Living in Philadelphia, PA, known as 'The City of Brotherly Love,' offers a rich historical and cultural experience that is both unique and appealing. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a large city known for its significant role in American history. Major nearby cities like New York and Washington, D.C., enhance its status as a central hub in the Mid-Atlantic region. Philadelphia's blend of historical significance and modern amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Philadelphia's landmarks are world-renowned, with the Liberty Bell standing as a symbol of American independence, Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its 'Rocky Steps.' The city offers numerous attractions, from the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in the United States, to the Reading Terminal Market, a bustling hub of culinary delights. Philadelphia's culinary scene is famous for cheesesteaks and a wide variety of international cuisines.
Annual events such as the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Made in America Festival highlight the city's vibrant event scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Philadelphia's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University contribute to the city's academic and cultural richness, attracting scholars and students from around the world and fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Philadelphia is robust and dynamic, with renowned theaters, music venues, and art galleries offering a variety of cultural experiences. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Barnes Foundation are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Philadelphia provides ample opportunities to engage with art, history, and theater, making it an exciting place to call home.
Philadelphia’s community is diverse and welcoming, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), and 76ers (NBA), offering plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Philadelphia include education, healthcare, and finance, with significant employers such as Comcast and Jefferson Health driving economic growth and innovation. Public transit options include SEPTA buses, subways, and regional rail, making it easy for residents to navigate the city.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a big city with a population of 1,632,157 inhabitants. With a population density of 12,164 people per square mile, Philadelphia is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (39%) and Black or African American (41%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. In Philadelphia, only 39% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Something to be aware of when living in Philadelphia are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 33 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like crime, commute, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Philadelphia and in the areas around Philadelphia is a much easier task.
The livability score in Philadelphia is 76 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Philadelphia ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Philadelphia ranks well for cost of living (B+) and housing (A+) The bad news for Philadelphia, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F).
Living in Philadelphia offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Philadelphia provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Philadelphia Museum of Art, City Food Tours Philadelphia, and Independence Hall.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Philadelphia market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Philadelphia meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Philadelphia. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Philadelphia are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Philadelphia come in at $302,564, which is 2.1% higher than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Philadelphia, the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 13.5% higher than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 49.5% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.2% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 23.2% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 7.9% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.0% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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