Relocate: Atlanta, Kansas City MO, Dallas TX, or Philly

[N610DL]

They are all decent options but Dallas or Atlanta is probably the best bang for the buck with major city benefits. Kansas City is significantly smaller than both and Philadelphia is the most expensive (but probably the best bang for the buck in the Northeast.)

[kcmo]

KC is smaller, but it's still a good sized city that offers a lot for those looking for something urban....

[Mutiny77]

KCMO is definitely the odd man out here. I'd probably replace it with one of the "media darlings" like Denver, Portland, Minneapolis, etc. just to make things a bit more fair.

[Metal To The Core]

I've visited all of them more than once, never lived in any of them, though.

Good education: Not Philly
Good employment opportunities: Probably Dallas or Atlanta
Walkability in neighborhoods (to stores): Philadelphia by a landslide, Dallas is probably the worst in this department
Moderate Traffic (I hate traffic): Out of these, Kansas City easily
Slim Crime Rate (I'm aware no city is perfect): Dallas
Social (easy for my husband to build clientele): Leaning towards Dallas, not really sure
Good nightlife (for occasional outings): Probably any of them
Annual Events: Probably any of them
Parks: Probably more Atlanta and Philly than KC and Dallas
Kid Friendly (zoo, skating, swimming, biking, childcare): Leaning towards KC, but not sure
Urban: I'll say Philly followed by Atlanta, but really any of them
Music Scene: Philly would have the most concerts, followed by Dallas. As far as a local scene, probably any of them
Affordable housing (section 8 preference until I finish college): Kansas City for sure, Philly would be the most expensive
Scenic (beautiful areas): Philadelphia followed by KC
4 seasons: Philadelphia followed by KC. KC has a more extreme four seasons, though.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by Metal To The Core

Music Scene: Philly would have the most concerts, followed by Dallas. As far as a local scene, probably any of them

Not sure who would have the most concerts, but Atlanta is definitely at or close to the top given its music scene. In terms of a local scene, I'd probably say Philly by a hair then Atlanta.

[RightonWalnut]

Originally Posted by Metal To The Core

I've visited all of them more than once, never lived in any of them, though.

Good education: Not Philly

Hmm.... Philadelphia (and it's region) actually have the best public schools, private schools and charter schools out of any on this list. The public school system in the Philadelphia area is by far better than any other listed here.

On top of that, Philadelphia is by far and large the best on this list for colleges/universities as well.

[Jandrew5]

Am I the only one who saw the OP asking about section 8? Sorry if I'm being presumptuous, but I take that as her meaning her money is tight. Plus she said she has 4 kids including 2 babies. Gotta put her in a realistic range.

[ShineNOLA]

Thanks for the comments. I looked into all of these places and all of them seem pretty affordable for us, but i wanted more than just affordable that's why i included the other things I'm concerned about. I have an aunt in Atlanta and she said the job opportunities are getting worse every year and right now the unemployment rate is high.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by ShineNOLA

Thanks for the comments. I looked into all of these places and all of them seem pretty affordable for us, but i wanted more than just affordable that's why i included the other things I'm concerned about. I have an aunt in Atlanta and she said the job opportunities are getting worse every year and right now the unemployment rate is high.

Atlanta is registering pretty high job growth right now and the metropolitan unemployment rate is 4.8% which isn't the best but a far cry from the worst. Atlanta did struggle to recover from the recession but started improving significantly at least 2 years ago.