Burbs cons: boring as fuck (I'm staying with my parents in Columbia this summer and while I realize as a 31-year-old non-parent I have different priorities than many other people my age, OMFG the quiet makes me feel like I'm going insane...my parents' biggest problem this summer is an epic battle with their neighbors over the trees in their cul-de-sac...suburb problems, man), I hate commuting because it's soulless and wrong, nothing is walkable (many cities have close-in suburbs with SFHs with small yards and garages that are still walkable...this does not exist in Baltimore), little diversity, no local color (there are almost no local restaurants or shops in Columbia, which I have to imagine is a function of real estate prices...it's all TGI Friday's, Costco, Target, etc).
Tried to quote Katietornado there...
I lived in Columbia 20 years ago when I was single and hated it (like Katie). I live there now with 2 kids and think it's great! The schools are great and I think Columbia is very diverse. Many of the cons are still true - it's not walkable and nothing unique to it, lots of chain restaurants and stores. However there are lots of family friendly activities, you can commute to B'more or DC, and you should be able to find a decently sized house, although maybe not updated, for $500K.
Something I did frequently for research of Chicago Public Schools. Was look up the School Report card for different schools. Gives you an idea of the economic make up, language, and progress of a school.
I found the Pennsylvania version. paayp.emetric.net/County/DistrictList/c2 I would search public schools in the areas you would want to move too. Others have said they are bad. I'm not familiar with the area so can't comment. But by looking at this you can get a clearer idea. Of course this is for 2011-2012 so slightly outdated.
Location. You have to live in the school's attendance zone.
Actually I heard that Meredith has become a lottery do residents because of overcrowding. Which would piss me the fuck off if we lived in that area since you pay so much more for a house on one of those blocks simply for the school.
My girlfriend lives in Graduate Hospital area (close to Rittenhouse) and is really active on the parent board of their local school- Chester A Arthur. That could be a good possibility.
The Friends schools in the area are also amazing, but you'd be dropping some serious $$$.
I guess it boils down to living in a city overshadowed by NYC or one overshadowed by DC. Both are sort of second-tier cities. I personally prefer the more NE-vibe Philly has to the Southern one Baltimore has.
Schools suck in both places, although Baltimore has some great charters and Philly has some amazing secondary magnet schools. Both have a range of OK- fabulous parochial schools and indies. Philly has better public transit, albeit expensive. Baltimore's waterfront is better developed but a tourist mecca of chain restaurants. Philly is a restaurant destination. I can get to the beach from Philly in under 2 hours; I can get to the beach from Baltimore in about 3+- that's a dealbreaker.
The inner Main Line suburbs can be quite appealing- decent-great schools, great transit and walkability. Doylestown was mentioned- it is an adorable town with adorable houses and great schools. There's a surprising amount of things to do in D'town- cool restaurants, a couple museums, fun shopping district, great library, recreation and parks. Even a retro movie theater showing indie films. The housing is $$$ for the cute parts of town. Alas. The other downside to D'town is that it is inconvenient as hell. The train to Philly takes over an hour and getting to either the turnpike or I-95 is a PITA. Most people commute via 202 or 611 which can not handle the amount of traffic they carry.
Location. You have to live in the school's attendance zone.
Actually I heard that Meredith has become a lottery do residents because of overcrowding. Which would piss me the fuck off if we lived in that area since you pay so much more for a house on one of those blocks simply for the school.
That is bullshit. If you're going to pay Queen Village property taxes you should get to send your kid to Meredith.
Plus, I don't even think Baltimore has Wawa. Screw that.
Yes it does!!!
Also, yes, the harbor has chain restaurants, but there are so.many amazing restaurants in the little neighborhoods around the harbor. And Baltimore still has very much of a neighborly feel to it.