Relocating to Philly from CA>> Need advice on place to live (Philadelphia: where to stay, apartment)

[lkaturservice]

I need some advice on where to stay so which could be suitable for my work and education of my kid (KG elementary) along with safe neighborhood (with Indian population as well). Thanks in advance.

When are you moving? April
Where are you coming from? CA
Why are you moving? Employment
Where will you be working? South Philadelphia East (near Navy Yard)
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? 1 BR apt
How much can you spend? ~ $900 - $1000/month
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Walk up, but I'll settle for a hi-rise if need be

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? No

Are you married or single? Married, 1 kid, Elementary School
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public
Do you want or need a yard? Doesn't matter
Are you keeping a car? I may keep if needed
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Relatively calm and quiet, but not boring!

What do you want to be closest to? Ranked in order of importance below:
1. Train or subway stations
2. Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.)/Shopping
3. Work
4. Nightlife

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Yes, preferably where I can get company of Indian community and safe neighborhood.

[frankgn87]

The city public schools(except for the charters) are in shambles. They are looking to close many schools in the near future and possible more in a few years. If education is the top priority, look outside the city for your best public schools. You are close to Delaware county and New Jersey, if you are going to work at the Navy yard. In Pa look at Folsom area and in Jersey look at Haddon Heights.

[kidphilly]

One area in Philly is the Meredith Elementary school within the city, this would be Queen Village/Bella Vista and pretty close to the Navy yard but require driving. For most other living aspects walking or PT would work.

If you look there be careful as the actual borders are very specific and the wrong side a certain blocks can place you outside the encatchment

Outside the city better schools are easier to find in general

[egolise]

Wissahickon area near the Cook-Wissahickon school. Great access to the park, quality neighborhood school, amenities close by. Not super close to S. Philly, but an easy train/sub ride.

[lkaturservice]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

One area in Philly is the Meredith Elementary school within the city, this would be Queen Village/Bella Vista and pretty close to the Navy yard but require driving. For most other living aspects walking or PT would work.

If you look there be careful as the actual borders are very specific and the wrong side a certain blocks can place you outside the encatchment

Outside the city better schools are easier to find in general

Thanks for the response. How about living in suburbs? Any recommendations on suburb looking at my reqirements?

[lkaturservice]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

The city public schools(except for the charters) are in shambles. They are looking to close many schools in the near future and possible more in a few years. If education is the top priority, look outside the city for your best public schools. You are close to Delaware county and New Jersey, if you are going to work at the Navy yard. In Pa look at Folsom area and in Jersey look at Haddon Heights.

Thanks for your response. How is the public transport in Folsom and do see any issue in living in Jersy? Are these areas safe?

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by lkaturservice

Thanks for your response. How is the public transport in Folsom and do see any issue in living in Jersy? Are these areas safe?

Not 100% sure about public transportation from Folsom but Ill bet its really good to the city, as is from Jersey. Both areas are very safe.. No issues. There are no downsides to live in Jersey.. Its clean, very little crime and Haddon heights is a beautiful area with older homes. Here are some links to both places. BTW- my wife and I both work pa and live in NJ.

Folsom, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

//www.city-data.com/city/Folsom-Pennsylvania.html

Haddon Heights

Haddon Heights, New Jersey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

//www.city-data.com/city/Haddon...ew-Jersey.html

[lkaturservice]

Any other option someone can recommend?

[rainrock]

I've heard that King of Prussia and Chester Springs/Exton/Downingtown has a growing Indian community. Both areas would be perfect except for the commute to The Navy Yard. Nice communities, excellent schools. KOP depending on traffic anywhere from 40-1HR commute. Chester Springs 1Hr +

Good luck.


Indian Population Booming in Philadelphia

Indian population booming in Philadelphia area - Philly.com

[rraC ynnaD]

[quote=frankgn87;28345089] There are no downsides to live in Jersey.





[quote]

Other than there's nothing entertaining to do, the taxes are outrageous, the cops are indifferent and there's no culture.