Californians planning to relocate to Philadelphia - are our expectations realistic?!

[bobspez]

Once they have friends, kids don't care about back yards. Adults do for privacy, but kids don't care to play in the yard. They visit or host friends, play in the street, play in their rooms, use their cell phones continuously, etc.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by bobspez

Once they have friends, kids don't care about back yards. Adults do for privacy, but kids don't care to play in the yard. They visit or host friends, play in the street, play in their rooms, use their cell phones continuously, etc.

We had a tree house, a fire pit, and - because of my husband's job - the best internet service available. I had to take inventory and threaten to call their mom to get them to leave.

[goodjawn610]

As a life long PA resident from Philly just make sure you're careful where you go. A lot of new million dollar homes are going up in "trendy" neighborhoods where there are still murders going on. I only mention this because you have kids and Philly had it's worst year for homicide in over a decade this year so just be aware of that if you are considering really moving into the city city.

Now that I'm done scaring you, the Chestnut Hill section is absolutely gorgeous. East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough, Society Hill and University City are good areas too. There are other upcoming neighborhoods in South Philly but it's the most dense part of the city and it has some of the worst neighborhoods too so I'd stay away.

For something a little more toned down but not dead check out some of the cooler suburbs.. they're like mini Philly's without the extreme crime, and you still can be in center city in 30 minutes or less....
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