Article Overview:Pros & Cons of Living in Philadelphia
Considering moving to Philadelphia?
Youre in good hands.
But theres so much more to the city.
Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/f11photo)
Visiting Philadelphia before finalizing your decision?
If helpful,heres the one hotel I recommend to my own family and friends.
First, the perks of moving to Philadelphia
#1.
Living in Philadelphia
Big town amenities, small town vibes
One of the best parts about living in Philadelphia?
Its the way the city masterfully blends big-town amenities with those cozy small-town vibes.
Its like living in a perpetual buffet of cultural and social options.
Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/f11photo)
But amidst all that hustle and bustle, Phillys got this knack for feeling surprisingly intimate.
Maybe its the row house neighborhoods, each with its unique flavor and tight-knit community.
Or the abundance of parks and green spaces where you could escape the citys pace.
Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)
Or perhaps its the way people here seem to know their neighbors and look out for each other.
I mean, its called the City of Brotherly Love for a reason, right?
#2.
Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/f11photo)
But its not all about city living.
Basically, Phillys got prime real estate when it comes to accessibility.
Youre never far from a change of scenery, be it urban excitement or outdoor adventure.
Independence Hall | Moving to Philadelphia (NPS)
#3.
And thats not just talk the numbers really do back it up.
Lets break down housing costs.
Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)
As of 2023, the median home value in Philadelphia is significantly lower compared to the national average.
And its not just about necessities affordability extends to leisure too.
Plus, Phillys tax rates are often lower compared to other East Coast cities.
Moving to Philadelphia (Shutterstock-f11photo)
Thats pretty good math if you ask me.
#4.
First off, this is the city where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/Songquan Deng)
Just think about that for a moment these streets have seen the birth of a nation.
But Phillys history isnt just kept behind glass in museums.
Its like living in a city thats as much a historian as it is a metropolis.
Betsy Ross house | Living in Philadelphia (Shutterstock/Roman Babakin)
#5.
#6.
Philadelphia also boasts several large art museums and an ever-growing collection of art galleries, cooperatives and studios.
Moving to Philadelphia (Shutterstock/Diego Grandi)
Needless to say, youll find it hard to be bored after moving to Philadelphia.
#7.
Many residents enjoy the city without owning a car while living in Philadelphia.
#8.
Great public parks
For a city of its size, Philadelphia has a remarkable amount of green space.
Fairmount Park alone spans 4,200 acres and is considered one of the largest urban park in the U.S.
It features peaceful trails, rolling hills, waterfront esplanade and forested areas all for public enjoyment.
But it gets even better.
The city of PhiladelphiasTrail Master Planaims to add even more greenways and trails to the city.
The plan is to link up various neighborhoods and create a more walkable & environmentally-friendly city.
And its not just the big parks either.
Phillys got an array of smaller parks and squares that add a touch of green to the cityscape.
Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, Clark Park each ones a little oasis amid the urban hustle.
#9.
But the charm of living in Philadelphia isnt limited to its city center.
On the west side, theres University City.
And theres no forgetting Chinatown, a cultural gem, and Manayunk with its bohemian flair.
#10.
In fact, Philadelphia is home to the one of thelargest collegiate populationsin America.
Some of the citys top universities include Temple and Drexel Universities and the University of Pennsylvania.
This shifts the dynamic of the city and gives daily life in Philadelphia a more energetic vibe.
#11.
Consider the like Touch Museum where the name says it all.
Kids are actually encouraged to interact with exhibits, breaking the usual look dont touch museum rule.
And the Franklin Institute?
Plus, the city parks are constantly buzzing with activities like puppet shows and music performances.
So, when it comes to keeping kids engaged and entertained, Philadelphia more than delivers.
Its not just kid-friendly; its a kids wonderland and thats something to rave about.
With that said, lets cover the honest cons of living in Philadelphia.
#1.
Public transit isnt much better during peak hours, with SEPTA buses and trains packed to the brim.
Even walking downtown can feel like navigating a maze at times, with the sidewalks overflowing with people.
And then theres the issue of housing.
#2.
It feels like the City of Brotherly Love sometimes doubles as the City of Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic!
Rush hour can be particularly brutal.
Its not just the highways, though.
City streets can also get congested, making a quick drive across town anything but quick.
Plus, with roadworks seemingly around every corner, unanticipated delays are more the rule than the exception.
Its just one of those things that come with big city living, I guess.
#3.
If theres one thing that gives Philadelphians a collective sigh, its probably this.
Heres the deal: If you live or work in Philadelphia, youre subject to the city wage tax.
And its not just about the money, its also about the principle.
#4.
Its a tough subject, but one thats an integral part of the citys overall picture.
Its not evenly distributed across the city, of course, with certain neighborhoods experiencing higher levels of crime.
Property crimes such as burglary and theft have also been persistently high.
Efforts from local authorities and community organizations are underway to tackle these issues, but meaningful change takes time.
Therefore, its an ongoing concern for residents and a key consideration for those contemplating a move to Philadelphia.
#5.
Strange liquor licensing laws
Ah, the labyrinth that is Philadelphias liquor laws!
Yes, you heard me right bars sell six-packs in Philly!
Then theres the issue of liquor licenses for restaurants and bars.
#6.
Parking nightmares
If youve ever driven in Philadelphia, chances are youve experienced the citys notorious parking predicament.
Then theres the competition.
With so many people and cars in the city, prime parking spots are in high demand.
#7.
To start with, funding is a perennial concern.
Many buildings are also aging and in need of repair or renovation, which further stretches the budget.
This performance gap is a pressing issue, as it contributes to educational inequality in the city.
#8.
Winters here can get pretty harsh.
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are common, and major snowstorms arent unusual.
And then theres the day-to-day hassle.
And lets not forget about the gray skies.
Days are shorter, and it can feel like the sun has gone into hibernation.
Dont get me wrong, there are some lovely aspects of winter in Philadelphia.
But the day-to-day grind of a Philly winter can definitely wear on you after a while.
Its just one of the prices you pay for living in the City of Brotherly Love.
#9.
Theres a fair amount of competition in the job market here, especially for high-skilled roles.
Moreover, wage growth in the city has been a bit stagnant compared to other major cities.
Yes,Philadelphia is a very walkable citywith beautiful parks, great shops, and a dense city center.
There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of living in Philadelphia.
Heres a quick recap.
Whether visiting or living, its worth checking out Philadelphia a truly unique U.S. city.
