Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

First, I am new to LIF! Just wanted to see if anyone has any neighborhood advice for me. We are moving from North Babylon to St. James possibly (offer has been accepted, waiting for contracts). I need advice on local karate places for my daughter who is turning 7 in a week(!) pre k for my son, 4, and any other information about the town. I am so nervous, about making new friends for myself and my kiddos.. I feel so bad relocating my kids after they have made such great friends here, but the move is really for their benefit..
Thanks for any advice!!
Dara

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

I live on the Smithtown/St. James border. We love it and are so happy here!

For karate, my sons went to Shaolin on North Country Road. It is a wonderful dojo. The senseis are very positive and upbeat and are fantastic with kids.

My kids didn't go to preschool locally, but my friends and neighbors love Sts. Philip and James and Wesleyan.

If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

I live in St. James. What elementary school are the kids going too? I don't have a karate school reccomendation since my kids are young and not in anything yet. I used to take a fitness class at a Jiu jitsu place on Lake Avenue in St. James. They have been around for ever. Might be a good place to check out. American Jiu jitsu center. My son goes to St. James Lutheran. I'm really happy with them and the price is reasonable. Other area Pre-k is St. Philip and James, Harbor Country Day school, St. Patricks and Wesylan.

St. James is a really nice town. Smithtown has really nice parks, alot of them with little sprinkler parks for the kids. There is Long and short beach that is a quick drive.

They have an old Historic house called Deepwells that has a fall festival every year that is really cute for the kids. They have pumpkin picking, hay rides, magic show. They also have a movie on the lawn there usually once a month in summer, which is free. St. James day is ever October. THey shut down the main road through town and have all kinds of vendors.

I have lived in Smithtown pretty much my whole life, so FM me if you have anymore questions.

Message edited 6/1/2013 12:02:44 AM.

Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

Thanks everyone! I think the school that my daughter will be going to is St James elementary, she will be in second grade.

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

We live nearby and have friends in st James. It's a wonderful area.

preschools
Ivy league ($$$$$)
Wesleyan
Step preschool

Not familiar with karate. But there are a bunch of local places. You will love the area. There is so much to do.

Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

Lol, actually, my kids go to camp at Ivy League! But it's only bc my husband works there. I priced out the preschool there, and even with his discount, it's too much!

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

I love St. James!! It's a lovely town!!
No idea about schools and karate....but there's a great hair salon, Sivana, right in town!

Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

i have no recommendations... just wanted to say that i LOVE St. James / Stony Brook area - it is such a beautiful part of the island. Good luck and congrats.

Message edited 6/2/2013 6:49:04 PM.

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

Highly recommend Shaolin on 25A in St. James, the senseis Chris and Ryan are amazing. We don't go anymore because too far for us and my boys stopped karate but we loved them!

Message edited 6/2/2013 9:52:09 PM.

Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

I grew up in St James. I think you will love it!

Re: Possibly moving to St. James, very nervous

We don't have kids but moved into St. James six years ago.

I love how small town it is, they don't take kindly to chain stores renting in the area, for the most part people observe the speed limit on Lake Avenue, we frequent all of the stores in the area (King Kullen, Spagues, Yummy Kitchen, pet grooming place in the same area, 2 delis on Lake, Garguilios bakery, Mosaic on 25A, Borrellas nursery on Edgewood, Roccos Pizza on 25A, NY Stuffed Cone Co on 25A), neighbors are friendly and in general don't have fences in their front yards which leads to a more open feeling, people tend not to park on the streets (again, open feeling), well-kept houses and yards, community events through the farm, churches, schools, the General Store is the oldest one still in operation in the country, beaches allow dogs in the off season, easy access to Smithtown / Stony Brook / Port Jeff / shopping...

The one thing I have heard about the school district is high heroin use. I don't really know how bad it is or if it's worse than surrounding areas, because we don't have children in the district. But I think you have time until you have to worry about that!

Welcome to the neighborhood and if you have any specific questions, feel free to FM me.