For starters, go to Independence Hall. City sales tax is 8%. Big town amenities, small town charm. Either way, it can be daunting trying to navigate all. Heres a quick recap. This permit will block off street space for your moving van. Philadelphia is a fiercely independent city built on the reputation of rabid sports fans, cheesesteak wars and declaring one's independence from tax-happy monarchies but once you're in, you're in. Though living in New York City is not always simple, it is frequently exciting. Other summer attractions include the carnival rides, roller skating and food stalls at Penns Landing, a walkway along the Delaware River. A morning run and afternoon beers. Considering both the advantages and disadvantages of moving to Philadelphia, only you can decide what location best matches your own lifestyle and your individual or family needs. When we asked residents what they love about Philadelphia and what they think could be improved upon, Patricia Bernardini said she loves the city but traffic is definitely an issue when getting downtown. She lives in Malvern, though, which is located on whats considered the Main Line, an area named after the train line that runs from the city to neighboring towns to the northwest. The median home price in Haddonfield is just about $524K. Honestly, a good list except when considering cost of living..if you are trying to rent it is a huge nightmare. Your pooch will love a walk along the hill to Pretzel Park. Thats all weve got. Where can you live here at the average U.S. rent price? Residents pay about 4%, so its not that big of a difference. It can also be highly stressful if you do not have a plan in place. If you buy all the same brand names from back "home", then your cost of living will be significantly higher than if you shop more like a . A one hour flight from Philly to NYC? While Philadelphians enjoy a mostly moderate summer, winters can be quite cold. Finding parking in the city is incredibly difficult and where it does exist, its often prohibitively expensive. You also should take a walk down to South Street. Life in this quaint neighborhood means leisurely biking amongst stately oaks and architectural facades to find Haute fashion on Fabric Row and the perfect IPA at a Headhouse Square pub. The city is also known as one of the largest health education and research centers in the U.S. The ethnic diversity of many neighborhoods makes for an incredibly adventurous culinary scene. Take a guided tour to see unique sculpture gardens and mosaic art at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.Escape city life at Fairmount Park, a 2,000-acre park that offers scenic trails for jogging or biking.Walk, run, skate, or bike along Schuylkill River Trail, a 30-mile path that extends from Center . The two most common nicknames Philadelphia has are The City of Brotherly Love and Philly, but there are lots of others that you may not have heard of. Perhaps one of the more interesting things about living in Philadelphia is that its a large city that is able to retail a small town feel in many ways. Learn more about ourAdvertising Disclosure. Great nightlife is everywhere in Philly, but some areas are better than others. Philadelphia QUIZ: Is it Time to Move? #2 Philadelphia, it definitely has a cultural, hip edge over the remaining two cities, nice getaways, the 2nd best downtown as well with lots of residents. It also has a low property tax of 0.99%, even lower than across the state in Pittsburgh, where its 2.01%. Bottom line: the public transit system is great and it can get you almost anywhere inside the city within 20 minutes. Rittenhouse Square Park is a favorite relaxation spot where children play while couples lounge on blankets. One of the greatest draws of the Northeast is the recreational opportunities that come with four seasons. In fact, Philadelphia is home to the one of the largest collegiate populations in America. You enjoy the luxuries and the lively atmosphere of a metropolitan. Live-work spaces are walking distance to the Farmers Market at Christ Church and the monthly First Friday art expos, making this the go-to neighborhood for young people looking to keep their lifestyle within arm's reach. Turn on the Rocky soundtrack, brush up on your Ben Franklin trivia and learn about the most popular areas in this city. If you want to get an idea on the cost of different moving services, check out our moving cost calculator. A member of the Philadelphia Parking Authority writes a ticket for an expired meter in Center City. For example, if you chose to rent an apartment in University City and wanted to meet a friend in Old City, you could hop on the Market-Frankford Line (the thick blue line). Quiz: Which Los Angeles neighborhood should you live in? Any local will say that the Philadelphia Parking Authority should be feared. Why fight your love for shopping? Some pundits began to call Philadelphia the sixth borough of New York. The moniker annoyed Philly natives, but it also revealed how appealing Philly is in terms of the cost of living. MagiQuiz. Its home to huge corporations like Comcast, the Ivy League Penn university, and the football fans who threw snowballs at Santa Claus. Satellite imagery via Mapbox, Maxar, NASA and the U . From New Jersey, youll be taking the PATCO train, and from PA youll be taking SEPTA. Most of the time, theyre paid a commission or fee by the owner of the apartment looking for a tenant. Center City is perfect for young professionals and families who aren't quite ready to settle down or purchase a minivan with a stick figure family on the back windshield. Did you know its often cheaper to buy than to rent in Philadelphia? If its really early or late, you can also do it by car in about that time. Please answer every question with full consideration to get the best state for you! Historic Barclay Farmstead and a progressive city wellness program makes Cherry Hill a great choice for established families and empty-nesters seeking a slower pace. If you're moving to Philadelphia from within the US, you'll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one. The city is superior with outdoor sports with playgrounds, parks, trails and sporting courts, including tennis, basketball, hockey and baseball. There's nothing old about Old City. 4. And with a cost of living significantly lower than Boston, New York, and D.C., Philly is pretty darn affordable for a big city in the Northeast. [Chestnut Hill] has access to award-winning schools within a 25-minute drive of center city, [which] makes [the area] a true gem.. A picnic in the park, then bopping around outdoor street fairs. It probably goes without saying that a crowded city is prone to having parking challenges. Why fight your love for shopping? Youll regret it if you dont. The cost of living in Philadelphia is about 1.2% higher than the national average. But you find it hard to narrow the choice down with so many amazing options to choose from. Read more & many more results. Rent can be as much as half the cost, and despite the rapid development over the past few years and an influx of trendy restaurants and shops, home . Theres also an abundance of green space, and walkable, friendly neighborhoods where kids have an opportunity to get to know each other. Decades of racial segregation have undercut Philadelphia's school district, the state of which has long been cited as a reason for those with resources to move to the suburbs. It was revised on July 5, 2020, with new information from Philadelphia expert, Mary OBrien, and again on April 6, 2021, with new information from Philadelphia expert Caroline Leopold. Questions and Answers 1. Many of the original Colonial homes and streets have been preserved, including Elfreths Alley, where you can freely stroll the 300-year-old cobblestones. You've got to jump into the deep end. And the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76), which runs along the Schuylkill River. Menu burger Close thin Facebook Twitter Google plus Linked in Reddit Email arrow-right-sm arrow-right Loading Home Buying Calculators How Much House Can I Afford? A US state quiz might not be able to answer a question like "where should I move?" However, it could suggest the best states to live in the Us - based on your answers. Its a modern city, steeped in history, that is home to tight-knit communities and embraces newcomers all the same. And if youre looking for more info on moving to Philadelphia, check out our resources for things to do in Philadelphia, Philadelphia neighborhoods, cost of living in Philadelphia, and our Philadelphia move cost guide. Should you be a Californian? The federal government also has a large presence there, with the East Coast operations of the U.S. Mint and a division of the Federal Reserve Bank located nearby. The first thing I ask buyers when determining where to start is how long of a commute are you looking for and if you have kids what are your schooling needs. This city is greedy with taxesthink NY or California level of taxes, but with nothing to show for it other than a trail of corruption and high amounts of poverty. If you were West Philadelphia born and raised, Spruce Hill is where you'd spend most of your days. Within the Washington Square West neighborhood is one of the citys hottest locations, the Gayborhood, where the nightlife is defined by the many LGBTfriendly bars and clubs dotting the area between Walnut and Spruce Streets. Move to one of the states above! Although your access to education, arts, and culture are restricted, you prefer the simple life anyway, and would choose a camp fire cookout and the call of wild birds over fine dining and opera every time. Start this quiz to find your result. The buildings are packed closely together with doorways and halls much thinner than modern standards. Now that youve landed, its time to soak in some Philly culture. Youll see this notated on apartment ads as an OP for owner pays. However, if you want a rental agent to look at a ton of places, they may charge you a fee. When it comes to renting, apartments tend to range . It even boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the city. The trail is popular for serious athletes and families who want to picnic and stroll. Really affordable. Dont forget, all of these things need updating! These 10 tips on how to move to Philadelphia will help you prepare for your move and help to keep your stress down. There's also a children's petting zoo, interactive educational exhibits, paddleboats and other things to do. Once youre done with that, go visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unlike other parts of the U.S., the water is temperate at around 70F and swimmable in the summer months. But the city has seen a recent surge in population growth, and with it economic, financial, employment, housing, income and retail growth. If you were West Philadelphia born and raised, Spruce Hill is where youd spend most of your days. Folks calling this great city home appreciate the many eclectic and unique neighborhoods that give it a small-town feel. Philadelphia has 25 main neighborhoods, each of which has its own distinct vibe and unique culture. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of living in Philadelphia. Ive lived in philly for 10 years and am looking to leave because of the high wage tax (and other taxes) and massive amounts of violent crimeeven in the nice neighborhoods (eg rittenhouse sq/graduate hospital where I live). Expenses like housing, utilities, groceries and transportation are higher than the national average by about 15% to 30%. Many beaches are only short drives and are perfect for day trips. Of course, the rate and types of crimes in the city can vary substantially between different areas, so a look at the interactive crime map can help you to see which neighborhoods are the safest. Ouch. If cost is no object, look to Rittenhouse or Society Hill. Philadelphia is famous for its rich history and its tourism industry is definitely driven by this factor. In fact, the rising population and subsequent increase in air pollution have even changed the local temperature, with average summer temps in Philly becoming higher than surrounding areas due to heat retention from pollution. Simply answer a few questions and we'll tell you! Your email address will not be published. Many leases end in the spring, around May 31st. A trip to New York can take as little as one hourits easier to get to Manhattan than Pittsburgh! Our job is done. The area has a decidedly residential feel and folks take pride in the home teams. For example, the flight from Philadelphia to NYC is only 1 hour! The cost of living in Philadelphia is slightly higher than the national average but substantially lower than the surrounding major cities, such as New York and Boston. Maybe you're a South Philly lifer looking for a change or perhaps you're an out-of-towner planning a big move to the City of Brotherly Love. If you are unsure, take this quiz to help you decide before taking the plunge. Check out some of my other . As Americas official birthplace, this historical and cultural East Coast city has so much to offer. You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that you will need to get an American license. Should You Move During a Recession? As mentioned, the city offers a wide range of cultural and educational opportunities. 1. Usually, this fee will range from a couple of hundred bucks to a months rent. November 23, 2012 They say that home is where the heart is, but that may not be true for everyone. Moving 101. Mary has edited and ghostwritten novels, published one of her own, and continues to coach and edit emerging Philly writers. As we touched on earlier, Philadelphia has a lot of important ties to Americas inception. Also, keep in mind Philly is an old city. Lets do the math. You will obsess over the Eagles and never miss an Eagles/Cowboys game. If you do know what you want, you can hit the "skip quiz" link on the front . Its a quirky little street that goes for blocks and blocks and blocks, so youll never run out of stuff to do or places to find. However, Philly is still deemed an affordable city to live in, especially considering the high cost of living in the surrounding major cities like New York and Boston, where the cost of living is 86% and 61.2% higher than Philadelphia . Some of the citys top universities include Temple and Drexel Universities and the University of Pennsylvania. The MagiQuiz personality test declares that you don't necessarily have to live in the same town forever, especially when there are so many towns and cities that could be a better fit . Owing to its age, Philadelphia was a city that was largely built before the advent of autos. With the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Mtter Museum, the sciences are also well represented, and visitors can enjoy performing arts at the Kimmel Center, the Academy of Music, the Wilma Theatre, and the Philadelphia Theatre Company. We combed through 100s of verified customer reviews to find the most trusted and reputable long distance movers. They are about a half hour away from Center City by car. The history isnt reserved just for the museums. Once youve hit all the main attractions, weve also put together this list of 40 lesser known things to do in Philadelphia. The bus network has over 200 routes all around the city. If the apartment doesnt pay a referral fee, a rental agent will also typically charge you a fee directly. Winter temperatures average around 33F (less than 1C) (, with seasonal snowfall of less than 23 inches (58 cm). Philadelphia's public transportation is incredibly convenient for local and regional transit. Here are some good websites to find apartments. You also may want to have a glance at our state-to-state moving guide. Are you serious? The Weather. Furthermore, the areas are accessible to public transportation and are easily walkable. So just do it. Cut off contact with your ex, at least for a while. Grab yourself a water ice (its pronounced wooder) and stroll around. Still not sure which Philadelphia neighborhood is perfect to call your home? He is currently the senior managing editor of Apartment Guide and Rent., based in Atlanta. and so many more. Let us know if we missed something in the comments! There are many things to see and do, which is why it attracts millions of tourists each year. The most popular Philadelphia neighborhoods and nearby cities for renters Moving far enough away (aka changing time zones) could reposition Saturn somewhere less meh. Keep your finger on the pulse of one of the most vibrant cultures in the city when you step through the Chinatown Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch Street. His work has been featured or mentioned by CNN, Wall Street Journal, BuzzFeed, Bankrate and hundreds of local media outlets across the country. Some iconic Philadelphia row homes pictured above. 3) Affordable living. The Northern Liberties area was once a bustling manufacturing district, but back in the 1990s local artists began migrating there due to its charm and affordable studio space. PATCO (Port Authority Transportation Corporation) also runs trains from Center City back and forth to New Jersey not that youd particularly want to go to Jersey, but you might be one of those NJ commuters. Philadelphias peculiar liquor licensing laws make it fairly difficult to obtain a liquor license, meaning that many restaurants have a BYOB policy. For a city of its size, Philadelphia has a remarkable amount of green space. The average temperatures typically hover somewhere just below freezing, but can also drop down below zero for short periods. If youd like to reach out to the author directly with questions, please do so in the comments below and our team will ensure it gets to the right person. You can compare places by marking them as favorites. Address: 2431 Reed St., Ste. Now do these things. Trash & recycling: The city handles trash and recycling. The place has everything you need; beautiful mild climate, it keeps you close to nature as it has famous national parks. The plan is to link up various neighborhoods and create a more walkable & environmentally-friendly city.