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New York tops mag’s list of best places in U.S. for women to have a career- and child [US]

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Author: 
Gaskell, Stephanie
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Publication Date: 
5 Aug 2009
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Working moms can have it all - especially if they live in New York.

A new study by Forbes Woman magazine found the city is the best place for a woman to have kids and a career.

New York ranked highest among 50 cities based on earnings, unemployment rates, cost of living, crime, access to health and day care, per pupil spending and number of parks.

"It just seems so counterintuitive - everybody thinks New York is a playground for adults," admitted Forbes Woman senior reporter Heidi Brown.

"I know a lot of people who wouldn't want to raise their kids anywhere else."

Brown also said city moms are less likely to feel isolated.

"It's easy to get together with other children," she said. "And commute times are very manageable."

....

"Morning is the hustle and bustle for me," she said. "I kept coming in late and finally my boss said just come in at 9:30 a.m. It's a big help."

And even though her girls are a handful, she said she's glad they're growing up in New York.

"They're street smart," she said proudly.

Janelle Coleman, 22, of the Bronx, balances a job as a production assistant and a 20-month-old son.

"Day care is convenient, and I got it through the city, so it's affordable," she said. "There are lots of places in the city that are kid-friendly."

Coleman said the city has its ups (the school system is good) and its downs (the subway is hard to navigate with a stroller). Still, she said it's all worth it.

"I was raised in New York City and I think I turned out just great," she laughed.

Austin was ranked the second-best place for working moms, followed by Minneapolis/St. Paul, Milwaukee and Portland, Ore.

Buffalo and Niagara Falls were the only other New York cities to make the list, tying Columbus, Ohio, for 13th place.

- reprinted from the New York Daily News

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