You can walk almost anywhere within city limits in an hour or less. Living in the center of all the action will cost you about $2,760 for an average one-bedroom apartment. Indulge in high design by checking out some of the most beautiful apartments in Dallas. Big town amenities with a small town feel, Great location for day trips and easy access to other cities, Excellent public transportation and commuter options, Liquor licensing system that prevents many restaurants from serving alcohol. #1. Philadelphia has a huge college population. As you may have noticed from the list above, Philadelphia is packed with historical landmarks. by Michael Hochman November 28, 2022. Take in the city, see some sights and keep a close watch out for the bicyclists! When you move to Philadelphia, Americas oldest still-operating theater is right on Walnut Street, and youll never be short of pop-up events, beer gardens and more. What is your favorite thing do to when you go out for the night? I could totally see spending an extended amount of time in Australia but I'm not so sure that I'd want to live there for the rest of my life. Quiz: Which Atlanta Neighborhood Should You Live In? Also, the area has hospitals and medical services, which have a national reputation, such as Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Fresh Prince references aside, the Victorian architecture and proximity to Penn and Drexel University jobs make Spruce Hill a hot neighborhood for teachers, grad students and other young professionals. Philadelphia has the perks of any major city, for the price of a much smaller one. When it comes to renting, apartments tend to range . Although your access to education, arts, and culture are restricted, you prefer the simple life anyway, and would choose a camp fire cookout and the call of wild birds over fine dining and opera every time. We combed through 100s of verified customer reviews to find the most trusted and reputable long distance movers. Major. It is normal to feel sad and upset after a breakup, and it is important to allow yourself time to heal. If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to consider moving to an up-and-coming neighborhood. Which Philly neighborhoods are most affordable? Moving to a Big City from a Small Town: How to Adjust to Your New Life, Moving to a Small Town From a Big City: How to Make the Transition Easier, How to Create a Warm Second Home for Your Child After Divorce, These Are the Best Places to Live in Upstate New York, Create a Realistic Moving Budget Using This Guide, Self Storage FAQs Renting a Storage Unit. And the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which runs along the Schuylkill River. The most popular Philadelphia neighborhoods and nearby cities for renters If you answered mostly C's, you could easily go either way. When you're crunching the numbers for rent in those other east coast cities, you may notice that the cost of living in Philadelphia is significantly lower. Living in Philadelphia means having access to all the conveniences of a metropolitan city including public transportation, and all the charm of a small town. Straight to the point: if you want to avoid the areas with the worst crime, dont go north of Girard Avenue or west of 40th Street. And for you indie lovers, the Electric Factory, the TLA, and Union Transfer all have great show lineups. Philadelphia is rated the 9th most congested city in America, which commuters spending an average 112 hours per year in traffic. I usually fall into the hipster/artsy/trendy side of things as far as interests go, so Boston can lack on that. Philly is also known as a walkable and bike-friendly city as new dedicated trails and bike paths continue to grow. If you're coming from a smaller city (which is a certainty if you're relocating from another metropolis in the United States), living here may feel overwhelmingbut it will also likely feel thrilling. Your first . The area has a decidedly residential feel and folks take pride in the home teams. Each has something to offer, either to live or to visit. The average temperatures typically hover somewhere just below freezing, but can also drop down below zero for short periods. More specifically, increases in traffic congestion and air pollution and a decrease in available rental properties. Philadelphia has an overwhelming number of neighborhoods, so weve tried to take some of the pressure off by mentioning a few of our favorites. Additionally, school choice programs mostly require parents to provide transportation, which can make them prohibitive for a city where many people dont regularly drive. Your Philly home search just might take you across the Delaware River into New Jersey, a la George Washington (though we recommend taking the Ben Franklin Bridge, not a wooden rowboat). Good luck with your move to Phildelphia And that's it. Since that time, it has been playing catchup in designing new spaces for parking. It would be of no use to you to give hip responses just for the sake of it. Median income: $46,116. Its twenty minutes away from Center City by train and a half hour by car. We dont judge. Switzerland has been rated one of the best places to live in the world so if you are thinking about Switzerland then you are making a good choice because its world happiness ranking is 7.43 (highest among all). Where should you emigrate? Questions and Answers 1. Philadelphia has direct access to a huge network of highways, most notably I-95, which runs from north to south through the city. Having a great public transportation system is one of the biggest perks of living in Philadelphia because you can get by without a car. Then there are the countless world-class entertainment options, parks, plays, restaurants and bars! In contrast, Rittenhouse Square is quieter and has a Parisian flair. Philly Is Proud To Be LGBT Many residents of neighborhoods with street parking choose to pay for monthly parking in a lot or deck, rather than trying to find a spot near their home each night. It's more like an oversized village than a huge city.". Move: If your city gives your plans the thumbs-down You've drawn up elaborate plans for popping the top of your two-bed bungalow. His work has been featured or mentioned by CNN, Wall Street Journal, BuzzFeed, Bankrate and hundreds of local media outlets across the country. The farthest neighborhoods from Center City , If youre fresh out of college, but want to hold on to the college lifestyle for a bit longer, check out, If youre looking to hire a moving company to help you move to Philadelphia we created a list of the, Or, if movers are out of your budget be sure to check out our list of, Lastly, if you need to ship a car be sure to have a look at our list of. Philadelphia is a unique and fascinating U.S. city with a distinct feel that is all its own. With an average 1 bedroom rent cost of $1,688 per month, Philadelphia is the. Did you know its often cheaper to buy than to rent in Philadelphia? Update: This post was originally published on June 6, 2018. The Weather. It is advisable to learn the rules of the streets to avoid parking fines. If you want to be in the middle of things (or far away from it) put down the beer bottle and pay attention! Usually, this fee will range from a couple of hundred bucks to a months rent. If youre looking for great schools for your kids, Chestnut Hill is also home to several good public and private schools and has a free library. Caroline Leopold is a Philadelphia-based writer who has lived in the city of Philadelphia for over 15 years. The nicest area in the Pennsylvania suburbs is called the Main Line, and it consists of a few towns, Lower Merion and Radnor among them. Below are seven reasons why you should consider a move to Philadelphia: Arts, Music, Culture Philadelphia's museums and cultural institutions are among the world's finest. Find yours here. (Quiz). The area generally doesnt have extreme weather, and heat or cold waves tend to be short-lived. Many residents go down the shore to one of the many shore points along New Jerseys coast. Get acquainted with these neighborhoods: Rittenhouse Square and Old City appeal to those who want to live in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. Now do these things. We want to share our experience with you to help you pick the perfect home. Heres a breakdown of getting around the city: Unlike NYC, its feasible to own a car in Phillybut there are a few things you should know. If you do know what you want, you can hit the "skip quiz" link on the front . The federal government also has a large presence there, with the East Coast operations of the U.S. Mint and a division of the Federal Reserve Bank located nearby. Also worth mention: The walkability of these neighborhoods means that you are more likely to get to know your neighbors. From HighSpeedInternet.com, this interactive quiz asks which priorities are most important to you to then narrow down the list of cities that best suits your needs. I like to go to concerts. . The ideal time to start looking for apartments is in April or early May, and be ready for a June 1st move-in. If you buy all the same brand names from back "home", then your cost of living will be significantly higher than if you shop more like a . A member of the Philadelphia Parking Authority writes a ticket for an expired meter in Center City. Is College Station, TX a Good Place to Live? Berkshire Hathaways Sivel Group team lead leader Jenifer Rinella says that its sometimes difficult to choose which neighborhood to settle in. While you might move here expecting never-ending days of rain, what you'll quickly see is that living in Seattle comes with over 150 days of sunshine and only 92 days of precipitation. Dont forget, all of these things need updating! Heres the deal. A website run by locals in various cities, with the hopes of making big life decisions a little easier on you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We break down the cost of transportation, housing, daycare, dining, and more. Hiking an enchanted rain forest. In addition to being the birthplace of the United States, it was also home to the nations first library, hospital, medical school, stock exchange, zoo, and business school. For a city of its size, Philadelphia has a remarkable amount of green space. Moving to Philadelphia can be an exciting time. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Also, be aware of the Philly city wage tax. Time is money for you and you enjoy the fast life of the city. Where Should I Move Quiz Will Help You Find the Place That Matches Your Personality Finding a perfect spot to settle in should be on the top of your priority list when relocating because it will affect your life quality to a great extent. If you were West Philadelphia born and raised, Spruce Hill is where youd spend most of your days. Expenses for a single person run around $1,000 a month (excluding housing). Though living in New York City is not always simple, it is frequently exciting. Philadelphia also boasts several large art museums and an ever-growing collection of art galleries, cooperatives and studios. This shifts the dynamic of the city and gives daily life in Philadelphia a more energetic vibe. Yay! To make navigating even easier, the north-south streets are numbered and the east-west streets are named after trees. The bus network has over 200 routes all around the city. Its also worth mentioning, Amtraks regional hub is at 30th Street Station. From unique apartment rentals in historical buildings to homes that are specific to the era in which a given neighborhood was established. America is full of places you can discover, and quizzes can help. Like we said before, we are Philadelphia movers, after all. You must apply at least 3 days before your moving date. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Graduate Hospital for an average of $2,680 a month. In fact, Philadelphia's median rent rate is less than half of San Francisco's. You can choose from about 16 different priorities, a few of which are shown below. It was revised on July 5, 2020, with new information from Philadelphia expert, Mary OBrien, and again on April 6, 2021, with new information from Philadelphia expert Caroline Leopold. Youre now a Philadelphian. Amtrak also operates through the citys historic 30th Street Station. SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is the regional rail system that maintains an extensive public transportation system of buses, light rail, trolleys and rapid transit. So, you have kids and you dont want to raise them in the city of brotherly love. For bigger acts check out, The Mann Center. Are you planning on taking a trip to Paris in the future and possibly staying? Finally, its essential to book reputable movers. For a one-stop shop to brush up on your Philadelphia history, the National Constitution Center should be your first port of call. It Doesn't Rain As Much in Seattle As You've Heard To start off, let's get the big Seattle rain myth out of the way. If you are unsure, take this quiz to help you decide before taking the plunge. Virtually every neighborhood has its own festivals, which feature local food and music. Philly is personal. University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, which are nationally ranked schools. Philadelphia is famous for its rich history and its tourism industry is definitely driven by this factor. You can't just dip a toe into Philly. Rent can be as much as half the cost, and despite the rapid development over the past few years and an influx of trendy restaurants and shops, home . Needless to say, youll find it hard to be bored after moving to Philadelphia. Philadelphia. PATCO (Port Authority Transportation Corporation) also runs trains from Center City back and forth to New Jersey not that youd particularly want to go to Jersey, but you might be one of those NJ commuters. In fact, the rising population and subsequent increase in air pollution have even changed the local temperature, with average summer temps in Philly becoming higher than surrounding areas due to heat retention from pollution. Before deciding how to move out, ensure that you can afford to live on your own. Or, find an apartment with a garage. Answer these seven simple questions, and our . Philly has 25 neighborhoods. Lets put it simply: A close commute will make you happy. It's a wonderful small-big city that's rich in culture, lots of museums, history, fantastic food. Fresh Prince references aside, the Victorian architecture and proximity to Penn and Drexel University jobs makes Spruce Hill a hot neighborhood for teachers, grad students and other young professionals. In general, the cost of living in Philadelphia is 17% higher than the national average. Among them are Philadelphias Magical Gardens and world famous Lorenzos Pizza. You can ride a bike too. New York is all about hustle, bustle, business, and networking. We all want to live near people who are at similar points in their lives. You can also choose between the regions of the country. Perhaps one of the more interesting things about living in Philadelphia is that its a large city that is able to retail a small town feel in many ways. As Phillys millennial population grows, this historical hub offers them more than just avocado toast. As an older city, it simply wasnt built with cars in mind and the recent growth has exacerbated traffic. Call . These free offerings are managed by the Parks and Recs Department and have information on athletics in your neighborhood. Below is a transit map for all of Philadelphia. Ouch. Congratulations on moving to Philadelphia! Weve gathered information related to cost of living, quality of life and much more below. Here are a few statistics for an overview of Philadelphia by the numbers. Paired with inflation and a massive amount of evictions as a result of COVID relief end, the situation is enough that people are being forced to stay in hotels or shelters. If you keep asking yourself where should I live, our quiz can help you get . For those who would like a more thorough review of the cost of living in Philadelphia, check out our guide on the cost of living in Philadelphia. The median home price in Haddonfield is just about $524K. Still not sure which Philadelphia neighborhood is perfect to call your home? With over 1.5 million folks calling this great city home, Philly is the second-largest city on the East Coast. Some iconic Philadelphia row homes pictured above. >What Philadelphia Neighborhood is Best for Me? According to U.S. Census data, Phillys homeownership rates between 2015 and 2019 dropped to 53%. Usually open year-round, Philadelphia is known for its many museums, including dozens of outdoor sculptures and murals. Theres no point looking at places you cant afford, so bust out your calculator and figure out a target monthly rent. Collection days vary by neighborhood. If you need to drive to work after moving to Philadelphia, you may be in for quite a commute. Brian Carberry Brian Carberry has more than 15 years of experience as a content creator and award-winning journalist. #3 Boston, can be labeled boring depending on what you are into. Parking is horrible. Move to one of the states above! Really affordable. Perhaps one of the more interesting things about living in Philadelphia is that it's a large city that is able to retail a small town feel in many ways. An added bonus: children who grow up in Philadelphia qualify for in-state tuition at the states many excellent public universities. 40 lesser known things to do in Philadelphia. A morning run and afternoon beers. It also has a low property tax of 0.99%, even lower than across the state in Pittsburgh, where its 2.01%. Note: This post is part of the Local Living Series, wherein locals share honest insights of living in a specific city through comprehensive pros and cons lists. One of the areas bars, Johnny Brendas, was even featured in the 2015 film Creed. You hate to be told what to do, and in Alaska you won't need to worry about the government restricting your personal freedoms. Mary OBrien is a Philadelphia-based blogger, author, and editor. In South Philly, you're either an Eagles fan or well you'll be one soon enough. In order to predict . This is a solid list. Either way, it can be daunting trying to navigate all. Philadelphia doesnt get nearly enough credit for a city with such great public transportation. The cost of living in Philadelphia is slightly higher than the national average but substantially lower than the surrounding major cities, such as New York and Boston. Welcome to the Windy City. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-most-populous city in the United States, with around 1.5 million inhabitants. Many residents enjoy the city without owning a car while living in Philadelphia. Philly also has some other arcane taxes, such as a hotel and liquor tax, that you can find here. Note: This DOES NOT mean you should trust Craigslist implicitly. It's communal, and that makes it truly special and unique among cities its size. Moving to a new city can be nerve-wracking, but youll find Philly offers all the benefits of a big city without the intensity. A fun, but useful, quiz to find your neighborhood match By Lauren LaBorde Updated Apr 11, 2017, 12:52pm CDT Hot during the summers and chill in the . It's affordable. After all, it is the birthplace of American freedom, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The area attracts students from around the world who often settle down in Philly. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Owing to many of the advantage listed above, Philadelphia is a great place to raise a family. In South Philly, youre either an Eagles fan, orwellyoull be one soon enough. Our favorite: The City That Loves You Back. A trip to New York can take as little as one hourits easier to get to Manhattan than Pittsburgh! While relatively narrow streets can make bike riding a bit trickier, the city is still ranked 6th best in the nation for bikers! 30th Street Station (pictured above) would be the heart, pumping out trains in all directions. This city sucks, the amount of violence and cost of living is crazy, whoever came up with these reasons to live in philly hasnt grown up here, septa is never on time and goes on strike every year, and is probably the second heroine capital of the country, cmon lets be real unless you live downtown where rent is 1500 and above for a single room or unless you have roommates this city is un affordable. For example, if you chose to rent an apartment in University City and wanted to meet a friend in Old City, you could hop on the Market-Frankford Line (the thick blue line). Live-work spaces are walking distance to the Farmers Market at Christ Church and the monthly First Friday art expos, making this the go-to neighborhood for young people looking to keep their lifestyle within arms reach. The Southeast. If you ever run into a problem with a landlord, theres a page on City Halls website for reporting it. Parking is a concern for many residents, and its suggested you either get a designated parking spot, pay for zone parking or live where street parking is ampler. You will obsess over the Eagles and never miss an Eagles/Cowboys game. Our job is done. They are constantly kicking people out of their homes just to build condos or student housing, and the elementary and middle and high schools suck the no child left behind rule has been ruining our children, the school system here is horrible, Ive lived here for over 30 years and its only gotten worse!!! Youll need to figure out how youll get to work before you sign a lease or a mortgage. One of those rules is that each room must have at least two electrical outlets, so youll be able to waste TONS of electricity. We would be remiss not to mention all the awesome things to do in Philadelphia. Almost all the streets are one-way and narrow. January is usually the coldest month in Philadelphia and residents plan for snow every year. Then, we ask you 20 questions about your personality, income status, parents' house atmosphere, and other relevant questions. This permit will block off street space for your moving van. The plan is to link up various neighborhoods and create a more walkable & environmentally-friendly city. Perhaps you've been debating whether or not it's time to movesomeplace new. Within the Washington Square West neighborhood is one of the citys hottest locations, the Gayborhood, where the nightlife is defined by the many LGBTfriendly bars and clubs dotting the area between Walnut and Spruce Streets. Old City is within a dining district, which means there are many places to go and see right outside your doorstep. Quiz: Which Los Angeles neighborhood should you live in? Home to Citizen's Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field, the neighborhood is prime real estate for both super fans and families. Many of the original Colonial homes and streets have been preserved, including Elfreths Alley, where you can freely stroll the 300-year-old cobblestones. As soon as youre done, browse through a few of the used book stores in Old City and check out Shane Confectionery, Americas Oldest Candy Store! Many beaches are only short drives and are perfect for day trips. Center City is perfect for young professionals and families who aren't quite ready to settle down or purchase a minivan with a stick figure family on the back windshield. Very informative! That's not bad, especially since it's the 6th largest city! Phillyspeak is easy with this primer Philadelphia is sure to enchant you, and youll be even more excited to call it home. Youll see it everywhere while living in Philadelphia. But your city might not be on board. Hint: the Art Museum is where Rocky ran up the steps. Hopefully, what weve provided will help alleviate some of your anxiety and enable you to decide if Philadelphia is the right place for you. The area has a hipster reputation due to the lively arts, music and craft beer scene, but it also attracts parents who want to raise their children in a vibrant city environment. The city is for you. Many of the Founding Fathers called Philly home, too, and the Old City district is a must-see. 97 to 98% of apartments are full and landlords are capitalizing by rapidly driving up rent in available locations. A boozy brunch followed by some light sightseeing. Philly has 25 neighborhoods. If youve been on the fence about this one, then youll be pleased to know house prices on average are among the lowest in the northeastern United States. Its also not far from Fairmount Park, Phillys largest municipal park, which is home to plenty of walking and biking trails as well as the Philadelphia Zoo! 3) Affordable living. But there are other attractions, too: great restaurants, galleries, flower shows and performing art shows all attract the tourists every year.