Relocating to Philadelphia within the next three weeks! (Audubon, Penn: house, transfer)

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by cattusbabe

Your salary is about where mine was prior to my marriage and later retiremenyt?t. I was able to maintain a middle class life style,home ownership, car, recreation etc. easily on that. I had no dependents however. Check out this site to make cost of living comparisons.Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Re. your question about your kids adjusting to Philly. I'd say certain parts. Philly has a lot to offer when it comes to culture, dining, recreation. It is easy to get around the city, region and beyond.

At your kids age if living in the burbs they should do fine and would not be trapesing in Philly unescorted. I would not let them routinely hang out here as teens. Like I said before however there are class issues and most middle class and wealthier AA are in the burbs if they have kids. Many recent immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean tend to gravitate there as well. Montgomery county is a big draw.

There are pockets of AA in that class within the borders of Philly mostly in diverse neighborhoods like those found in the Northwestern part of the city.

I keep seeing Montgomery County as an option. I guess I need to research it. Is there a more specific suburb? Are there a lot of racial tensions in Philly, or just certain parts?

[Aimewitue]

Originally Posted by Niemaq

I keep seeing Montgomery County as an option. I guess I need to research it. Is there a more specific suburb? Are there a lot of racial tensions in Philly, or just certain parts?

where in montgomery country some areas are diverse like cheltenham other not so much.

are the schools the most important for you? or commute to work??

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by Aimewitue

Springfield,Pa zipcode-19064 or Havertown,Pa 19083 or Media zip 19064 Should be good suburbs to look into.

Could you give me some suburbs/areas that are a catchment for the Penn Alexander school?

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by Aimewitue

where in montgomery country some areas are diverse like cheltenham other not so much.

are the schools the most important for you? or commute to work??

Well I think the schools are more important considering the awful comments I've heard about the Philly school system as a whole. Seems like its hit or miss.... with a real bad miss or a great hit. Is there a happy medium anywhere?

[Aimewitue]

Originally Posted by Niemaq

Could you give me some suburbs/areas that are a catchment for the Penn Alexander school?

The Catchment area is a few blocks in west philly:
What are the boundaries of the Penn Alexander School? Can my child attend? | Home and School Association

Penn alexander is very popular check with them but i hear they use a lottery system now too many students for admission. You're more likely to find a good school in the suburbs.

Originally Posted by Niemaq

Well I think the schools are more important considering the awful comments I've heard about the Philly school system as a whole. Seems like its hit or miss.... with a real bad miss or a great hit. Is there a happy medium anywhere?

Yeah the suburbs i listed before have good schools, Springfield, Media, and Haverford.

There are good schools in the city but those are more likely to be private or charter. The suburbs have better schools and more choices.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Niemaq

I keep seeing Montgomery County as an option. I guess I need to research it. Is there a more specific suburb? Are there a lot of racial tensions in Philly, or just certain parts?

Areas just above Philly in the area I like to call "the V" - including Cheltenham as suggested along with Abington, Upper Dublin and Lower Moreland among others- are relatively diverse by local standards. You and your kids are likely to get along with your neighbors here.

You could say that racial tension cuts several ways in Philly proper. Speaking in broad terms, longtime residents of Northeast Philly may be the most reluctant to embrace people of color, a fair amount being the recipients of housing vouchers, moving into the the area. But as there are closer suburbs to your employer, I would not suggest moving out there, anyway. Taking your kids to see the sights in Center City or to a sporting or concert event in South Philly should be fine. If your budget could swing a rental in Mt. Airy (NW Philly), I see that area is quasi-suburban in many ways and is diverse in many ways. Getting your kids into Penn Alexander in University City (West Philly) would be awesome but, as mentioned, the odds have become slimmer each year.

[templeu]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Areas just above Philly in the area I like to call "the V" - including Cheltenham as suggested along with Abington, Upper Dublin and Lower Moreland among others- are relatively diverse by local standards. You and your kids are likely to get along with your neighbors here.

This. Areas like Cheltenham, Elkins Park, etc - could be a good option. Strong schools and easy train access to University City.

While Mount Airy is a great neighborhood, the schools are problematic. Most of the folks I know who live up there pay for private school.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by templeu

While Mount Airy is a great neighborhood, the schools are problematic. Most of the folks I know who live up there pay for private school.

Fair enough on the schools.

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by templeu

This. Areas like Cheltenham, Elkins Park, etc - could be a good option. Strong schools and easy train access to University City.

While Mount Airy is a great neighborhood, the schools are problematic. Most of the folks I know who live up there pay for private school.

Elkins Park? First time I've heard that suggestion. I'll look into Cheltenham also. Thank you. I do have one other question. Is it feasible to not have a car with kids in Philly?

[Niemaq]

Does anyone recommend the jersey suburbs more than the ones in Philly?