Earl,
The concensus of those who I work with in Manhattan has nothing to do with traffic and more to do with raising their children in a more normal suburban environment.

"Normal" suburban environment? Are you saying that those raised in the city do not come from a 'normal' environment?

Suburbia is a tricky term too. What is that supposed to mean? Where I live (in Chicago) there are definately different sorts of suburbs (I suppose though this is true everywhere that has suburbs). I grew up in some of the rougher blue collar suburbs on the south side, but have also driven through the wealthy leafy (and simply gorgeous) suburbs on the north shore. Yes, they are both suburbs, but worlds apart.

"Normal suburban environment" How can anyone be so unthinking of their children as to inflict a suburban childhood on them if they could be growing up in a real city?

My urban godchildren are articulate, concerned, multifacted delights. My suburban godchildren are self-centred, horizon-deprived, pains in the rear end. And I blame the ghastly places they've been brought up in.

And my suburban grandchildren would give away their most prized possession to live in a big city.

And suburbia is not quite the haven that some thing, including the suburbian public schools. And this remark made by a public school teacher just last week.

Gee, that's funny, I live in suburbia and our school district is ranked as one of the top. Not that NYC isn't trying, but many of the public schools in the city don't come close. Need proof? I've got box loads of stats to back it up - makes for some unpleasant reading and it's how I spend a great deal of my time. (When I'm not goofing off on Fodors, that is).

I too am confused with the phrase "normal suburban environment". There was a study (results came out last week) that suburban kids did more drugs and drank more than their urban counterparts. But I guess in suburbia, that's a "normal" part of growing up. It was for me! ;)

Suzanne
Former bored suburban drunk teen criminal

not being a fan of subURBAN SPRAWL
I SAY MOVE closer to your job.

how fast to you have to drive to
get there in 2o mins? Mainlanders
I have notice say 20 minutes but they
could mean 50 miles away AUWE.
My other suggestion would be to find
a place if possible that lets you go
again traffic ei if everyone comes
in from the east find a place opposite
so you wont be tied up in traffic.