I'm not surprised by this. I often tell young professionals in my office not to raise kids in NYC. And most of them don't. They get married, live here for a few years, and then relocate. I am a native New Yorker, but if I had it to do again, I would probably get out before my first enters kindergarten. It's too hard.
We put down roots as a family. We own our apartment, the kids are in good public schools and have friends here, our jobs are very tied to NYC and I never wanted to commute. Also, I don't know where we would go. We don't have family anywhere I would want to live. But I often wish we had made the effort to research it and take the plunge. (On the other hand, I'd probably be complaining about that place now).
pp: I personally know two families with two kids each in the city, both are wealthy. The only average income person I know who remained in the city is an artist/barista with one child, no clue what the husband does or how they afford it.
Second: on the family-friendly UWS, I knew a handful of people who left shortly after having kids, but the exodus really started during the K process and continued through elementary school.
Sorry, but I have to disagree; DS hates sports and would have hated the suburbs. Also, we live in District 2, and the public ES and selective MS, plus specialized HS, provided a viable alternative.
MY SIL in NJ is adament that their services are better. I think it's just that once you've navigated the system it's hard to learn and get into a new one.
I live in NYC with kids, and I prefer it to suburban life. I think people are either city people or they are not city people. I don't find city living hard. I prefer spending my time visiting new corners of the city, I prefer having a smaller living place which forces less accumulation of junk. I prefer public transit, walking, and biking over driving. We've figured out how to live here on a budget and are doing well financially. I have a friend group of people who feel similarly.
That being said, I know not everyone shares my preferences.
same for me, and both my kids (HS and college age now) are pretty urban themselves. DH says he would move in a heartbeat but I think he doesn't realize how different life would be in the places he wants to go.
I would move in a heartbeat too but I also realize that there are a lot of cool things about the city. I think we are here to stay at least until retirement. My 13 dd told me that as an adult she never wants to live in a big city. :-(
I tried to read the article but it seems you now need an account to read the Atlantic? That was my favorite source for free in-depth articles :((
I'm not surprised by this. I often tell young professionals in my office not to raise kids in NYC. And most of them don't. They get married, live here for a few years, and then relocate. I am a native New Yorker, but if I had it to do again, I would probably get out before my first enters kindergarten. It's too hard.
What stops you from leaving now? (I'm a native NY-er too, btw)
We put down roots as a family. We own our apartment, the kids are in good public schools and have friends here, our jobs are very tied to NYC and I never wanted to commute. Also, I don't know where we would go. We don't have family anywhere I would want to live. But I often wish we had made the effort to research it and take the plunge. (On the other hand, I'd probably be complaining about that place now).
I've lived here all my life and I actually think it's a great place to raise a family.
I couldn't agree more. If I had a "do over" I would not raise my kids in NYC.
I don’t know anyone who stayed in nyc after kids Even my friends who bought their townhouse back during the recession just moved.
Really? anyone?
pp: I personally know two families with two kids each in the city, both are wealthy. The only average income person I know who remained in the city is an artist/barista with one child, no clue what the husband does or how they afford it.
First: the answer is always "family money."
Second: on the family-friendly UWS, I knew a handful of people who left shortly after having kids, but the exodus really started during the K process and continued through elementary school.
When I got pregnant we moved. The only way you can raise kids in NYC is if you’re super poor or super rich.
Sorry, but I have to disagree; DS hates sports and would have hated the suburbs. Also, we live in District 2, and the public ES and selective MS, plus specialized HS, provided a viable alternative.
Says...a person who never even tried it.
and District 2 is one of the wealthiest areas of the city...
Mom with 2 SN kids. Until the burbs offer equal or better education we are staying put
MY SIL in NJ is adament that their services are better. I think it's just that once you've navigated the system it's hard to learn and get into a new one.
It probably depends on the school district in NJ.
I live in NYC with kids, and I prefer it to suburban life. I think people are either city people or they are not city people. I don't find city living hard. I prefer spending my time visiting new corners of the city, I prefer having a smaller living place which forces less accumulation of junk. I prefer public transit, walking, and biking over driving. We've figured out how to live here on a budget and are doing well financially. I have a friend group of people who feel similarly. That being said, I know not everyone shares my preferences.
Oh I love living in a city with kids, just not New York City.
Which city do you prefer?
same for me, and both my kids (HS and college age now) are pretty urban themselves. DH says he would move in a heartbeat but I think he doesn't realize how different life would be in the places he wants to go.
I would move in a heartbeat too but I also realize that there are a lot of cool things about the city. I think we are here to stay at least until retirement. My 13 dd told me that as an adult she never wants to live in a big city. :-(
The experiences of someone currently having children in NYC vs someone who had children 20 years ago are wildly different