Relocating to Philadelphia within the next three weeks! (Springfield, Media: apartments, to rent)

[Niemaq]

Hi everyone,

I realize that my relocation is very short notice because of a job offer that needs to be filled immediately. That being said, I really need specific feed back for what I'm trying to find. Any and all information will be much appreciated. Let me provide some background data so that I can give you a better overall idea of my situation.

*Divorced, AA female, 37 years old, 2 children - daughter 13, son 10.
*I'm a military brat as well as a veteran, with extensive travel all over this country as well as portions of Europe. Relevant because I'm not a true southerner, therefore I will adjust easily.
*Current location is Madison, AL, where my kids have been raised all of their lives. However, I don't expect much of a culture shock for them. They are not your typical AA kids as far as their background and schooling.
*Primary professional background is military and government. Future job is with the VA hospital, working in contracts. Address is 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
*Salary is exactly 70K initially. Would need to rent, preferably under $1300 per month.
*I'm very partial to school zoning for my kids, however, I'm also heavy into the sports environment for the entire family as we are all active in baseball, softball, volleyball, football, wrestling, and basketball. Yes, I included my own participation as I still play softball and basketball at a high level.
*I'm not very concerned with nightlife such as clubs and bars, but I am interested in museums, comedy clubs, poetry scenes, a more intellectual setting with drinks, for lack of better words.
*I'm not trying to live house poor so I'm looking for a comfortable balance with that salary and the other preferences I've listed. We are heavily into sports. I typically coach my daughters softball teams but she is at the age now where she is playing school ball and is interested in travel teams if they have such a thing in the Philly area. My son plays everything but I would like to focus on baseball first, then football, then wrestling, and basketball last.
*Don't want to commute any longer than 30-40 minutes each way in consideration of after school activities and being a single parent. Would like a preferred school system, within my salary range with a great local sports community.

I realize my list is quite long and I apologize if I overdid it. Lol. I did read somewhere that it is better to provide as much information as possible to illicit the best advice. I look forward to your responses. Thanks in advance.

[maf763]

Based on where you are working, I'd suggest somewhere in Delaware County. The city of Philadelphia is in such a state of unbalance regarding schools, that I wouldn't recommend it. While you can find good schools, extra curriculars are definitely in jeopardy. Delaware County gives you the closest commute to the VA hospital outside of the city, unless you wanted to drive from some parts of South Jersey.

Unfortunately, I don't know Delco too well so I'll have to leave more specific recommendations to someone who does.

[RightonWalnut]

Delaware or Montgomery Counties could work. You could take the regional rail in or drive. So you have options for commuting.

If you can find an apartment in the Spruce Hill neighborhood just a few blocks from where you will be employed, within the Penn Alexander catchment, that is another option. Penn Alexander is a fantastic school.

Here is the catchment for Penn Alexander
http://www.pennalexanderschool.org/content/what-are-boundaries-penn-alexander-school-can-my-child-atten

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by Summersm343

Delaware or Montgomery Counties could work. You could take the regional rail in or drive. So you have options for commuting.

If you can find an apartment in the Spruce Hill neighborhood just a few blocks from where you will be employed, within the Penn Alexander catchment, that is another option. Penn Alexander is a fantastic school.

Here is the catchment for Penn Alexander
http://www.pennalexanderschool.org/content/what-are-boundaries-penn-alexander-school-can-my-child-atten

Thank you. I've heard, or read great things about Penn Alexander. I've also read that you could be in catchment and still not get into the school. How true is that?

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by maf763

Based on where you are working, I'd suggest somewhere in Delaware County. The city of Philadelphia is in such a state of unbalance regarding schools, that I wouldn't recommend it. While you can find good schools, extra curriculars are definitely in jeopardy. Delaware County gives you the closest commute to the VA hospital outside of the city, unless you wanted to drive from some parts of South Jersey.

Unfortunately, I don't know Delco too well so I'll have to leave more specific recommendations to someone who does.

Do you think Roxborough would be a good area/mild commute? I was looking at some apartments online and they looked pretty good for my price range.

[maf763]

Roxborough is fine, though you might need to look for non-school sports programs.

[cattusbabe]

I am also a AA woman. I have no children so hubby and I always lived within the city limits. Loved the diversity and the like but I will be honest about this next point.
Most middle class or better AA families with kids have decamped to the burbs long ago. The few remaining are here because they are mandate to stay within the city limits because of employment. If they can help it they do not live in majority AA neighborhoods. The schools in Philly are a disaster and given that you are a single parent you have enough on your plate.

Your kids sound as if they were raised in a functional suburban environment and quite frankly will not make the adjustment to life in Philly. AA kids in that situation need to get street wise fast to deal with the local knuckleheads, law enforcement and general hostile environment towards young AA teens and adults they are going to run into here.

Sorry but I have seen this attempt made within my own family and it did not work out. To a person they have all returned to the burbs.

[Niemaq]

Originally Posted by cattusbabe

I am also a AA woman. I have no children so hubby and I always lived within the city limits. Loved the diversity and the like but I will be honest about this next point.
Most middle class or better AA families with kids have decamped to the burbs long ago. The few remaining are here because they are mandate to stay within the city limits because of employment. If they can help it they do not live in majority AA neighborhoods. The schools in Philly are a disaster and given that you are a single parent you have enough on your plate.

Your kids sound as if they were raised in a functional suburban environment and quite frankly will not make the adjustment to life in Philly. AA kids in that situation need to get street wise fast to deal with the local knuckleheads, law enforcement and general hostile environment towards young AA teens and adults they are going to run into here.

Sorry but I have seen this attempt made within my own family and it did not work out. To a person they have all returned to the burbs.

My intention was to stay in the burbs because of the schools anyway. What I'm trying to figure out is which one to stay in. What do you consider middle class to be for Philadelphia? I would assume that my salary would be working class in Philly, but definitely middle class in Alabama. Another question, do you think that my kids won't adjust to Philadelphia or just certain parts?

[cattusbabe]

Your salary is about where mine was prior to my marriage and later retirement. 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.

[Aimewitue]

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