As a Philadelphia native & a Center City resident for more than 25 years, I'm delighted that we chose to raise our family in Center City. We have great schools, easy access to all the cultural, educational, entertainment, shopping, dining this metropolitan area offers. We live in a city of neighborhoods--all related & each retaining its own distinct flavor. There are many young families happily living in neighborhoods such as Northern Liberties, Graduate Hospital, Bella Vista, South Philly providing distinct neighborhoods, close proximity to everything we enjoy in Center City. Living in the city is lots of things, but it is not suburban.

As well as living in Center CIty, I'm also a realtor. If you're interested, contact me. I'd be happy to assist you in finding the home of your dreams.

we lived in media just 30 minutes from downtown, and 15 min from the airport, great area, very good schools
also springfield, middletown township

1) Anywhere on the Paoli/Thorndale train line, including Wynnefield by the Overbrook Train Station. The towns on this train line appear to be expensive until you factor in the taxes. Considering the quality of the schools, it's a bargain. The first stop on this line is technically in Philadelphia, but there is a fantastic public charter school in the neighborhood that rivals what you find in the farther suburbs. 2) Manayunk/Roxborough (19127, 19128). Together, these two areas form the safest police ward in the entirety of Philadelphia. They have the lowest crime and absolutely no drug violence. It is the only ward in Philadelphia county that can claim this. It's six miles from downtown, less than 20 minutes on the train and FRIENDLY. I swear, this is the friendliest place I have ever lived. 3) If you're willing to live a little farther out, consider towns that have a thriving business district and are accessible via Septa's express trains. I'm thinking of Doylestown in Bucks County and Media in Delaware County. Both are great places to raise a family. Before discovering how family friendly Manayunk can be, I spent a lot of time researching Doylestown. Best of luck to you!