<p>My son is from the Philadelphia area and will be a senior at Stanford next year. I was also hesitant for him to consider Stanford when there are so many colleges of all varieties on the East Coast, but when he visited after being accepted, he (and I) were sure it was the right place for him, and it has turned out to be a great experience. The trip from NYC or Phila to Stanford is very easy - there are many direct flights to San Francisco, and the shuttle from San Francisco airport will get you to your dorm in less than an hour after landing (including getting your bags). Your parents probably wouldn’t see you much more if you went to school in Boston, and they would have to drive you or pay for train or plane travel for there too.</p>