Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

merf99 Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:29 AM

Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

I was talking about this with a friend the other day. We know people who raise their kids in the city and while we both think they get excellent cultural experiences we both loved growing up in the suburbs. But looking back, I think it might have been alot of fun to be raised in NYC.

What do you all think?

Scoop Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:31 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

I would like to raise my kids in the suburbs.

cluelessbride Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:32 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

If I had enough $ for good private schools, then the city, definately.

MrsBtoBe2005 Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

We'll be raising our children in the suburbs.

kptoys Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

Id want RURAL!!! I want forrests to play and hide in, fields to run in and fresh air and minimal noise so their little ears develop normally. You can always drive to the city for culture

Misty Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

If I could guarantee them great schools, the city. No question.

Lunatrek Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:37 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

KPTOYS!! I was just going to post the SAME THING!!!! LOL!

I am definitely a tree hugger... want the same for my kids, too!

WithThisRing Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:40 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

suburbs

I went to school in Queens. Public school all the way. Times have changed. Schools are incredably over crowded (the school across the street from my parents is on the news now that they are busing 80 kids to other schools b/c its so over crowded) My HS has metal detectors. Every day you hear of another stabbing or figth at a HS, JHS sneaking in drugs, and who knows what else. The schools are not how they were when I was in the system.

I do not want my kids going to school in fear. I want them to go to school, love learning and go on to bigger and better things. I want their futures to be bright and with so many opportunities.

Jordan Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

The 'burbs.

DrmnBlnd Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

the suburbs

EvenEdan Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:47 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

Definitely the city.

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:50 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

The city, no question.

firegal Posted: Oct 02, 2003 10:57 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

BURBS for us.

yabbobay Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:24 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

city...

there are ways around bad schools...there are tons of programs in other 'good' HSs that you can apply for

although I loved growing up in the suburbs...

kmcwed Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:24 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

The suburbs or rural 100%.

I agree that the city has a lot to offer in terms of culture and exposure to many different things, but the crowding, the noise, litter and pollution aren't worth it to me. You can't even keep your windowsills clean in the city, there's black soot on them a day or two after you clean them off! Where is your child going to learn how to ride a bike? Certainly not on the street in front of your home. And what about 'going out to play.' You don't have your own backyard in the city, for your child to go out and play in.

At least outside the city you can look up at night and see the stars, you can run and play in your own front/backyard, you don't have people on top of you, and under you, you have fresh air and room to breathe.

The ideal situation would be in a nice suburban area that was close enough to the city that you'd be able to take your child in regularly for cultural exposure, museums, plays, music, etc.

Sometimes I even think Long Island is getting too congested for my taste.

Just my 2 cents.

For those of you who chose the city, what are your reasons?

franksbride Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:28 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

Suburbia...I was raised in a big city and it's not the same anymore from when I was young. I'd be too afraid to raise my kids in a big city now.

Yes, the cultural experience and the 'street smarts' was good and all...but I'm hoping that I will raise my children in such a way that they'll get a taste of that somehow.

KathleenG Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:40 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

Suburbs. I was raised in Manhattan and I have absolutely no regrets about it, I love the city! I just would rather the suburbs for the quiet and (Godwilling) a house! I am gonna try and do my best, however, to expose my kids to the culture of the city!

jennbaby Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:42 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

The suburbs all the way!

And since I am a Queens girl, I can teach them the city streetsmarts edited to say Karen, I could not have said it better myself!

Jeanene Posted: Oct 02, 2003 11:56 AM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

For me, surburbs all the way. I was raised in the suburbs and I loved trips to the country and to the city. For me surburbia offers the best of both worlds.

julybride444 Posted: Oct 02, 2003 12:07 PM

Re: Given the choice- would u raise your kids in a big city or suburbia?

Either the city, right on the beach, or a rural area.
I hate the suburbs (JMO) and I don't want to live there so my kids won't either. FH grew up in the suburbs, but he feels the same. I grew up in a rural area, the forest went on for miles behind my house.

I want something I love right outside my door-and I want that for my kids too. I love the city, I love the forest, and I love the beach!

Edited to add:
If we chose the city, my kids would learn to ride a bike in Prospect or Central park where there are many miles to learn on that are safe from the street traffic that I find in the 'burbs, they would have access to the botanic gardens, museums, etc. They would go camping with us on the weekends in the summer, would hike with us year round. They would have access to all kinds of people, play and volunteer opportunities. And, some people do have small backyards in the city.

I also think that the suburbs are becoming more dangerous than they used to for children to play, even in their own yards. Parents sometimes become lax in watching their children b/c it seems safe. In the city you're just more aware that you need to be around when you're kids go out and play (we have kids play ball on the sidewalk outside, or go to the park a walk away-but parents are usually within eyesight, or they would be involved in many activities which would be their outdoor play time) Plus, they can go to friends houses, we can take them to coney island, etc. etc.