Moving from Kansas City, Mo, could we still make it work? (Philadelphia: real estate, apartment)

[olyp]

Would love to pick your brain on moving to Philadelphia being a single parent. Originally from EU came to US to complete Masters, worked in Denver & Chicago; had to travel all around EU. I work in AEC (architecture/engineering/construction field). Also co-founded a startup in STEM field, have been doing it for a few years and back to AEC due to various reasons.
I am also a parent of a kind on a spectrum, very bright, in general classroom, but does not do sports. Very limited STEM opportunities in KC made me look for options outside towards East Coast. Looking at Philadelphia (Boston cost of living is too high) but wonder if we can make living on East Coast on one income & child support.

Thank you!!!


When are you moving? Within 12-24 months
Where are you coming from? Kansas City, MO
Why are you moving? Need a more progressive place for my son, he loves science and all STEM but there are few opportunities for him here. He is on a spectrum, but in general classroom with no additional support. Very smart, speaks 2 languages + understand Spanish but doesn't play sports.
Where will you be working? Hopefully. Will look for a job in architecture plus apply for PhD
Have you been here yet? Coming in October

Will you buy or rent? Not sure, we have a house in downtown Kansas City in a great area, need to be sure before will sell and buy. Probably rent first year
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend? House or town house, 250K?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? Apartment or loft, 1-1.5K
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Either

Do you have a preference of living in a NJ or PA suburb? Looking to live within a city limits. We live in downtown and can walk everywhere, love city living....there are crime problems in KC but I am not sure how it compares to Philly.
(If you answered NJ - post your answers here: //www.city-data.com/forum/new-j...-philadelphia/)

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single parent with a 10-year old
Do you prefer public or private schools? Public or charter, my son currently attends a great charter in downtown KC.

Do you have pets? Small dog
Do you want or need a yard? At least a small one
Are you keeping a car? Yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Both...is it possible?

What do you want to be closest to?
Work Yes
Shopping Yes
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) Yes
Nightlife No
Train or subway stations probably

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Diversity is good. We used to live in white neighborhoods but as soon as you start speak with accent you don't belong

Favorite Beverage - Craft Beer, wine, water? Wine please

[kyb01]

There's a frequent poster(MarketEl) on this board who is a Kansas City native. He might give you the best advice since he knows both places(Kansas City and Philadelphia) well.

[1ondoner]

My 2 cents.
- Public schools in Philly suck, big time. Nothing unusual about it, they are just like any other city schools. Better schools are usually in the suburbs.
- Crime is also an issue in Philly. Just like any other big city. It comes with territory, just like bad public schools.

If you have money, you can overcome crime and schooling issues because you can pay for private schools and live in safer neighborhoods.

I only know of 1 STEM school in the Philly area. Other good public schools will have some emphasis on emphasis on STEM classes though. If your son needs additional help because of his condition, some public schools are better and more accommodating than others. Just search the old threads for more info.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

My 2 cents.
- Public schools in Philly suck, big time. Nothing unusual about it, they are just like any other city schools. Better schools are usually in the suburbs.
- Crime is also an issue in Philly. Just like any other big city. It comes with territory, just like bad public schools.

If you have money, you can overcome crime and schooling issues because you can pay for private schools and live in safer neighborhoods.

I only know of 1 STEM school in the Philly area. Other good public schools will have some emphasis on emphasis on STEM classes though. If your son needs additional help because of his condition, some public schools are better and more accommodating than others. Just search the old threads for more info.

Crime is only an issue in specific city neighborhoods that the OP can easily avoid. But, yes, the public schools, except for the magnets, are not as good as they could be.

[loose cannon]

Move to what is called the main line. Very well to do folks and definitely great schools. The attitude in Philly is abrasive. I would not subject son to that braggadocious to city attitude. A young intellectual should be around more refined types.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

Move to what is called the main line. Very well to do folks and definitely great schools. The attitude in Philly is abrasive. I would not subject son to that braggadocious to city attitude. A young intellectual should be around more refined types.

The OP has a limited housing budget. They can't afford the Main Line.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kyb01

The OP has a limited housing budget. They can't afford the Main Line.

I'm waiting for Market St El to get involved with this, but it might be a case where certain towns in South Jersey might be better. Right now, I'm thinking Barrington. They have good elementary schools & the kids go to Haddon Heights for high school. It's not far from the PATCO line. The OP would have to discuss the educational situation with the schools. I assume that there's an IEP.

[1ondoner]

OP is looking for "STEM opportunities". It would be more helpful if responders would read what OP is asking before responding.

I'm actually surprised the move to Media, Media or Media crew has not chimed in.

Originally Posted by southbound_295

I'm waiting for Market St El to get involved with this, but it might be a case where certain towns in South Jersey might be better. Right now, I'm thinking Barrington. They have good elementary schools & the kids go to Haddon Heights for high school. It's not far from the PATCO line. The OP would have to discuss the educational situation with the schools. I assume that there's an IEP.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by 1ondoner

OP is looking for "STEM opportunities". It would be more helpful if responders would read what OP is asking before responding.

I'm actually surprised the move to Media, Media or Media crew has not chimed in.

It helps if she can afford the real estate. I'd like to see feedback from the one poster on here who can do a one on one comparisons of the Philadelphia area & Kansas City.

So you name a safe place in the OP's budget.

[1ondoner]

My take is the OP is looking to get their son into a STEM catchment area, she mentioned Boston (the others being San Francisco and San Diego to some extent).

This seems to be their primary reason for seeking to move to Philly.

Originally Posted by southbound_295

It helps if she can afford the real estate. I'd like to see feedback from the one poster on here who can do a one on one comparisons of the Philadelphia area & Kansas City.

So you name a safe place in the OP's budget.