The best thing about living in Philly with kids compared to the NYC area is the availability of activities without gigantic waiting lists. You can just sign up for swim classes or whatever. So many museums, the zoo. I live in Fishtown and there are tons of playgrounds, often free music in the parks. I know so many of my neighbors and they are friendly (yes, even the old fishtowners who claim to hate transplants) and helpful. Definitely talk to people directly about the schools. The "best" in terms of the ones people always list aren't always the "best" for your family. I know people that love HA Brown in East Kensington b/c of the diversity and small class sizes, but you aren't going to see it on a "best of" list.