Looking for cities like or similar to New York, but where people can buy/build single family homes with backyards...

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by Libohove90

I second that.

Seriously, Chestnut Hill in Northwest Philly is perfect for you. Green trees, beautiful hills, great schools, somewhat near the largest mall in the US (King of Prussia Mall), pretty safe, and of course, it is not very far from the bustling downtown of Philadelphia where u have tons of great architecture, museums, nightlife, restaurants etc.

Seriously think about it.

For a somewhat cheaper alternative Mount Airy, which is adjacent to Chestnut Hill offers the same amenities and is considered by many to be the first successfully integrated neighborhood in the country. It is also a few minutes closer to Center City although both neighborhoods are served by the same Regional Rail Lines (Chestnut Hill West and Chestnut Hill East)

[ckhthankgod]

This can help in terms of schools you want: Membership Directory (http://www.nais.org/transact/MembershipDirectory.cfm - broken link)

[hello world]

Wow, sorry it took so long to check back. Didn't think I'd actually get a response... not sure such a place existed.

So, from the cities kindly mentioned (thank you everyone), I'm looking at Chicago and Northwest Philadelphia. Which of the two cities would you say is more exciting and resembles New York?

Originally Posted by sirrob

Chicago. There are quite a few areas within the city where you can get a new build SFH w/backyard.

And where in Chicago should I be looking at?

[Libohove90]

Originally Posted by hello world

Wow, sorry it took so long to check back. Didn't think I'd actually get a response... not sure such a place existed.

So, from the cities kindly mentioned (thank you everyone), I'm looking at Chicago and Northwest Philadelphia. Which of the two cities would you say is more exciting and resembles New York?



And where in Chicago should I be looking at?

To be honest, I'd say they are equally exciting. Of course Chicago is much bigger, but Philly is better in the sense that the downtown is truly where all the action is. Chicago has a centralized business district that is larger with a far more impressive skyline, but as far as neighborhoods go, downtown Chicago isn't so much the neighborhood that Center City Philadelphia is. Philadelphia is as much a neighborhood city as Chicago, only its not as big. (Don't get me wrong Philly is huge, its the 5th largest city in the US, but Chi is the 3rd largest).

Which city feels more like NY? Well, both cities are more like each other than they are like New York. New York is a beast that is pretty much untouched by other American cities. However, I'd say Philadelphia is a bit more like New York because it is an east coast city with an east coast grit and an east coast vibe. Chicago is more midwestern vibe where the people are pretty laid back compared to the east coast cities. I've been to all three and that is my honest judgement.

You honestly cannot go wrong with either Chicago or Philly. I'd say pick Philly. Its smack dab in the east coast where you have all kinds of opportunities to have day trips to so many places (NYC, Baltimore, DC, Poconos, the Jersery Shore/Atlantic City etc). All that plus all the wonderful things that the Philadelphia area has to offer. Oh btw, I think Philly is cheaper as well, so thats another thing to consider.

[Looking2BeFree]

Philadelphia is probably your best bet.