Reviews & Comments
Philadelphia, PA
Been there....ugh..don't recommend it to anyone -
5/11/2008I have lived in a number of large cities and smaller suburban communites as well as a more rural area...Filthadelphia was the worst of them all. No vision in that city, disgustingly dirty, politicians the worst I have seen anywhere, very blue collar attitude pervades the city, NOT a city of neighborhoods no matter what it thinks, huge disparity between the have-and-have-nots and I have they ever heard of boarding up vacant, abandoned, burned out rowhouses? And their public education system is horrible - that might explain why they have so many private schoools. But don't think that's the solution for anyone in the middle class, many of those schools are in excess of $15,000 for kindergarten. Philly boasts the largest Catholic school system (the birth place of Catholic schools I heard) but just because its a Catholic school doesn't instantly make it good.
Suburbs can be nice, but many of the closer in ones you want to live are cost prohibitive - lots of "old" money in that area. If you work in Philly, you'll be hit with a ridiculous wage tax, slightly less if you don't live in the city. Its like doubling your state tax burden.
Also, PA is second only to Texas in guns per capita. Outside of the Philly suburban area, they call it Penntucky. I didn't experience much of the "redneck" scene, but it was something to see guys walking the roads in the country in cammo and slinging guns over their shoulders suring hunting season as you drove by.........Some of the more rural areas are undeniably beautiful, but too far out to actually work in the city unless you like two hour commutes. Seems like a great horse community, but again, you need some serious cash to take advantage of it.
All in all, I never, ever, ever advise someone to seriously consider Philly. The population continues to decline (is there any wonder???), it offers little that a weekend trip won't cover fully, and I know many, mnay unhappy people who have moved out. Sometimes the only ones I think that are happy are the ones who haven't lived anywhere else and don't know how ugye and depressing this town is. Don't get me wrong - I met some really nice people, but as a livable city - no way.
Naperville, IL
Nice, good schools, a little Stepford like sometim -
5/11/2008I grew up here, lived in Chicago and other cities as an adult and chose to move back here a few years ago - primarily for the schools and b/c family is near-by. Its not really the best town for a single parent - often feel like odd man(woman) out. But the schools are good, not as diverse as some might like (economically or racially)and I don't find them to be overly prepared to adapt to any differences a child might have (this is supported by a number of friends who have special needs kids - mild special needs - and have moved out of the district for better services). But the curriculum is better than what my child had on the east coast. The town is all about kids and families, so there is lots to find to do any given weekend. Prmixity to Chicago is good for work, but what they don't tell you is there is a six-ten year wait (I am not kidding, I almost chocked when the city told me this) for a parking permit for the two train lots. So if you're looking to relocate here and need to commute to Chicago, live closer to the train stations. Pace Bus system available, but it would add 45 minutes to my daily commute if I used it.
Like any place, there are pros and cons. The cons just aren't always first apparent when you look at Naperville.
The downtown area is great, mostly chain stores and restaurants, but it is still more than most surrounding communities have and can provide a diversion on a nice day or a decent quick trip for an outfit or something.
Overall, great for a family, lots of opportunities for kids.