Great maps. One thing that illustrates seand's point about change is that the area that comes off as the highest crime close to campus on the first map is undergoing a pretty big change, namely the Sansom blocks around 44th Street. The renovation of old row houses (many formerly apartments) is very high end (most selling in the 400s) and will likely change that little section quite a bit, for better or worse, or probably both. Depending what happens with that grocery store and around the renovated 46th/Market station, that area could be a lot different in 1-2 years. Which is just a way of saying what seand said--neighborhoods are moving targets.

i've lived in cedar park for a few years, at 47 & Springfield and now at 49 & Warrington. i love this neighborhood. what you can't see in the pictures that really makes the neighborhood is the people. we've got great people out here, a lot of artists musicians and other creative types, a lot of people living alternatively. we've got community gardens, a big dog park, a co-op, arts venues... the only thing i wish we had more of is late-night eats. i would buy in this neighborhood if i could ... i really believe it only has better things ahead of it.

Both SeanD and I live in parts of the SOBA (South of Baltimore Ave) area ... I would ignore Trey's student-centrism.

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Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. - Robert Orben

George,

I remember you, that's wild. Hi.

The block we're talking about is Windsor Ave. Between 47 / 48 streets. We seem to be pretty sold on that place. And, the more we hear about that immediate area, the more we feel it's a good choice.

It's just outside the Penn Alexander school, like a couple hundred feet outside of it, but it's a possibility that their boundries may grow. What's your call on that possibility?

M

Good to hear about the people, that's very important. I'm probably going to be walking around covered in paint most of the time, so it'd be comforting to know I'll be in company that would be understanding ... javascript:emoticon(':lol:')

And the area south of Baltimore sounds pretty interesting, too. There are big old Victorians there, right?

How is this area on the food front? Are there some neighborhood restaurants or cafes to sit and hang out with a cup of coffee?

Not likely, but you can send them to the parochial school at the end of your block ...

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Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. - Robert Orben

yeah, that big church with the dome, right?

any idea what the private schools cost in Philly?

I am not sure I would make big plans based on the idea of the catchment for the Penn Alexander school exapnding. All through the process of them drawing the line, lots of parents pushed for expanding its boundaries and it seems like the boundaries they drew are pretty solid. I really hope that isn't the deal killer, because there are tons of reasons Cedar Park is great neighborhood to live in and raise a family in that don't revolve around the Penn Alexander School.

If you are parents, it may be a little tougher - you will probably want to research the various public charter school options available to you, to talk to parents at other schools in the area, including those at private schools - parochial, Quaker and other relgious affiliated ones and weigh all your options. The default public school for elementary age kids in the neighborhood is the Lea School near 47th and Spruce. I've heard kind of mixed things about it. Philadelphia has recently started to farm out management of certain low-testing schools to various private and non-profit school management groups. Penn has been officially running Lea for several years but its not the same educational program and low class size that they have at Sadie Alexander. You also might check out the Powell School which is a public charter elementary in West Philadelphia.

I am not a parent, but I know a few folks who have gone through the process of figuring out what their plan is and there are definitely pros and cons to whatever choice you make. The good news is that the education forum here on this blog is pretty active and a good place to start for asking aobut the school options available.

Anyway this a great neighborhood, nice folks -lots of very community oriented people as has been mentioned before. We have the coop, lots community gardens, etc. Its a very diverse and politcaly progressive neighborhood and you can't beat the trees or the architecture.

I googled for the private school listing in Philadelphia ...

http://www.temple.edu/lss/cpie/cpiephilaprivate.htm
http://www.centerschoolpa.org/philad...te_schools.asp
http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/sub...p;category=738
http://privateschool.about.com/od/philadelphi1/

Here are some threads for you ...

Young immigrants thrive at St. Francis de Sales
http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic4069.html

Multi-Cultural Academy Charter School
http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic2648.html

Charter school directory
http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic7814.html

FOR PARENTS OF KIDS 0-5: What schools are you considering?
http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic7179.html

Charter and Magnet Schools in West Philadelphia
http://phillyblog.com/forum/ftopic9232.html

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Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian. - Robert Orben

we're not parents yet, so it's not the deal breaker, it's just a consideration at this point and we're exploring the options. when the time comes, we'll weigh the options and figure it out. it's not like we're the first people on the block to have kids, right? at least there are options. i'm going to take a look into the schools you mentioned - thanks.