Bolting for the burbs (Washington, Houston: homes, calculation, income)

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

Eh, I dispute that. When you correct for socioeconomic background, I don't see much of a difference, really.

There are exceptions in both the city and suburbs but for the most part I feel like kids in the city are exposed to more types of people/situations and are more independent at an earlier age. I guess most of it is a function of being driven everywhere by your parents versus just walking/biking/public transit to see friends and do stuff.

I know that if I ever have children I would want them to be raised in the city, and not necessarily because I was (Mount Airy).

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

There are exceptions in both the city and suburbs but for the most part I feel like kids in the city are exposed to more types of people/situations and are more independent at an earlier age.

I know that if I ever have children I would want them to be raised in the city as I was (Mount Airy).

Independent, yes, by virtue of the fact that once kids are old enough to go out on their own, it's a lot easier for them to do so. Exposed, it greatly depends. When you live in Society Hill and go to Friends Select, you're probably not experiencing a whole lot of diversity on a regular basis. Of course, if you go to a good neighborhood school like Penn Alexander and then move on to Central or Masterman you're really going to get the best of both worlds and interact with a great variety of people.

I still dispute the "better-balanced" and "cooler" assertions though.

[LHM]

Based on some of things being said in this thread you would think that "the suburbs" equate to some remote, uninhabited rural area while "the city" is some type of magical, Manhattan-esque utopia. People need to get out more.

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

They'd probably resent you too. Kids that grow up in the city are much cooler and well-rounded (just kidding people...sort of)

Are you saying city kids are fatter!!??

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by 2e1m5a

There are exceptions in both the city and suburbs but for the most part I feel like kids in the city are exposed to more types of people/situations and are more independent at an earlier age. I guess most of it is a function of being driven everywhere by your parents versus just walking/biking/public transit to see friends and do stuff.

I know that if I ever have children I would want them to be raised in the city, and not necessarily because I was (Mount Airy).

Well then our Son had the best of both worlds. Raised in Philly and now in the burbs.. In actuality, it makes little difference where you are raised if the parents do their jobs. I can show you people raised in the middle of the country who are more smarter(and well rounded) then most who were raised in cities.

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by LHM

Based on some of things being said in this thread you would think that "the suburbs" equate to some remote, uninhabited rural area while "the city" is some type of magical, Manhattan-esque utopia. People need to get out more.

Exactly. its comical actually.. The city folk will use whatever they can to justify (in their own minds)the city..

If you rely on the 'city' to teach and raise your kids, you ain't doing your job

[LHM]

Originally Posted by frankgn87

Exactly. its comical actually.. The city folk will use whatever they can to justify (in their own minds)the city..

If you rely on the 'city' to teach and raise your kids, you ain't doing your job

don't be glib

[frankgn87]

Originally Posted by LHM

don't be glib

[2e1m5a]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

Independent, yes, by virtue of the fact that once kids are old enough to go out on their own, it's a lot easier for them to do so. Exposed, it greatly depends. When you live in Society Hill and go to Friends Select, you're probably not experiencing a whole lot of diversity on a regular basis. Of course, if you go to a good neighborhood school like Penn Alexander and then move on to Central or Masterman you're really going to get the best of both worlds and interact with a great variety of people.

I still dispute the "better-balanced" and "cooler" assertions though.

That's true. I think I experienced both sides to a degree, going to a majority black grade school in my neighborhood and then to a majority suburban white high school (although in North Philly).

But yes, I would agree that there are cool people from everywhere.

[toobusytoday]

IMHO, parenting plays a bigger role in how well prepared you are to handle different situations and life in general and even your world view. Although neither my husband nor I have ever lived in a city, we have traveled extensively and lived in several states. Our grown daughter has lived in Brooklyn, China, Nashville and now Washington DC as a young adult. Somehow her small town upbringing did not hinder her much!