We researched hundreds of movers and found the five best professional movers of 2022. Should you be a Californian? Below is a walk score map. If youre considering moving to Philadelphia, youll want to take a look at our expert list of the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia, based on firsthand experience. Theres also an abundance of green space, and walkable, friendly neighborhoods where kids have an opportunity to get to know each other. For untamed spirits seeking authentic cultural experiences without buying a plane ticket, Dim Sum at Ocean City Restaurant and performances at Franklin Square make Phillys Chinatown feel like home. Hiking an enchanted rain forest. Take our quiz to find out which neighborhood you should call home. Live close to what you love in Queen Village, a deal-seekers respite close to downtown Philly. Museum hopping, then happy hour on a rooftop. Just be prepared for pissed off pedestrians and cab drivers. You can find work by Monet, Renoir, Modigliani, Czanne, Matisse, and Picassoand thats just at the Barnes Foundation. Having attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and calling the Keystone state home for over a decade, she often writes about Phillys infinite food, drink, and cultural offerings as well as feminist and LGBTQ+ topics, parenthood, and her many beloved book selections. Big cities. Philadelphia offers the amenities of a big city, like great restaurants, shopping, arts and culture and great public transportation. Additionally, school choice programs mostly require parents to provide transportation, which can make them prohibitive for a city where many people dont regularly drive. If you're moving to Philadelphia with your family, consider affluent yet homey Chestnut Hill as a relocation destination. Especially if living in a city rich with culture, entertainment, and history is important to you. They are about a half hour away from Center City by car. The ethnic diversity of many neighborhoods makes for an incredibly adventurous culinary scene. With festivals at Great Plaza and stand-up paddleboarding at Penn's Landing Marina, no one ever accuses residents of Center City of not getting out much.". It's more like an oversized village than a huge city.". A one hour flight from Philly to NYC? 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. You can see where the Declaration of Independence was signed and then walk a few blocks for beers at the same place the Founding Fathers drank. Folks calling this great city home appreciate the many eclectic and unique neighborhoods that give it a small-town feel. A fun, but useful, quiz to find your neighborhood match By Lauren LaBorde Updated Apr 11, 2017, 12:52pm CDT Our favorite: The City That Loves You Back. 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 . Read more about the methodology behind this project. Haha, I actually had it that way originally, but most of my testers preferred the quiz format since they didn't really know what they liked. For those considering a move to Philadelphia, weve gathered information and resources to help make the decision easier. Highway access is good. In contrast, Rittenhouse Square is quieter and has a Parisian flair. Italian cheesesteaks arent exactly light on calories. If you are using a screen reader, or are having difficulty reading this website, please emailaccessibilityfeedback@rent.com. Your first . Youll regret it if you dont. The West. This rich city history also makes for a wonderful array of unique and beautiful housing options. Prepare to perpetually look for parking any time of day. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This city is greedy with taxesthink NY or California level of taxes, but with nothing to show for it other than a trail of corruption and high amounts of poverty. Or, if youre living in Fairmount, you could take the Broad Street Line (the thick orange line) down to AT&T Station to see a Phillies or Eagles game if thats your thingunless youre more of a Flyers fan. As you may have noticed from the list above, Philadelphia is packed with historical landmarks. Berkshire Hathaways Sivel Group team lead leader Jenifer Rinella says that its sometimes difficult to choose which neighborhood to settle in. 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. Just answer a few questions about yourself and we'll do all the hard work to determine which neighborhood in Philly is calling you home. A: Yes, it's definitely worth moving to Philadelphia. And with a cost of living significantly lower than Boston, New York, and D.C., Philly is pretty darn affordable for a big city in the Northeast. If youre still not sure, take a trip there first and check it out in person! 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. Hopefully, what weve provided will help alleviate some of your anxiety and enable you to decide if Philadelphia is the right place for you. Since that time, it has been playing catchup in designing new spaces for parking. Philadelphia is famous for its rich history and its tourism industry is definitely driven by this factor. One popular place for a spectacular event is Macys department store during the holiday season. Heres their guide on how to recognize potential scammers. Philadelphia has an overwhelming number of neighborhoods, so weve tried to take some of the pressure off by mentioning a few of our favorites. 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. Big town amenities, small town charm. As Philly's millennial population grows, this historical hub offers them more than just avocado toast. (And FYI, we're movers in Philadelphia.) Expenses like housing, utilities, groceries and transportation are higher than the national average by about 15% to 30%. A boozy brunch followed by some light sightseeing. For a one-stop shop to brush up on your Philadelphia history, the National Constitution Center should be your first port of call. The city is also known as one of the largest health education and research centers in the U.S. Honestly, a good list except when considering cost of living..if you are trying to rent it is a huge nightmare. The city of Philadelphia levies a wage tax on employees who work in the city. Usually open year-round, Philadelphia is known for its many museums, including dozens of outdoor sculptures and murals. In general, the cost of living in Philadelphia is 17% higher than the national average. While summer days can reach 90F or higher, the evenings will cool to a breezy 70F. [Chestnut Hill] has access to award-winning schools within a 25-minute drive of center city, [which] makes [the area] a true gem.. In fact, itd be much easier to sell your car when you move. Like many Northeastern cities, Philadelphia brings the best of both words to its residents. Quiz: Which Atlanta Neighborhood Should You Live In? So, before you load up your belongings and head for the land of cheesesteaks and water ice, why not learn a few Philadelphia facts and get to know your soon-to-be home? Check out our Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide to dive deeper into some of the best spots in Philadelphia. The best park? Weve gathered information related to cost of living, quality of life and much more below. It's considered easier to get around than both New York City and Washington DC. The Southeast. 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. Landlords in Philadelphia are legally bound by certain requirements, listed here. Philadelphias rich history has made it home to many notable educational institutions, museums and galleries. 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. Old City is within a dining district, which means there are many places to go and see right outside your doorstep. 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! Hours: M - F: 7:30am - 7pm. Alaska 4 2 3 1 4 0 1 0 7 Bring on the wild! Also, if youre considering living in the suburbs, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey are easily accessible by train and bus as well. Finally, its essential to book reputable movers. Heres a quick recap. Moving to Philadelphia can be an exciting time. Address: 2431 Reed St., Ste. 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. The Philadelphia Zoo, opened in 1874, keeps more than 1,300 animals from all around the world-many of which are endangered or rare-on 42 acres. Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators How Much House Can I Afford? Whether you are searching for luxury, or hoping to set down roots in an ethnically diverse, working-class area, you will find it while living in Philadelphia. Below is a list showing the common demographics of each neighborhood. Many residents go down the shore to one of the many shore points along New Jerseys coast. Other must-see museums include the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The average temperatures typically hover somewhere just below freezing, but can also drop down below zero for short periods. Thats all weve got. The area generally doesnt have extreme weather, and heat or cold waves tend to be short-lived. With festivals at Great Plaza and stand-up paddleboarding at Penns Landing Marina, no one ever accuses residents of Center City of not getting out much. We want to share our experience with you to help you pick the perfect home. Just like, as we get older, we tend to get the face we deserve (paraphrased quote from George Orwell), if you do move to Mexico, you'll likely just become more like yourself. We dont judge. Philadelphias walk score is 79, compared to a city like Los Angeles, which is only 68. The Liberty Bell is here too. Well, now you'll finally know where to go: using not really any science whatsoever, we've put together a quiz that'll identify exactly which LA neighborhood you belong in. You must apply at least 3 days before your moving date. Life in this quaint neighborhood means leisurely biking amongst stately oaks and architectural facades to find haute fashion on Fabric Row and the perfect IPA at a Headhouse Square pub. As we touched on earlier, Philadelphia has a lot of important ties to Americas inception. Perhaps you've been debating whether or not it's time to movesomeplace new. While moving to Philadelphia has many perks, theres a few things you may not enjoy about living in Philadelphia. But your personal cost of living will depend on both where you live and what you buy. As with any major American city, crime is a factor, but it varies based on which part of town you live in. Like many Northeastern cities, Philadelphia brings the best of both words to its residents. If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to consider moving to an up-and-coming neighborhood. 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). The American Revolution, Philly cheese steaks, or the epic scene from Rocky? Simply answer a few questions and we'll tell you! Like many cities, Craigslist is very active in finding apartments (especially places with owners desperate to rent out). Note: This DOES NOT mean you should trust Craigslist implicitly. Ten of the countrys largest law firms and twelve Fortune 500 companies, including Comcast and Crown Holdings, have their headquarters in the Philadelphia area. Its a quirky little street that goes for blocks and blocks and blocks, so youll never run out of stuff to do or places to find. The first thing I ask buyers when determining where to start is how long of a commute are you looking for and if you have kids what are your schooling needs. It's communal, and that makes it truly special and unique among cities its size. Step 1 of 13. Yoga enthusiasts benefit from free or low-cost classes throughout the city, including at the scenic Race Pier. Fairmount Park alone spans 4,200 acres and is considered one of the largest urban park in the U.S. Youll find any type of cuisine your heart desires! 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). The differences between individual schools within a given district can be huge and, while there is some school choice, it is very limited in scope. To help get a clearer picture of who's moving to and from Philadelphia, we've compiled the data from our moving estimates calculator to determine where Philadelphians are coming from and where they're going. The Climate in Philadelphia. Philly has 25 neighborhoods. (Quiz). Weve also reached out to folks who live there to find out what they love about the city and what they think it could improve upon. This can be difficult, but it can be helpful to give yourself some space and time to move on. This will make your move much easier. Then there are the countless world-class entertainment options, parks, plays, restaurants and bars! Philadelphia is a large metropolitan area with a growing population. Back to index. Maybe you're a South Philly lifer looking for a change or perhaps you're an out-of-towner planning a big move to the City of Brotherly Love. Youll regret it if you do. Quiz: Which Los Angeles neighborhood should you live in? Which New Orleans Neighborhood Should I Live In? The city was not made for this many people, he said. 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. He is currently the senior managing editor of Apartment Guide and Rent., based in Atlanta. Moving to a new city can be nerve-wracking, but youll find Philly offers all the benefits of a big city without the intensity. Many will also ask you for a pay stub as proof of income. To give you an idea of just how much your dollar will get you, heres a report on what a rental budget of $1,800 can afford. The most popular Philadelphia neighborhoods and nearby cities for renters 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. With an average 1 bedroom rent cost of $1,688 per month, Philadelphia is the 28th most expensive metropolitan area in the United States. Still not sure which Philadelphia neighborhood is perfect to call your home? Thinking of moving to Philadelphia? Its home to huge corporations like Comcast, the Ivy League Penn university, and the football fans who threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Whats more, the relatively moderate climate and access to public transportation makes it an easy place for non-car commuters. These are important factors to consider when asking yourself, "what in the world should I move?" For example, if you hate cold weather, then you probably wouldn't want to move to Norway. We combed through 100s of verified customer reviews to find the most trusted and reputable long distance movers. Philadelphia is the 6th most populous city in the US, and with that many people comes a lot of population flow. Unlike New York, in Philly rental agents dont always charge a fee to the client. 2, Philadelphia, PA 19146. A family in Philadelphia with a total income of $50,000 would need nearly double that $97,000 to make ends meet in New York. That might seem like a lot, but it's far fewer than cities like New York or Chicago. From New Jersey, youll be taking the PATCO train, and from PA youll be taking SEPTA. January is usually the coldest month in Philadelphia and residents plan for snow every year. It would be of no use to you to give hip responses just for the sake of it. 4. The relatively lower cost of living also makes this a more affordable choice for young families who are looking to live in a larger city. Home to such important American icons as the Liberty Bell and Punxsutawney Phil, it is also the land of legendary cheesesteaks and truly legit pot pies. You can't just dip a toe into Philly. Seattle residents, according to the same article, tend to earn an average of around $67,000. And the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which runs along the Schuylkill River. While Philadelphians enjoy a mostly moderate summer, winters can be quite cold. These are the top Philadelphia moving companies. Philly has 25 neighborhoods. Basically, its tough to find an apartment in Philly. If you decide to take the plunge, get in touch. Every answer may contribute to the final choice, so be honest. The costs are $25 for 40 square feet of space. Trains run daily to New York, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other notable northeast American cities. A morning run and afternoon beers. But if you feel like getting out and about for a breather, its good to know that Philly has lots of free activities you can enjoy. This is complicated by lack of emergency housing resources and a voucher program that has had a closed waitlist for over 12 years. It's affordable. Mass transit is limited, and the airport can sustain delays, especially in the late summer. He does, however, appreciate the citys proximity to New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. And Douglas Turner Day called out what most visitors are also quick to discover: Philadelphia has amazing cultural diversity, and the best way to explore it is through the food..