Places near the Children's Hospital? (Boston, Brookline: transplants, rentals, neighborhood)

[kjg0101]

Hi! I am a single mother of four and my youngest has a severe heart and liver defect. I am considering moving to be closer to the Children's Hospital in either Boston or Philadelphia because they seem to be the best as far as treating both defects long term.

I would "prefer" Boston but know it is very expensive. Are there and decent areas not too far from the hospital that have decent housing (not expensive by any means) and decent schools?

Thanks!

[sna77]

knowing a budget would help... Brookline and Jamaica Plain are 5 min from Children's Hospital and have plenty of rentals.

[kmann-sherborn]

I would recommend asking the hospital. I seem to recall that some Boston hospitals have access to discounted housing for patients who need to stay nearby for care.

[brightdoglover]

If OP is making a permanent move to be near the hospital, I must say I can't think of any neighborhood that will suit. I do think Philly is a better bet for expense, if the hospitals are equally good. Maybe OP could even live across the river in south Jersey on the PATCO line and have a quick shot into Philly while living in a quieter area with better public schools. Best wishes.

[shiver]

Both cities' Childrens' Hospitals are top notch so all things being equal, the cost of living in and around Philly will be noticeably less. That said, what is your housing budget like? "Not expensive" is a relative term so it's hard to answer your question.

Edit: I see you are from Georgia. From my understanding, both Atlanta and Houston have excellent Childrens' Hospitals and will have a lower cost of living than the northern cities. Boston and Philly usually flip flop as 1 and 2 in rankings (or at least top 3 or 4), but unless there is a specific type of trial or research being done up here, the difference in care may not be so much better as to justify the cost and move. Obviously, this is something to be researched and discussed with your current doctors. Good luck! I hope your child is doing okay.

[kjg0101]

Thank you for the responses! We currently get seen in Atlanta but honestly I do not wish to move to the Atlanta area. We are more wanting to move up north. The care here is excellent. For her liver condition, more kids with it are seen with it up there and sometimes even go uo there for liver transplants. She will need long term heart and liver care.

Budget wise, I would like to stay under $1000 so i'm not sure if Boston is the best match and further research points to Philly being more affordable.

Thanks for your suggestions and help!

[brent s]

Originally Posted by kjg0101

Thank you for the responses! We currently get seen in Atlanta but honestly I do not wish to move to the Atlanta area. We are more wanting to move up north. The care here is excellent. For her liver condition, more kids with it are seen with it up there and sometimes even go uo there for liver transplants. She will need long term heart and liver care.

Budget wise, I would like to stay under $1000 so i'm not sure if Boston is the best match and further research points to Philly being more affordable.

Thanks for your suggestions and help!

Under $1,000 won't happen in Boston realistically.

[brightdoglover]

Philly is way more affordable than Boston, on every level.