Bustling with activity, the City of Brotherly Love is rich in history, culture and the arts. It is the fifth largest city in the country with a population of over 1.5 million people. The setting for the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philly is the largest city in Pennsylvania and boasts a vibrant economy. The hub of the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia is one of the most important business, cultural and media centers in the United States.
If you are planning a move to Philadelphia, you should consider some of the city’s practical aspects, such as wages and cost of living, which are above national averages. Along with housing options for every budget and lifestyle, the ethnically diverse community boasts a wide range of economic and recreational opportunities. The cityscape features an eclectic mix of residential options. These include historic row houses, apartments in walkable neighborhoods like Graduate Hospital and homes in areas, such as Rittenhouse, that possess a hip urban vibe. Philly has an even mix of homeowners and renters. With redevelopment, new construction and an ample supply of older homes, you should be able to find a great place near major employment centers.
Rent and home prices are lower than the national averages and overall Philly is less expensive than the other major East Coast cities. This means that you can enjoy amenities like dining out on Philly Cheesesteak, attending sporting events, visiting cultural attractions and experiencing other leisure activities at a lower cost. In addition to the city’s Colonial-era architecture and world-renowned museums, Philly is home to a wide assortment of restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Philly hosts Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Famous for the Rocky Steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is joined by the Rodin Museum as must-see attractions. Along with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, enjoy live music and entertainment venues along South Street.
The city has a humid subtropical climate that produces summer highs in upper 80s and winter lows slightly below freezing. With almost 2,500 hours of annual sunshine, it is easy to enjoy wide-open green spaces like those found in Fairmont Park as well as riverfront events at Penn Landing. Local residents also love to cheer on their professional hometown teams. Reaching these leisure-time amenities is easy using Philadelphia’s well-developed public transit system.
With an abundance of great neighborhoods featuring a variety of amenities, finding the ideal place to settle down will not be easy. AreaVibes will give you a head start with our list of the best places to live in Philadelphia. You can customize the list using the criteria like home and rental prices, crime, education and employment that are most important to you.