Tell me about Philadelphia....

[goin2disneyagain]

Tell me the good and the bad about Philadelphia. I'm taking about living there not just visiting there. What would you tell someone to encourage or discourage them to move there? Can anyone compare it to Atlanta?

 

[onecoolmama]

I liked the outskirts of Philly to live. Upper Bucks County and Montgomery County.

I think Philly is great, big city, lots to do. I think it isnt as clean as some of the other big cities, but again..very fun.

I mean like every big city, there are places that you learn quickly not to go to. Same is true in DC and Boston. (the other big cities I lived in.)

Traffic isnt as bad as some of the other cities, you get all 4 seasons. I have heard people say that it is not friendly, but I didnt find that at all when I lived there.

It is about an hour and a half from the beaches and Atlantic City (depending on how fast you drive) so it is easy to take a vacation.

5 hours from Boston and 2 1/2 to DC. What else are you lookign for?

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I don't live in the city, but my aunt does. Quality city housing seems a bit expensive. She is a nurse at CHOP and teaches part time at University of Pennsylvania. They have excellent hospitals in the area. It's very urban, so you need to be concerned about all of the usual urban issues, unless you are planning on living in the surrounding suburbs.

The city has excellent restaurants, clubs, museums and culture. If you live close to any of the schools you may be exposed to the college lifestyle, lol!

Good luck!

 

[princesspumpkin]

Philadelphia is a wonderful melting pot of the world. You can experience all cultures here. There is a vast range of neighborhoods in and surrounding Philly, from Society Hill (sort of New York Upper West Side Style), to Chestnut Hill (cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafes) to Chinatown to South Philly (Multi-Generational family blocks) to North Philly (urban living with a college campus in the middle). Plus, the suburban areas surrounding Philly (including Bucks County,Chester County, Delaware County and don't forget South Jersey-just 3 minutes across a bridge). An array of public transportation, great place for The Arts and lots of sports stadiums Hope this helps a little (I lived in Philly for over 25 years and now live in South Jersey but still work in Philly.)

 

[onecoolmama]

Originally posted by goin2disneyagain
Can anyone compare it to Atlanta?

I might move to Atlanta, but I cant compare the two yet. Sorry.

 

[kpgclark]

Philly is great. I live in a suburb which is probably where you'll want to live if you have kids in school. Otherwise you really have to send them to private school. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Be sure that you understand that there is a wage tax in Philly and you have to pay for parking or train transportation into the city.

 

[Cindy B]

Depending on where you want to live, it is vastly different.

Philly suburbs are prettty far reaching. You can go into New Jersey, Delaware and PA.

I used to live in a section called the Main line. It was about 13 miles away from the city, and worlds away.

Be forewarned, if you work in the city of Philadelphia, there is an evil thing called the wage tax. You will get taxed an upwards of 3% on your wage. If you work in the suburbs, you won't get that. However, some suburbs, have this evil thing called the Burkheimer tax. (I'm not certain which suburbs do that, but I remember talking to someone that lives in West Chester area mention it)

There is a train that can get you where you need to go for work. It is called commuter train. Public transportation is ok, but not the greatest like Wash DC.

There is a toll to cross the bridges from PHilly to NJ, and to Delaware. (using major bridges)

 

[kpgclark]

Hey Cindy, I'm from the Main Line! What town did you live in?

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Originally posted by kpgclark
Philly is great. I live in a suburb which is probably where you'll want to live if you have kids in school. Otherwise you really have to send them to private school. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Be sure that you understand that there is a wage tax in Philly and you have to pay for parking or train transportation into the city.

It's not me that is considering moving there it is a friend. He doesn't have any kids so schools are not an issue for him. I keep hearing so much about how a lot of people in the Northeast are moving to Atlanta. He just got out of the military and is currently still in Oklahoma where he was stationed and was coming back to Atlanta and now is considering going to Philly instead. I am trying to compare the 2 because he loves Atlanta and I wonder if he would really be happy in Philly. He did live in the suburbs of Atlanta before he went into the military.

 

[onecoolmama]

Ok, sticker shock comes to mind. Philly isnt as expensive as the other cities I have lived in, but compared to Oklahoma and Atlanta there is a considerable difference in the cost of living.

 

[monkeyboy]

I enjoyed my time in Philly.
Great neighborhoods lots of cultures

 

[Octoberbride03]

Philly is a nice place to live, i lived just outside for most of my life. But what made you friend tink of Philly? Does he family there or friends?

I'd definitely reccomend living outside the city as that's cheaper. But it is worlds more expensive than an Atlanta suburb. I know cause i had neighbors who got a job transfer to Atlanta a couple of years ago. We lived in Delaware County where they had a 3 bedroom house. They moved to Atlanta and bought a 5 bedroom for the same money they were paying for the 3 bedroom.

The seasons are the same of course, and the summer humidity is just a little lower than Atlanta, so that won't bother him. But i'd have him look at housing b4 he makes a final decision.

 

[mep319]

Outside of the city isn't cheaper...it is more expensive. Especially the mainline, west chester, mont & Bucks co. ...In terms of real estate. Food...did anyone mention that? Anytime I go on vacation I miss the food! Plenty to do. Great sports, culture, and food! Did I mention the food again? Philly has actually moved up on the great rush hour traffic horror...I think we are now like the 5th worst city in the country for grid lock. The schools in the suburbs are mostly very good. Taxes can be very high....all over, we in general have very high real estate taxes...one of the costs of having a good public school system....this is primarily in the suburbs though. Of course "in" the city is the wage tax which is bad! Cost of living is high...like most of the northeast....that is the biggest thing to consider and the biggest draw back. The weather.... of course we get all 4 seasons...but it is HOT here. I swear as hot as Florida anymore...and it is cold in the winter. Personally I prefer the weather down south. WE are fast moving people...if coming from the south that may be a shock...we can be blunt..."get out of the way!" WE are always in a rush! But a great place to live...I love it!

 

[goofygirl]

A lifelong Philly girl here- I'd say the transit system can get you anywhere but its the most expensive in the US, And yes, there is wage tax, high car insurance expense, a bad school system, and there's some neighborhoods to be avoided, BUT on the upside, the new sports stadiums are great, the museums are great (the Art Museum especially), the history is awesome, and there's always something to do in Philly any given day.
There's also great colleges and hospitals here.
And generally I do not think the people are rude here, and no, we don't all talk like Rocky.

 

[onecoolmama]

MEP319 - has a good point. Compared To Okalhoma and Atlanta, Philly is very fast pace. Driving, walking, deadlines...all very quick.

That can be a good thing or a bad thing. I like the fast pace life. I lived in OH and the people drove sooo slow. I went nuts. When my friend from OH came to visit, he was pertrified to drive.

Notice the "Wait for green" signs on the Traffic Signals. They are there for a reason

 

[kpgclark]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but we're having a DIS meet at the King of Prussia mall on Saturday. If interested let me know.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Originally posted by Octoberbride03
Philly is a nice place to live, i lived just outside for most of my life. But what made you friend tink of Philly? Does he family there or friends?

I'd definitely reccomend living outside the city as that's cheaper. But it is worlds more expensive than an Atlanta suburb. I know cause i had neighbors who got a job transfer to Atlanta a couple of years ago. We lived in Delaware County where they had a 3 bedroom house. They moved to Atlanta and bought a 5 bedroom for the same money they were paying for the 3 bedroom.

He has a brother there. The rest of his family lives here in Atlanta. I haven't really been able to talk to him about the move yet, I just found out about it a couple of days ago. I'm not real sure he has thought it through yet. I think the cost of living might be a deterant for him. He struggles as it is. I am looking for ammunition to try and convince him that it really isn't a good idea. I don't know if it will work or not but I need some information to back me up. Thanks for all the information you guys are giving me.

Oh, by the way, for those of you that commented on traffic. He's used to it. Atlanta is known for having some of the fastest drivers in the country. 285 here is known as the Atlanta 500 because unless you are going 80 you will get runover.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I grew up in Philly, and did not move out until I got married. Now I live in NJ and can still see the 'big city' from my bedroom window .

I agree with some of the previous posters....if you're heading this way, look into areas like Yardley, Newtown, and other areas of Bucks County. You'll enjoy all the perks of living near Philly (incredible health care, great restaurants, arts & entertainment), but will avoid some of the problems that come with living in a large city.

Also, Burlington & Camden counties in NJ are extremely close to Philly....just a short ride over one of the NJ/PA bridges.

 

[JKMastalski]

I have lived in South Philly now for 2 years. My DH was born and raised here. Living in the city has its goods and bads. Of course, we have no parking or a driveway at our house, so sometimes, dragging groceries 2 blocks is no fun.
Also, keep in mind if you live in the city, car insurance is astronomical. We are two 28 yr old professionals with not even a parking ticket on our record and we pay $4000, and one car is a junker practically. So it can really add up living here. If you need any other help , feel free to PM me.

 

[psupple]

Does anyone have suggestions for a day trip in Philly? My DH and I are flying from PVD to PHL and arriving at 8am. We'll be attending the Eagles/Steelers game that evening at 8pm, but we need to fill in the 12 hours in between.

We will have a rental car and would like to have a Philly cheesesteak and maybe an authentic Italian meal. Other than that, our day is open.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks~