In Philadelphia, you get to enjoy a mix of old and new, from historic landmarks to a metropolitan, modern atmosphere. Situated between other major cities like New York and Washington D.C, this northeastern city is both conveniently located and affordable compared to its neighbors.
In this guide, we break down what you need to keep in mind as you’re deciding whether to move to the City of Brotherly Love.
IS PHILADELPHIA A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE?
Whether Philadelphia can be defined as a good place to live will depend on what you’re looking for out of the city. However, it does have quite a lot to offer for all kinds of lifestyles and preferences.
- It’s a large city. If you don’t see yourself living in a small town and love to be around the hustle and bustle of city life, Philadelphia is a great choice.
- Homes are relatively affordable, with a typical home value of $239,856.
- Good educational institutions. Whether you’re a college student or a parent looking for high-quality schools for your children, Philadelphia has a variety of choices for higher education and grade schools.
- There’s plenty to do. Full of history, art, culture, different cuisines, and nature, you’ll never be bored on a weekend or night out here.
COST OF LIVING
The overall cost of living in Philadelphia is slightly higher than the national average. However, Philadelphia enjoys a slightly lower cost of living compared to other cities in the northeast like New York, Boston, and D.C. If you’re moving from a smaller city or low-cost-of-living area, then the prices for rent, utilities, dining, and activities may be considered steep. However, considering that Philadelphia is a major city with a metro area population of over 5.7 million, you do get slightly more bang for your buck.
Like any other city, being closer to the city center will have a higher price tag. But, Philadelphia has different neighborhoods and suburbs where you can find more affordable rents and home prices.
BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN PHILADELPHIA
Philadelphia is part of a large metro area, and as a new resident, it can be hard to know which neighborhoods to move to and which ones to avoid. You may want a home that is in a walkable part of town or close to transportation. Or, you may want to live in an area close to schools for your family.
Some of the top neighborhoods in Philadelphia which offer both convenience and safety include:
- Washington Square West
- Passyunk Square
- Fairmount
- Rittenhouse Square
- Chestnut Hill
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Another major consideration when choosing a place to move to is the available job opportunities in the area. Philadelphia has a diverse economy with top industries that include manufacturing, energy, life sciences, robotics, logistics, and more.
The variety of higher education institutions and large young demographic make it home to innovation, startups, and plenty of new people to meet. While the salary will vary depending on which industry you’re in, the average salary in Philadelphia is $72K, and wages have been growing steadily over the years.
CLIMATE
You’ll get to experience all four seasons in Philadelphia, as the temperature can range between 26°F to 87°F throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters see snow. Though there is a range of weather throughout the year, the summers and winters are on the milder side and don’t tend to get too extreme.
THINGS TO DO
There really is something for everyone in Philly. Young professionals and students enjoy a bustling nightlife scene, with beer gardens and rooftop bars throughout the city center. Families and nature enthusiasts can experience a variety of parks, including Fairmount Park and Spruce Street Harbor Park.
When it comes to dining, you can find pretty much any type of cuisine, from Italian to Caribbean to Korean. Of course, who can be in Philadelphia and not try their famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches?
Aside from nightlife and restaurants, Philadelphia is also rich in history, and you can find many museums, art galleries, historical sites, and more.
PREPARING FOR YOUR PHILADELPHIA MOVE
If you’ve decided that Philadelphia is the right city for you, the next thing you’ll need to do is start the planning process. This will involve getting in touch with a real estate agent to begin looking at homes, putting together a budget, looking into jobs, and finding a Philadelphia moving company to help you transport your furniture and household items.
Finding a moving company is no simple task, often involving a considerable amount of phone calls and looking at reviews. It’s certainly not something you want to rush or just choose any company for.
Isaac’s Moving & Storage prioritizes quality and efficiency to bring you the optimal moving experience. Our movers receive the most extensive training in the industry, and our satisfied customers refer over 77% of our business. We’d love to help you with your Philadelphia move. Contact us today to get a free estimate.
