At one point or another, some of us simply need a change of scenery. Call it a fresh start. And if that time is now for you, you may not know exactly where you want to go. But no matter what you’re looking for, there’s a great chance that Philadelphia could be your ideal destination. Of course, it’s important to compare each city against one another. But when you dig deep and look at all aspects of a city, very few can stack up against Philadelphia. Let’s answer the question, “should I move to Philadelphia?”.
This is Why People Move to Philadelphia
Affordable Housing
Perhaps the single biggest financial factor in the moving process is housing. How much will it cost you to buy a place in your city, and how much will that amount get you. In Philadelphia, your dollar will get you significantly more than in other major cities on the East Coast. So, you get to live in a major metropolitan city without having to pay through the nose for a tiny apartment (like you would in cities like New York and D.C.). Plus, you’ll find a pretty wide range of home types, so there’s likely to be a place that suits your budget and taste.
Diversity of Culture
At its foundation, Philadelphia has become a diverse city on its face. When you dig further, that only becomes more apparent. And that diversity comes in the form of culture, art, and music, among other things. For example, the Philadelphia Orchestra remains a jewel of the music world. And you can head to Jay Z’s Made In America music festival for an entirely different musical experience. Looking for art? Check out The Barnes Foundation for paintings from impressionists, post-impressionists, and more modern artists. Live music, live theatre,and much more gives Philly its pulse.
The Culinary Experience
While it’s not necessarily known for its food, Philadelphia has one of the largest offerings and is home to some of the finest food in the nation. For a taste from another country, Philly has all sorts to fill your belly, including Vietnamese, Indian, Peruvian, Etheopian, Mexican, Brazilian, and much more. But of course, you can’t talk about Philadelphia food without talking about the famous cheesecakes. Check our Delassandro’s or John’s Roast Pork for a “real” Philly cheesesteak. Or create your own version of the famous dish in virtually any part of the city.
Parks
Among the top reasons to move to Philly has to be the beautiful parks. They’re not only numerous, but large and peaceful. That’s why Philadelphia is a jogger’s paradise in many parts of the city. Moving to Philly means gaining access to 300 neighborhood parks, 40 historic sites, more than 160 miles of trails, and more. You’ll also find community gardens, playgrounds, farms, orchards, and more strewn across the city. So, there’s always a place to have a wonderful picnic or to go on a peaceful jog when you’re in Philly.
Mountains & Beaches
When making a list of the pros and cons of moving to Philadelphia, most people fail to realize that both mountains and beaches are within reach. And we’re talking about a two to three hour drive, so you can make a day of this journey or comfortably get away for any weekend. If you’re ready to lose yourself in nature or enjoy a night by a cabin fire, head to the Pocono Mountains. Ready to dig your toes into the sand and sip a cocktail? The beaches of New Jersey are never too far away.
The History
One of the best things about living in Philadelphia is that you’re living in a city filled with our nation’s history. As one of the most influential cities in our country’s earliest days, Philly is a goldmine for any history buff. The most prominent sites to check out as soon as you arrive are the Liberty Bell, the Museum of the American Revolution, and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed! So, if you want it to be, moving to Philadelphia is like taking a time machine to the past.
Education
Education is a cornerstone of American society. And when it comes to education, Philadelphia is a haven of sorts. That’s why it’s no surprise that many of the brightest young minds in the nation come to further their education in Philadelphia. Temple University, Drexel University, the University of Penn, and Villanova are all in or just outside of Philadelphia. So, you can also choose to live in the city, in the suburbs, or in more of a college town, if you prefer. Philly has proven itself to be a great place for higher education.
Close to Other Cities
One of the greatest parts of life is visiting new places and experiencing new things. Philadelphia is a great central hub from where you can do that with regularity. The city’s location along the eastern coast of the United States makes it a relatively short drive from many other great cities along the Atlantic coast. For example, New York City is fewer than 100 miles to the north. To the south, you’ll get to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. in fewer than 150 miles. And you’ll also be well within reach of Boston.
Live Sports
For the sports fan, Philadelphia is a wonderful place to quench your thirst for live action on the largest stage. There’s a Philly team in every major sport, including the Phillies (baseball), Eagles (football), Flyers (hockey), 76ers (basketball), and Union (soccer). And as you likely already know, Philadelphia is home to a sports fan base unlike any other. While the fanatics in Philly are often given a reputation as intense sports fans, there’s certainly no denying the passion in this city. Of course, Philly also plays host to many of the largest sports teams when they come to town.
Public Transportation
You may not think of public transportation when you think of Philly, especially if you’re hailing from a city like New York, but that’s actually one of the city’s finest characteristics. The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority provides buses, trains, trolleys, and more to help you get around the city with ease and comfort. In fact, it can get you virtually anywhere within the city in about 20 minutes or less. You can also take advantage of the trains that run from the center of Philly to New Jersey. That’s one more way to adventure in another city or get to the beach for a weekend getaway.
Ready for Your Move to Philly?
By now you can see just how special the city of Philly is. From the affordable housing to the history to the wonderful location and more, Philadelphia is one of our nation’s great cities. Remember, it’s never too early to start researching neighborhoods to see where you might want to live within the city. And when you’re ready to move, get in touch with us.