[Fe2002]

Are there any single parents in the NYC area? This great opportunity has presented itself at work that could land me in NYC if I play my card right. I'm considering it and have many questions!

Best places to live if you work in Manhattan? Did you adopt while living in the NYC area? What were your experiences? I want to adopt one more child in a couple years...

[millie58]

Work in NYC and live in Bay Shore (suburb on Long Island). Fostered and adopted while doing both. It's hectic but it can be done!! What is your profession?

[kcolange]

I live in NYC and live in Battery Park City - excellent place for families with lots of parks, but schools are overcrowded because it is such a great place! I adopted while living here and getting a Certificate of Birth from NY State was easy as was getting a US Passport. There are a few Hague Accredited agencies that perform Home Studies as well (a requirement now for Kaz).

Keep me posted!
Kelly and Sabina (2.3yo)

[Fe2002]

So as this opportunity materializes I'm completely freaking out and second guessing myself. I'm trying not to let fear of leaving my comfort zone nix a great opportunity. So I'm moving forward...

I'm going to research Battery Park City and Bayshore, but what do any of you know anything about Montclaire, NJ? Everything I've read sounds good and apparently it's a straight shot into the city.

[irelady10]

Montclair is a great place to live- very diverse. This is a place, if finances were not an issue, where I would choose to live. It has character and, I believe, a reputable school system. Also, its a pretty easy commute into the city. Good luck with your move!

[Fe2002]

Irelady, thanks for the feedback. I have a co-worker in NYC that lives there and loves it. However, she is married and after looking at the real estate costs there I'm wondering how doable it will be for a single, working mom.

The one thing that terrifies me about moving to the NYC area is the quality of life. I live a very nice and comfortable life here in Atlanta. The dollar goes a long way in this housing market. I found my comparable home in Montclair... holy Moses!

I'm okay to lose some space, but I don't want to compromise on quality of neighborhood or the actual quality of the home.

Any other recommendations?

[millie58]

this is late; sorry! Living costs around NYC are high. but Irelady is right; Montclair is diverse. There are towns in LI that are diverse but we have a ways to go.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[irelady10]

Hi...another nice, diverse area is Maplewood/South Orange. Parts of Maplewood are more affordable than S. Orange, and there is a train in both towns directly into NYC. I love Maplewood- great parks and community pools. I have a friend who lives there and loves it.

Are you already a foster/adoptive parent, or will start the process when you get to NYC area?

[Fe2002]

I'm already a parent. My chickpea came home in November 2007 when she was 3 wks old. I have hopes to add a little brother or sister to our family.

I will be travelling to NY on a business trip soon and plan to stay a couple of extra days to do some scouting. Montclair is definitely on the list and will add in Maplewood and S. Orange.

As comfortable as I am, I'm ready for change. Everyone thanks for all your feedback!

[DebbieJFSG]

You might want to SERIOUSLY think this through before making the move, especially if you are considering getting licensed in NYS or NJ for fost/adopt. There are even major differences county to county within NY. Before making any decisions, and since you will be visiting for a few days, you may want to meet with a DSS rep in NY and/or a DYFS worker in NJ to learn about how they operate (and to understand how it will differ from your experience in Atlanta). You also should arrange to talk to single parents who have done fost/adopt in those areas. Might turn out to be MORE important than deciding which neighborhood/city/town you should consider.

NYSAC (New York Singles Adopting Children) will be one resource for you...also NYSCCC (NY State Concerned Citizens Coalition - I think) is another resource to connect you to people who have been there/done that in NY. You could also call a licensed fost/adopt agency in either state and set up an appointment with a social worker while you're in the metro NY area.

Good luck with your decision making!

[Fe2002]

Debbie, I will be going the private adoption route and probably through the same agency I used with DD. I had a good experience with them...

Thank you for posting those resources, I will be checking into them.

[millie58]

good luck and let us know what you decide. We can have a get-together!!

[DebbieJFSG]

Private adoption is fine as a NY state resident but NOT with most agencies... There are only a small handfull of agencies that NY State allows residents to use. So if you are thinking of using the same agency you used the first time around, start by finding out if they are licensed in NY. If not, then New Jersey may be a better choice for you. NY does allow you to work with an attorney for private adoption but you must do your own advertising (no facilitators allowed).

My point here is not to tell you what route to take in terms of your adoption...nor to choose where you should live... I'm just pointing out to you that there are vast differences between adoption laws in Georgia, NY, and NJ and it probably makes sense for you to spend time thinking about that piece of the puzzle before relocating.

Hope this is helpful...(that's how it's intended).

-Debbie

[Fe2002]

Thanks Debbie. I absolutely understand that adoption laws vary by state. I'm covered on the adoption front. My agency is nationwide with offices in GA, NY, NJ and many other places.

At this point, I'm really looking for information on good places to live to raise a family with an easy commute into Manhattan.

[marcav]

I live in South Orange -- its a great town. Both S.O. and Maplewood are very diverse and are somewhat cheaper than Montclair. They also have a smaller town feel to them.

I adopted from foster care. It was a very easy process for me.