young professional couple and two dogs moving to philadelphia

[solibs]

I read them all and didn't see anyone saying the area was sketchy. Even if they did I would take the requirements of post-adolescent, Wharton kids with a grain of salt.

People said the park was overused. It is. Most neighborhood parks in the city are overused. Rittenhouse is one of them. It's nice to have a lawn to run around in sometimes but when you have 8,000 people and their pets all sharing the same four acres sometimes grass isn't the best idea for all of the space.

[orrmobl]

Well you better read them again.

"Clark Park. Situated in a sketchy area of University City, it is a place where you might be able to forget (for a few seconds... not too long!) that you are in a crime infested area."

"The only sketchy time for this place is late night, and it isn't too bad if you're with some people. But what park is safe by yourself late at night? Just be savvy of your surroundings and this spot is perfect."

"Late at night, the park can attract some sketchy types, but the area is always well patrolled by University of Pennsylvania and University of the Sciences security personnel, and you can depend on a family-like atmosphere on nice days in the spring and summer."

"Like Jon said... there is some sketch. People have been getting stabbed/shot up in here after hours recently according to my friends in the area, but it is what it is... and I don't think that has anything to do with location, or will it affect your picnic."

[adeg]

Housing prices run the gamut here from affordable to expensive. Its not the easiest commute to University City but its not terrible - an easy bike ride in nice weather or a short drive but public transit requires a bus and a trolley. However, it is very near to Fairmount Park which you would probably enjoy with your dogs.

[solibs]

didn't see that there were two pages to that. Yeah, I see your quotes from February-April 2007.

Interesting. Hearsay, and not at all informative, but interesting.

[soulsurv]

If your large dogs are accustomed to a large yard, I would definitely go with the suburbs. Large dogs need to run - or you will have behavioral problems on your hands, trust me. I take it that they are important to you and your husband since you placed them in your subject heading. Give them - and yourself - some nice, leafy ground to play and relax in. You didn't mention what you wanted to spend. I am from Delaware County, and nice homes with yards can be found from 240-350K in such places as Middletown, on the higher end and Aston/Brookhaven on the lower end. all three nice communnities. Middletown has a train station to take your husband right into Philly. Good luck.