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Comment by askafriend | Hacker News Reader

Overall, would you recommend Manhattan (or nearby) with kids? What's your experience been like and do you see staying long term?

Hope you don't mind me asking, I'm just super curious about this topic!

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We are committed to staying here for the long term. I think it is a matter of perspective and what one wants to prioritize. From a cost perspective, I think the cost of raising 2-kids in the suburbs or cute towns outside the city within commuting distance nets out to about the same. The advantages I see are the following: * Children are just more active on average, kids end up walking 45 minutes or more every day going back and forth from school, activities etc. * Subway and general community interaction. I get the subways are a pain, but it is a great way for children to interact with different classes of people and communities, understand social risks etc. * Meritocratic public high school system. I have some reservations about the elementary and middle school systems, but there are 4 elementary schools within a 15 minute walk radius so there is optionality, admittedly it is a bit hard to exercise. * So many play grounds. We take our kids to various activities and classes on the weekends, and we are never far away from an interesting playground.

I think it really depends on what will keep you and your family happiest. We have friends that determined they want more space and privacy and ended up moving to the suburbs and are happy. Know enough families that moved out and couldn’t handle the sedentary lifestyle and moved back. Feel free to message me if you have more questions.

You didn't ask me, but I can say that Manhattan and Brooklyn both are great for kids. It does vary be neighborhood though and I can speak to Brooklyn the most. Overall great parks, good schools, lots of culture and things to do. Beaches accessible by subway etc.

If you are considering a move to NYC with young kids the real thing to look at are the public elementary schools and the zones for them. That should be the north star for choosing where to live unless your kids are older.

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