17+ Pros and Cons of Living in Philadelphia

In English, Philadelphia’s name means “The City of Brotherly Love.”

Depending on your point of view, you could see that as either that or a satirical analysis.

Despite being a modern city rich in history, it is home to several close-knit neighbourhoods that welcome newcomers with open arms.

But let’s be honest: not everyone can live in Philadelphia. Here are some things you should think about before you move.

Where is Philadelphia Located?

Philadelphia is a city located in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States.

It’s situated in the northeastern part of the country, not far from the Atlantic Ocean, between New York City and Washington, D.C.

Pros of Living in Philadelphia

1. A Rich Cultural and Historical Legacy

A lot of important things happened in Philadelphia that led to the founding of the United States.

The city has kept many of its famous historical places that will give its people a sense of national pride.

It is arguably the greatest location outside of Washington, D.C. to learn more about American history, having been designated as the nation’s first World Heritage City.

2. The City Is Quite Walkable

Philly is a great place for families who would rather walk everywhere.

Many tourists choose to take a bus trip, but locals say you should stop by and take your time to see Philadelphia.

When you walk around a new area, you can find a lot of fun and interesting places.

3. Good Public Transportation Network

Even though the city is walkable, there are instances when using an alternate route is required.

The Southern Pennsylvania Transit Authority, or SEPTA, is centered in Philadelphia.

Every day, it serves more than a million passengers on buses, trolleys, subways, and trains.

It passes through every neighborhood in Philadelphia as well as the surrounding areas.

SEPTA can transport you to your desired destination, be it a work commute or a leisurely day out.

4. The Wide Range of Communities

There are many incredibly desirable neighborhoods with a variety of vibes in the city.

Each family should take a closer look at each neighborhood before making a choice.

They should think about the facilities, homes, parks, and how easy it is to get to the city center.

5. Post-secondary Education Choices

There are few numbers of colleges and universities in Philadelphia.

It may not have the same educational influence as, say, Boston, but there are still plenty of excellent options.

The list is headed by the Philadelphia Big Five, which are Villanova, La Salle, Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s, and Temple.

7. Low Cost of Living

Philadelphia stands out from many other metropolises due to its enticing affordability, even though it is the sixth-largest city in the United States.

Philadelphia’s food scene is known for being both excellent and diverse, and there are many cheap places to eat.

8. Lots of art and museums

Philadelphia has a lot of well-known universities, museums, and art galleries because it has a long past.

Philadelphia is home to numerous sizable art museums as well as an expanding number of studios, cooperatives, and galleries.

9. Wonderful public parks

Philadelphia has a surprising amount of green space for a city its size.

It offers public access to serene trails, undulating hills, a waterfront promenade, and wooded areas.

The goal of the Philadelphia trail master plan is to expand the city’s network of greenways and trails.

The goal is to connect different neighbourhoods and build a city that is more environmentally friendly and walkable.

There are many little parks and squares throughout Philadelphia that give the cityscape a hint of greenery.

Cons of Living in Philadelphia

1. Overcrowding

Philadelphia has a lot going for it, but the city is not without its issues, the most pressing of which is traffic.

The city’s success seems to come with a side order of sardine can syndrome, and occasionally it feels as though there isn’t enough space for everyone.

It’s a difficult situation, and although there are benefits to living in a city, Philadelphia’s overpopulation can make things difficult.

2. Terrible Winter Conditions

Philly is not always bright, despite what most people think.

During the winter, it gets pretty cold, about the same as in other northeastern towns.

Philadelphia’s winter temperatures are usually above freezing, but there are times when it gets very cold, and every year it gets more than a foot of snow.

3. Education Is Not Consistent

The public school system in Philadelphia offers families a varied bag of experiences.

Even though the city operates a few highly regarded schools, its overall education grade is below average.

The secret is to ascertain which town neighborhoods have superior access to amenities.

If your family places a high value on education, you could be better off looking outside the city.

4. Grocery Stores are Situated at Awkward Locations.

It is not uncommon to have to walk to the grocery store, and if you don’t have a car, grocery shopping will pose a challenge for you.

Locals are also dissatisfied with the fact that, due to excessive demand, their grocery orders are frequently cancelled.

5. It’s Challenging to Drive Around

Philadelphia might be equally walkable as it is undrivable.

It is frequently listed as having some of the worst traffic in all of America, particularly around rush hour.

Numerous reasons contribute to this, including the city’s dense population, thriving tourism sector, and congested city streets.

Be ready for your family to adjust to sitting in heavy traffic if they aren’t from elsewhere.

6. Bad Traffic

Although using public transportation can be an option, buses, and trains are frequently crowded during rush hours.

Furthermore, unexpected delays are more common than not because roadworks appear to be everywhere.

Therefore, even if there are many benefits to living in Philadelphia, the traffic can try your patience.

7. The wage tax is high.

According to Phila, the final point is that, regardless of where they work, all Philadelphia residents are required to pay the 3.75% tax, and visitors who work in the city will be required to pay the 3.44% tax.

You might as well ignore it since, fortunately, this is the only money-related problem.

8. It’s Hard to Find Parking

Maybe it’s best to live in Philadelphia without a car. It should come as no surprise that parking problems are closely related to traffic problems.

In the city, parking is quite competitive.

Locals from Philadelphia understand that locating the greatest parking spots requires concentration.

Even then, they will have to contend with the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s unscrupulous practices, which involve issuing fines as though they were free samples.

The parking problem will get worse the closer you live to downtown.

9. Crime Rate

To be honest, it’s important to say that Philadelphia, like all big cities, has crime issues.

Although it’s a difficult topic, it’s essential to understanding the city as a whole.

For example, the city’s violent crime rate is more than twice as high as the national average as of the time of writing.

Theft and burglary are two examples of property crimes that have consistently high rates.

The increasing gun violence that the city has been trying to contain has been a major worry.

Conclusion

The city that served as the symbol of American independence is today evolving and actively trying to stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you try going on an expedition by yourself or with your family, dog, or cat, you won’t regret it.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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