Moving To Philadelphia: Your Guide to a Fresh Start

Are you thinking of moving to the City of Brotherly Love? Philadelphia is a lively mix of history, culture, and jobs. It’s becoming a top pick for people looking for a new beginning. This guide will give you everything you need about moving to Philadelphia. It covers things like the cost of living, finding a job, and how Philly differs from other Northeast cities.

Philadelphia is one of the biggest cities in the Northeast. It’s known for its rich history, arts, and food. There’s a lot to love—from famous places that teach us about America’s start to districts filled with life and charm. Are you attracted by the job market, affordable living, or Philly’s unique vibe? This guide will help you decide if it’s right for you.

Why Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an attractive option for those seeking affordable living in the Northeast. Its cost of living is lower than that of Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Residents, including families, can maximize their budgets effectively in this city.

Cost of Living

Philadelphia is a great place to live because it’s cheaper than many other cities in the Northeast. Its cost of living is just 5% higher than the national average. This is much better than places like Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York City.

The city’s homes are valued lower than the national average, at $226,500. Rent is also more affordable, at an average of $1,450. Plus, healthcare and groceries are cheaper than the national rates.

Philadelphia’s sales tax is only 6%, lower than New York City’s 8.875%. These lower costs help people enjoy the Northeast without paying big city prices.

City	Cost of Living Index	Median Home Value	Average Rent
Philadelphia	104.0	$226,500	$1,450
Boston	150.8	$676,000	$2,300
Washington, D.C.	151.9	$500,000	$2,097
New York City	172.5	$541,500	$1,827

Philadelphia’s low cost of living near major Northeast cities attracts many. It’s perfect for young professionals, families, or retirees on a budget, and this affordability is a key reason people move here.

Job Market and Opportunities

Philadelphia is doing great in the job market after the pandemic. It’s doing better than cities like New York and Washington, D.C. Many college graduates are finding jobs in different fields.

The unemployment rate in Philadelphia has been low, under 4%, for two years. The city added 9% more jobs from April 2020 to April 2021. This growth has been awe-inspiring.

The most common jobs are in Education and Health Services. The city also has many jobs in places like universities and hospitals. Even though the Leisure and Hospitality sector struggled initially, it is doing much better now.

Philadelphia’s salaries might not be as high as those in other East Coast cities, but the city is still a great place for jobs in many fields. Suburbs nearby, like Horsham and Blue Bell, are also good places to find work.

Sector	Job Growth (April 2020 – April 2021)
Education and Health Services	Increased by 7%
Leisure and Hospitality	Increased by 60% after a 60% drop in early 2020
Information	Decreased by 7%

Philadelphia is a top choice for college graduates and young professionals. They come for the many job opportunities in the city and nearby areas.

Cultural Differences Between Philly and Other Northeast Cities

Philadelphia’s way of life stands out from other big Northeastern cities. It is less fast-paced than New York or as focused on business as Washington, D.C. Instead, Philly is known for its chill vibe and values of community. It welcomes people from various backgrounds, making it a melting pot of cultures and a place where pride is strong.

Philadelphia is famous for its great food. The city won more than any other in the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards. The Italian Market in South Philly shows off its food history. Created by Italian immigrants in the 1880s, it is rich in culinary tradition. Places like Reading Terminal Market and the Dutch Eating Place also show Philly’s foodie side.

Philly’s diversity shines through its neighborhoods. Rittenhouse Square gets lively in the spring, and South Street is excellent for its unique shops and art. Places like Tattooed Mom blend a bar, club, and creative space, welcoming all.

Metric	Philadelphia	New York City
Average Rent (2-Bedroom Apartment)	$1,666	$4,000
Population Density	56.84% Lower	–
Startup Ecosystem Ranking	27th Globally, 11th in U.S.	–
Public Transit Cost	$2 (SEPTA)	$2.75 (NYC Subway)

The city’s unique side goes beyond food and neighborhoods. For example, many New Yorkers have been moving to Philadelphia. In 2020, 7,500 people moved here from New York, two times the number of Philadelphians moving to NYC. The mix of cultures is changing the city in exciting ways.

In summary, Philadelphia has a culture of its own. It’s known for its community spirit, diverse areas, and delicious food. This, plus its affordability compared to other Northeast cities, makes Philly a top pick for people looking for something new in the region.

Moving To Philadelphia: Your Guide to a Fresh Start

Moving to Philadelphia is both exciting and rewarding. It is the largest city in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia has many job opportunities and a rich culture. This guide will help you move smoothly to the City of Brotherly Love.

Navigating the City’s Neighborhoods

Philadelphia’s neighborhoods are unique and charming. There are vibrant downtown areas and historic districts. Take time to research to find the best match for your lifestyle.

Exploring the Job Market

Philadelphia has a strong job market. It has many Fortune 500 companies and startups. Opportunities exist in healthcare, technology, and finance. Philadelphia offers many options, whether you want a job or to start your own business.

Cost of Living and Housing Considerations

Understanding Philadelphia’s cost of living is important. The city is slightly above average but has affordable housing. Salaries are often higher than the national average, making living in Philadelphia manageable for many.

Transportation and Commuting

Philadelphia has a great public transport system. The SEPTA network includes buses, subways, and trains, making it easy to get around without a car. The city is also walkable and bike-friendly.

Educational Opportunities

Philadelphia has top universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. It offers many educational and professional development programs. This makes Philadelphia a great place to learn and grow.

Embracing the City’s Vibrant Culture

Philadelphia is known for its history, museums, arts, and food. It celebrates culture while being modern, so there’s always something new to enjoy in this city.

With this guide, moving to Philadelphia will be easier. You can explore, learn, and enjoy what the city offers. Preparing and staying open can make your move to Philadelphia exciting.

Philadelphia: A City of Neighborhoods

Philadelphia has over 100 special neighborhoods, each with its own charm. You can find historic row houses in South Philly and trendy spots in Center City. Newcomers to Philadelphia neighborhoods will see a mix of cultures and strong communities.

Diverse and Inviting Neighborhoods

Philadelphia’s neighborhoods show its diverse history. People from Europe, the South, and Puerto Rico made it their home. This mix makes every area in Philadelphia unique.

Here are some of the city’s lively spots:

• South Philly, known for its Italian-American heritage and bustling food scene
• Center City, the heart of the city with a mix of business, shopping, and residential areas
• Old City, home to historic landmarks and a thriving arts and culture community
• University City focuses on students and is home to several universities
• Fishtown, once industrial, is now a trendy, creative area
• Manayunk, with a beautiful riverfront and lively Main Street

Every part of Philadelphia is special and offers something unique. You might like Society Hill’s history, Kensington’s arts scene, or Chestnut Hill’s family life. In Philadelphia, every neighborhood fits different lifestyles.

Philadelphia Weather and Seasons

Philadelphia has a temperate climate with unique seasons. It has warm, humid summers and cool winters. This makes it great for both locals and tourists.

The hot season lasts about 3.6 months. Temperatures can exceed 77°F, and July is the hottest, reaching 86°F. Outdoor fun is best from June to July and August to September.

The cold season lasts 3.1 months. Highs stay under 49°F. January is the coldest, hitting 41°F. It snows about 20 inches yearly, with January being the snowiest month.

Spring and summer bring lots of rain in Philadelphia. It’s wet from late March to late August. July sees the most rain, with 3.7 inches falling over 11.1 days.

Philadelphia is famous for its seasonal changes. It observes daylight saving time. The shortest day is December 21, with 9 hours and 20 minutes of light. The longest day is June 20, with 15 hours and 1 minute of daylight.

Month	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)	Rainfall (inches)	Snowfall (inches)	Daylight Hours
January	41	27	3.5	6.0	9
February	35	23	2.7	4.5	10
March	44	31	3.8	3.0	11.5
April	54	40	3.5	1.0	13
May	64	50	3.9	0.0	14
June	74	59	3.3	0.0	14
July	86	69	4.4	0.0	14
August	77	64	3.8	0.0	13
September	70	56	3.9	0.0	12
October	58	44	2.8	0.0	11
November	48	36	3.2	1.0	9.5
December	38	27	3.3	4.5	9

Philadelphia offers various activities each season. Enjoy summer festivals or winter coziness. The weather of Philadelphia helps create special memories in the City of Brotherly Love.

Transportation and Commuting in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known for its easy-to-use public transportation. It’s a great city to get around. The average trip to work is about 32.9 minutes. About 25.3% of people use the city’s buses, trains, and other public transportation.

Public Transit Options

Philadelphia offers many ways to travel. The subway, trains, and buses help people move around the city without needing a car.

• SEPTA’s Broad Street Line subway goes north to south. It links places like Center City with sports stadiums.
• The Market-Frankford Line, or the “El,” runs east to west. It connects areas such as West Philadelphia to the center and Northeast Philadelphia.
• SEPTA trains go to the suburbs, making it easy to return to the city from places like Chestnut Hill.
• The bus and trolley system covers many areas, making many neighborhoods easy to reach.

Besides public transport, you can also use taxis, Uber, Lyft, and more. These services add to your choices for getting around.

Transportation Mode	Key Features	Usage Statistics
SEPTA Subway (Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line)	Efficient north-south and east-west service through the city center	Each weekday, riders in Philadelphia take roughly 819,000 trips on buses, trolleys, and rail lines operated by SEPTA’s City Transit Division.
SEPTA Regional Rail	Connects Philadelphia to surrounding suburbs and communities	24% of Philadelphia residents use public transit to commute to work, which is the third-highest percentage among 10 U.S. cities with a population of over 1 million.
SEPTA Bus and Trolley	Comprehensive coverage of neighborhoods and destinations	44% of Philadelphians who use public transportation to work earn less than $25,000 yearly.
Taxis, Ride-sharing, and Car-sharing	Alternative transportation options for flexibility and convenience	Philadelphia residents pay higher transit fares as a percentage of their income compared to residents in other comparison cities.

Philadelphia is working to improve its transportation system. There are still issues, like not enough service in some areas, but the city is focused on growing and improving its ways to get around, which makes living in Philadelphia easier without a car.

Phillyspeak: A Guide to the Local Lingo

Navigating Philadelphia’s streets is thrilling, especially for newcomers. There’s a unique dialect called “Phillyspeak” here. It’s essential to know these local words. This makes you part of life in Philadelphia more easily.

The Philadelphia accent, or “Philly accent,” has a long history. It comes from 17th-century settlers from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Today, it’s known for clearly saying all R’s and unique ways of saying vowels.

Key Phillyspeak terms are “jawn” for anything, “wooder” for water, “hoagie” instead of “sub,” and “wit” for a cheesesteak with onions. Knowing these words lets you talk like a real Philadelphian.

Philadelphia’s city layout and transport also shape how people speak. For example, they might say “down the shore” for the New Jersey coast, or they might shorten “electric” to “leck-trick.” These are common phrases in Philly.

Learning Phillyspeak is great for ordering food or talking with locals. It helps you fit in better. So, start practicing your Phillyspeak today.

Philadelphia’s Culinary Scene

Philadelphia is famous for its diverse food. It has classics like cheesesteaks and hoagies. The locals love roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, and “water ice” too.

The city’s food scene shows how much people care about it. There’s always something new to try, making eating here an adventure.

Embracing Local Produce and Flavors

Food in Philadelphia comes from nearby farms and makers. Reading Terminal Market is a crucial spot for fresh finds. Chefs use these local foods to make meals that taste amazing.

Diverse Dining Options

Philadelphia welcomes all tastes with its mix of foods. You can find Italian, Asian, and Mexican meals. There’s fine dining and great street food, like famous cheesesteak spots.

Embracing Culinary Trends

The city also keeps up with the newest food ideas. Vegan and vegetarian choices are growing, and food trucks bring exciting flavors to the streets.

Do you long for a classic or something fancy? Philadelphia has it all. It’s a top spot for food lovers, always changing and full of surprises.

Upscale Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Philadelphia has many richly affluent neighborhoods and suburbs. They offer an exclusive and high-class way of life. Two top areas are Chestnut Hill and the Main Line. Each has its unique charm and draw.

Chestnut Hill

Located in the city’s northwest, Chestnut Hill is historic and lovely. It’s famous for its green streets, cute stores, and expensive homes. The median home price is $601,000, less by 9.59% recently.

This area has grand Victorian homes and cozy colonial houses, which show its deep history and wealth. Chestnut Hill is near Wissahickon Valley Park, which is great for nature lovers. It also has a lively Germantown Avenue with shops and top restaurants.

Main Line

The Main Line is a wealthy area northwest of Philadelphia. It’s known for great schools, fancy living, and beautiful views. It includes Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Gladwyne, and Wayne, each with its style and home.

In Gladwyne, homes cost about $1,770,195 in 2022, up by 12% recently. Villanova’s homes were about $1,405,133, up by 8%. These numbers show the Main Line’s luxury. Big, custom houses and large estates are everywhere.

Main Line Neighborhood	Average Home Price (2022)	One-Year Change
Gladwyne	$1,770,195	12%
Villanova	$1,405,133	8%
New Hope Borough	$1,160,995	21%
Radnor Township	$991,120	18%
Edgmont Township	$901,652	29%

The Main Line’s wealth is shown in its homes and lifestyle. It offers top education, fancy shopping and dining, and a strong arts scene, all among beautiful natural areas.

Neighborhoods for Young Professionals, Creatives, and Students

Philadelphia has many neighborhoods perfect for young professionals, creatives, and students. These places offer a bustling life, are close to work and fun, and are great for those who love city living.

Fishtown is a top choice for creatives. It is filled with incredible art places and music venues. With its affordable rents, it’s also a good pick for students and young professionals.

Northern Liberties mixes historic vibes with new cool spots, perfect for young professionals. It has startups and many places to eat and hang out. Near Temple University, it’s a hit among students, too.

Bella Vista and Brewerytown are excellent options for those who want to save money. They are close to the city’s action but have cheaper rents. This makes them suitable for young professionals as well.

Neighborhood	Average Rent (Studio/1-bedroom)	Average Rent (2-bedroom)	Average Rent (3-bedroom)
Bella Vista	$1,400	$1,800	$2,300
Brewerytown	$1,100	$1,550	$1,900
Callowhill	$1,500	$1,750	$2,000
Center City	$1,600	$2,150	$3,400

If you’re a young pro after a lively city life, a creative digging the arts, or a student looking for college fun, Philly has your back. It offers many neighborhoods to match what you’re looking for.

Historic Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is full of history in its many neighborhoods, each with unique traits and history. You can see the past in Old City and Queen Village while enjoying modern life, which includes excellent places to live and a strong community.

From the 1600s to today, you can find many old buildings here. These old areas are filled with people and jobs. People have also invested a lot of money because they care about these places.

Fishtown, Pennsport, Spruce Hill, Powelton Village, and more have some challenging issues. They face changes like new buildings, people moving away, and a need for more student homes. Other places, like Ridge and Germantown, are not doing as well.

It is very important to keep the historic parts of Philadelphia. In 2019, the city started new programs to help these communities grow. They want to make the city better for everyone.

These old neighborhoods are vital. They are full of life and offer places to live and work. You can find many small, unique businesses in these areas. This makes them great for everyone.

Neighborhood	Average Rent (1-bedroom)	Highlights
University City	$2,313	Offers great parks, stores, and healthcare options
Center City	$1,900	Has nice parks and museums, plus great places to eat and shop
Fishtown	$1,675 – $2,252	Hometown to galleries, small shops, and The Fillmore venue
Fairmount Park	$1,722	An art and family lover’s paradise

Philadelphia’s old neighborhoods are the city’s heart. They show a mix of the past and now. Every day, they welcome people who love the history and diversity of this city.

Family-friendly Neighborhoods and Suburbs

Philadelphia and its nearby suburbs are great for families. You can live close to the city and enjoy a quiet, suburban life. Places like Penn Wynne and the Main Line offer top schools, green areas, and safe places to grow up.

Philadelphia has about 1,567,300 people, about 21.5 percent of whom are kids. A house in the city costs around $212,300, and renting a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,875 per month.

Here are some top areas for families in and around Philadelphia:

• Queen Village: Rent is $2,525 for a one-bedroom here. Homes usually cost around $529,800. It’s loved for its beauty and nearness to fun places in the city.
• Fitler Square: You can rent a one-bedroom for $1,750 here. Homes are about $737,800. It’s calm with many trees and close to parks.
• Germany Hill: A one-bedroom apartment costs $1,475, and the home is about $348,000. It’s a good choice for families looking for a budget-friendly place.
• Bella Vista: A one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,500. The average home costs $476,100. It combines old-time charm with new comforts.
• Chestnut Hill: A one-bedroom apartment here costs $1,750, and homes average $742,800. It’s known for its beauty and excellent schools.

More suburbs are great for families. Places like Chesterbrook, Ardmore, and Berwyn have many home choices. They offer good schools and things for families to do. These places are further from the city but have larger homes and more natural features.

Neighborhood/Suburb	Average 1-Bedroom Rent	Average Home Value
Queen Village	$2,525	$529,800
Fitler Square	$1,750	$737,800
Germany Hill	$1,475	$348,000
Bella Vista	$1,500	$476,100
Chestnut Hill	$1,750	$742,800
Chesterbrook, PA	$2,175	$470,600
Ardmore, PA	$2,200	$451,700
Berwyn, PA	$1,975	$823,000

When looking for a good family neighborhood, consider school quality, home prices, and what’s around. It’s essential to think about what you and your family need. With many choices, you can find the right place to enjoy city and country life.

Conclusion

This detailed guide tells you all about moving to Philadelphia. It covers the cost of living, jobs, neighborhoods, and culture. This information helps you make a good choice and start fresh in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has cheap houses and many jobs. Its top-notch culture and schools make it a great place for a new beginning. The city’s job market is getting better, with more tech jobs and places to work in healthcare and finance.

Love history? Philadelphia has lots of it in its neighborhoods. Like outdoor fun? Fairmount Park is huge and beautiful. Need to get around? The SEPTA network is there for you. Philadelphia is waiting for you to start exploring. This guide will help you enjoy your new life in the City of Brotherly Love.Ready to make the move to Philadelphia? SecureSpace is your partner for stress-free storage solution. Whether you’re relocating to Philly or moving within the city, our secure storage facilities ensure a smooth transition.

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