worry too much. The only areas that may not be quite as diverse are further from the city. So look at a map and you could probably figure out where that may be, parts of Mongtomery and Bucks County,etc. Still, I highly recommend Cheltenham school district and you will in NO WAY feel out of place. There's a heavy jewish population as well as african american, hispanic, asian, middle eastern and caucasion. I myself am mixed(Jamaican mother, caucasian father)and I loved that I had friends of all different backgrounds. We also regularly had exchange students and ESL classes for all kids who did not know english as there primary language.

[Tone509]

I definitely agree with Cheltenham/Abington.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by lyris

Hi, all

I grew up in Philadelphia/South New Jersey. Moved to Michigan in 1996.
I am AA, my husband is caucasion. We have 2 beautiful biracial children.
Would love to move close to my extended family but it's a tough call.

We currently reside in a suburb of Michigan. It is very safe, family friendly, diverse and our children attend one of the best school's in our area.

I am looking for a safe neighborhood, excellent schools, diversity, etc. near Philadelphia. Affordable housing would also be a plus!

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
~Lyris

You should read the thread at the top of the Philadelphia Forum entitled -

Questions For Future and Potential Residents

cut and past those questions and provide your answers for us and we can offer you much more precise advice.

[lyris]

Thank you all very much. I really appreciate the advice.
~Lyris