Schools in nice areas?

[UTBME]

about houston, crime has gone up significantly post katrina...however the Texas Medical Center and the condos around there are pretty safe. West U is nice, and if you want to commute, you can always live in midtown (by the galleria) or over in Memorial or River Oaks.

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[tacrum43]

GW and Georgetown are both in "nice" areas of DC. Georgetown feels much more suburban and preppy, while GW is more urban and feels more a part of DC.

However, there is still some crime in the areas around both. I doubt there is any major city where there is no crime, even in the nicest parts of town.

 

[tncekm]

My thoughts exactly.

Well, maybe I'll alter that part of the original post so people can focus on the purpose of the post.

And whatever you do, don't say the reason you're interested in a school is because it's area is nice/safe. If someone said that to me during an interview, I'm thinking they are going to have troubles dealing with the real life grittiness you sometimes experience in medicine.

I wouldn't go to a school simply because it is in a nice area. Its just one factor among many that I'm incorporating into my decision making process.

I do disagree on one point, however. A person wanting to take their family to a safe area has very little to do with how said person will perform in a rough/stressful environment. Its simply taking a step that will reduce the probability of something ****ty happening.

 

[Geekchick921]

...but you don't attend a medical school in Philadelphia, do you? Might change your opinion a smidge on things...

Um, I really don't see how it would.

Anyway, we're on the same side here. I absolutely love Philly. You just have to keep your wits about you on the subway or walking around the streets in certain neighborhoods. I've never felt "unsafe," but I wouldn't tell the OP that downtown philly is the squeaky clean family-friendly place you're trying to make it out to be. Data and many people's experiences would say otherwise.

I'm glad we agree, but that's not what I'm trying to make it out to be at all. Center City itself, between the Schuylkill and the Delaware and between South and Spring Garden Streets, is pretty safe. North, West, and some areas of West Philly are not.

I've already told you my own experience; other people's mileage may vary. As for data, these maps are interactive so I can't paste them here, so I'll just refer you to this http://www.philly.com/inquirer/special/violence/. The three most dangerous areas match what I already said. The vast majority of shootings/homicides in Philadelphia are restricted to those areas and to certain demographics. The areas that I said were safer clearly match as well.

Living in a good neighborhood (be it in a safer neighborhood in Philadelphia county itself or one of the suburban counties) and commuting to medical school is completely doable. Many colleges in city settings have their own security force with call boxes and security escorts, should you need them. Really, you need to keep your wits about you in any city. She said she's looking for mid-tier MD schools. While I'm sure Penn is considered "top-tier", wouldn't Drexel, Jeff and Temple be considered mid-tier?

 

[Geekchick921]

MCW in Milwaukee is in a pretty nice area, and cost of living is pretty low too. On another note, fiance is male, while fiancee is female. I got what you were saying though. It's nice that you're thinking of your future wife in your career decisions .

Ah, I was just about to tell him he was using the wrong version of the word. I actually see people make that mistake constantly. And I agree, very thoughtful of the OP to take his sweetie into account.

 

[maestro1625]

Meh, Center City Philly is no less safe than any other city, and the area between Chestnut and South is beautiful. However, Jefferson is the only school in said buffer zone. (penn too, I guess.)...

let's not forget that if you went to school in Hershey, there's always the possibility of being mauled down by a rogue cow.

 

[HumbleMD]

While I'm sure Penn is considered "top-tier", wouldn't Drexel, Jeff and Temple be considered mid-tier?

You tell me. Apparently you now everything about commuting into the city for medical school.

 

[tncekm]

Ah, I was just about to tell him he was using the wrong version of the word. I actually see people make that mistake constantly. And I agree, very thoughtful of the OP to take his sweetie into account.

Successful relationships require sacrifice and consideration, right?

 

[Geekchick921]

Successful relationships require sacrifice and consideration, right?

I'm getting married in May! Amen! Have you guys set a date or anything yet?

Schooling and career stuff has come up a lot with me and my fiance. He wants to go to graduate school for game design, and Drexel has a fabulous program. I've been encouraging him to start (and hopefully finish) before I start medical school (planning for 2010). As for when we're both done finally done with school, I think we should move to California, but he doesn't want to move that far away. Since I want to be an Ob/Gyn, the malpractice rates in Cali alone make me want to move, and CA definitely has the most game design/3D animation jobs of any state.

Maybe in the next 10 years they'll fix the obscene malpractice rates and open up a game company in the Northeast. The only big one I know of is Bethesda in Maryland (and there's a 3D animation company in White Plains, NY).

 

[tncekm]

I'm getting married in May! Amen! Have you guys set a date or anything yet?

Yep, we'll be getting married next june (right after MCATS).

Schooling and career stuff has come up a lot with me and my fiance. He wants to go to graduate school for game design, and Drexel has a fabulous program. I've been encouraging him to start (and hopefully finish) before I start medical school (planning for 2010). As for when we're both done finally done with school, I think we should move to California, but he doesn't want to move that far away. Since I want to be an Ob/Gyn, the malpractice rates in Cali alone make me want to move, and CA definitely has the most game design/3D animation jobs of any state.

Game design sounds fun, and this is (CA) is definitely the place to be if you're in the computer industry--good money out here. But, overall I think if it weren't for the weather and all of my family being out here, I'd say Cali is overrated. And, unfortunately I think this will be the last place in the country to see any reductions in insurance costs :sad:

Congrats on the engagement and I wish you the best with the marriage.

 

[Geekchick921]

Yep, we'll be getting married next june (right after MCATS).
Game design sounds fun, and this is (CA) is definitely the place to be if you're in the computer industry--good money out here. But, overall I think if it weren't for the weather and all of my family being out here, I'd say Cali is overrated. And, unfortunately I think this will be the last place in the country to see any reductions in insurance costs :sad:

I think you misunderstood me about the malpractice thing. Give this a read to see what I mean http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2001/10/15/story6.html.

Congrats on the engagement and I wish you the best with the marriage.

Right back atcha. Good luck finding a school in the setting you want.

 

[tncekm]

I think you misunderstood me about the malpractice thing. Give this a read to see what I mean http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2001/10/15/story6.html.

Nope, I didn't just misunderstand... I was outright misinformed. I thought cali's rates were super-high.

Right back atcha. Good luck finding a school in the setting you want.

Thanks! Hopefully I'll just stay here in Cali while I finish my schooling/residency.

 

[Crazy4F1]

no one mentioned DC yet so I'll throw in GU and GW as schools to look at. theyre both in pretty nice areas, and reasonably safe despite that theyre in the middle of the city. you can also live out in MD or VA, pretty close to the city in some nice suburbs, and still easily commute to either school.

 

[Drogba]

Philly is dangerous. Philly is most dangerous if you are black and poor. This is true for most of the US. Most white rich people get mugged or otherwise robbed. If you are a woman I guess there is a chance you might get raped though I would be interested in seeing the crime stats broken down by victim's SES and race. I have a feeling there aren't a lot of random rapes but I can't say that with certainty. If you are a white rich woman and you get killed its probably cus your husband, a tenured Penn Professor, killed you.

 

[eyrobinson]

What about UC Davis? I don't know where they are on the ranking list (don't pay attention to those things). The school and hospital is very safe. I've lived in Sacramento, California all my life and I've never had any trouble. The housing market is bust if you want to buy a house or rent. You can get great deals such as no down payment, $150k in incentives, a swimming pool, etc. I would not live around the medical school, live in the suburbs such as Elk Grove, Folsom, etc. The commute wouldn't be too bad. I don't know about your future wife finding a dental hygiene position, but it should be doable. Sacramento's cost of living is pretty decent. Good luck with your choice!

 

[beachblonde]

no one mentioned DC yet so I'll throw in GU and GW as schools to look at. theyre both in pretty nice areas, and reasonably safe despite that theyre in the middle of the city. you can also live out in MD or VA, pretty close to the city in some nice suburbs, and still easily commute to either school.

The DC metro region is pretty nice. There are some areas (coughAnacostiacough) that I would avoid at all costs, but otherwise there are lots of great areas to live in. It sure is pricey, though...there are some areas that are awesome places to live but are probably out of the average student's price range. GWU sits on a metro stop, so that makes commuting in really easy. Georgetown is another story entirely.

 

[tacrum43]

no one mentioned DC yet so I'll throw in GU and GW as schools to look at. theyre both in pretty nice areas, and reasonably safe despite that theyre in the middle of the city. you can also live out in MD or VA, pretty close to the city in some nice suburbs, and still easily commute to either school.

Um, did my post not count?

 

[Nessy]

UVA is very nice. CVL is gorgeous, but the hospital is not so small as to be isolated. VCU/MCV is also a good choice. Sure, Richmond has it's share of crime and knife-and-gun club, but that enables the student to get a good education while enjoying the funky, but chic city of Richmond. Students aren't really in danger at VCU/MCV--unless of course they are doing something really risky or unwise. I've never been to EVMS, but I bet it's nice too.

 

[Dave501]

Chicago schools
UIC and Rush very close to each other in a generally nice area. You can also live in other nicer areas (withing 5-10 minute drive) and get there that way. Northwestern is in what is generally regarded to be really nice, but in my opinion it is not all that it is cracked up to be. VERY touristy and more expensive than other areas. However, there is a nice subway that drops you off closeby if you want to live in another area. It would only take 5-10 minutes using this route.
U of C- not a huge fan of this area. It is very beautiful as it is right on the lake and I understand there are nice sections, but in general u need to be very careful. Just last week there were a couple muggings/killings there, including one PHD student who was murdered. It is also a good ways away from the main part of the city, where most young people live.
Rosalind Franklin- Not that familiar with it, but I think it is in a suburban, more rural area. About 45 minutes away from the city i think.
Loyola- About a 20 minute drive from the main part of the city- right off the expressway, dont know much about the area surrounding the school

PM me for more questions/specifics

 

[tncekm]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it!

I'll have to wait a week to look into these schools in detail because, as everyone knows, its finals time and I need to stop wasting my time on forums

So, to all of you who have told me I can PM for details, thanks, and just don't forget about me because I'll probably PM next week!

 

[ufgrad00]

I would have to say University of Miami regional campus at Boca Raton. It is very upscale and suburban. Every corner is filled with golf courses, spas, resorts, and parks. It has a pop. of over 80K with over 200K in the surrounding cities and a median income above 60K. But it also has thousands of seasonal residents who live on the beach or on golf course condominiums.

 

[Crazy4F1]

Um, did my post not count?

sorry! i missed it. exam blocks leave me less and less time to actually pay enough attention to SDN