New York or London with children??

[Emmis]

Has anyone who's lived in NY and London got any advice on which city they think might be better for families with young (2 and 5 yrs) children?

I know it's all very subjective, but some opinions, along with reasons, would be great as most of the people I know in both cities don't have children.

We'd want to put our 2 kids through the State (Public) education system and are thinking Upper West/East Side or Brooklyn (Park Slope) in NY, and the Wandsworth, Ealing or Camden boroughs of London.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Thank you!

Wandsworth is very child friendly indeed if you can afford it. Camden has lots of families but IMO it is not as nice to hang out with small children, there are often drunks by the tube and when the market is on at the weekend it is manic. Don't know that much about Ealing, friends who live there seem to like it and say there are lots of parks.

I have lived in Islington in London since my children were born (similar ages), and have just moved to NYC. I love both actually. I think I personally feel more comfortable in London, it's familiar and seems less competitive, and there's a bit more of a social mix. But the children possibly marginally prefer New York.

Where we live in New York is definitely better for families than Islington was - great parks and playgrounds very nearby - but that's a very local thing. Wandsworth or Ealing would be more child friendly too.

Museums etc. are great in both cities obviously and great for families in both too, but in London they are free.

The public education system in NY is more predictable - you can basically chose your school, then choose to live in the right zone for that school. There's a lot of pressure on places at good London primaries.

Happy to answer any further questions.

Thanks for all the replies. Alarkaspree, was just wondering whereabouts you live in NY? I had the impression that the school system was a tiny bit easier. I've been in touch with schools in London, and everyone's been incredibly helpful and nice... but everywhere is full or has waiting lists. Bit scary. I spoke to less friendly people in NY (they answered in monosyallabic fashion!!) but they did tell me not to worry.

Also, another question (sorry) - do you think we should expect to earn more or less in NY? Just wondering how salaries should be weighted. We're still to hear about money, money, money, but would like to hear views on how much etc... whether London or NY is more expensive. I imagine it's much of a much-ness... are rents higher in NY though?

Anyway, thanks so much and keep me posted with ideas!

I live in Battery Park City, . It is fab - right on the river, lots of playgrounds and open space, relatively quiet, loads of families.

There is just one public school for Battery Park, it's very good but really overcrowded and I know they are struggling to find additional space. So in theory if you live in the zone you are entitled to a place, but if there is no space it's possible that they will bus children to other schools. I don't know much about the situation in other areas.

The monosyllabic communication style is just another thing to get used to here. New Yorkers will give you the information but they won't dress it up with flowery commonplaces.

I don't really know about comparative earnings in London and NY. The exchange rate has changed so much recently comparisons would be meaningless anyway. Rents in Manhattan (and Park Slope) are very high but I think they are comparable with the pricier areas of London.

Hope this helps.

There are lots of places near Park Slope that are cheaper, like Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Greenwood, but still have plenty of facilities or easy access to Park Slope stuff. I'd say your money goes further in NY, as there are so many free and fun things to do, and things like transport and eating out are cheaper.

Full disclosure: my info may be out of date, as I left NYC a while ago and things change pretty fast.

Getting New Yorkers to explain how a system works can be like pulling teeth. You need to know exactly which questions to ask and how to ask them.

Good luck!