philadelphia
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Moving to Philadelphia?

The City of Brotherly Love is famous for being the birthplace of the United States. Philadelphia is home to lots of historic landmarks, tons of exciting outdoor activities and unique attractions.

If you’d like to live in a college city with endless lush green space where most of the residents are millennials, moving to Philadelphia will be right for you. Philadelphia offers the best of almost everything you’d like to see in a big city and it’s the fourth largest city in the United States.

Affordable housing, low cost of living, great weather, and some of the best higher education schools in the world makes Philadelphia one of the best cities to move to in the United States.

If you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, this guide is perfect for you. It contains all the key information you need to make the right decision about moving to Philadelphia.

QuickFacts

Quick facts about Philadelphia

Learn some facts about Philadelphia, PA before moving to the city to help you decide if it's the right place for you.

What to know before moving to Philadelphia PA?

Philadelphia is not only a college city; it is also a city of millennials with an average age of 34.3. The city has the highest per capita concentration of higher education schools in the country. Philadelphia is home to seven schools of medicine, 85 colleges, technical schools, and universities.

The famous University of Pennsylvania is always rated among the top ten universities in the United States. If you’re moving to Philadelphia, PA for higher education, you’ll have tons of options to choose from. From Ivy League to State School, Liberal Arts, Seven Sisters, Jesuit University and more.

What’s the population of Philadelphia PA?

The population of Philadelphia PA is 1,591,800. Philadelphia is the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania and is rated as the sixth largest city in the United States. The average of Philadelphia residents is 34.3.

The median age of male residents in Philadelphia is 32.7 while the median age of female residents is 35.7. As mentioned earlier, moving to Philadelphia means moving to a robust city thriving with millennials. This makes Philadelphia one of the most coveted cities in the United States.

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How is the weather like in Philadelphia PA?

Weather is one of the reasons you’ll have to consider before making up your mind about moving to Philadelphia. The average temperature in Philadelphia usually ranges from 26°F to 87°F and is hardly below 13°F or above 94°F. If you hate winters and the cold, moving to Philadelphia will be a great idea for you.

Typically, Philadelphia records an average of 207 sunny days per year. The national average is 205 sunny days during the same period. On average, Philadelphia PA gets 47.2 inches of rain per year. The national average is 38.1 inches of rain for the same period.

What about the snow? On the average, Philadelphia records 13.1 inches of snow per year. The national average is 27.8 inches of snow per year. If the weather sounds like what you’ll not be bothered about, moving to Philadelphia will be perfect for you.

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Top 10 reasons to move to Philadelphia PA

Why are people moving to Philadelphia, PA?

People are moving to Philadelphia, PA for several reasons. Here’s a list of the top ten reasons why people are moving to Philadelphia, PA:

  1. Philadelphia is a city of arts, culture, and music

    Philadelphia is a perfect blend of arts, music, and culture. Wandering through the city, you will feel its prominence in arts and culture. There are exotic locations spread across the city to explore the best of arts, music, and culture.

    Here is a list of the prominent places you shouldn’t miss out on if you are an art and culture lover.

    • Pep’s Musical Bar
    • Granoff School of Music
    • The Downbeat
    • Rocky Statue
    • Philadelphia Museum of Art
    • Barnes Foundation
    • The B Free Franklin Post Office
    • Elfreth’s Alley
  2. Philadelphia is home to tons of historical landmarks

    Perhaps there is no place better than Philadelphia to explore the historic past of the US. At every corner of the city, you’ll come across a landmark rich with stories of the past.

    Here’s a list of 15 historic landmarks you shouldn’t miss in Philadelphia

    • The Liberty Bell Center
    • Independence Hall and Congress Hall
    • The Betsy Ross House
    • The President’s House
    • Museum of the American Revolution
    • National Constitution Center
    • Mother Bethel and the Richard Allen Museum
    • Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
    • Benjamin Franklin Museum
    • Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground
    • The African American Museum in Philadelphia
    • Carpenters’ Hall
    • Declaration (Graff) House
    • Valley Forge National Historical Park
    • Eastern State Penitentiary
  3. The city has no shortage of lush green space

    Moving to Philadelphia, you won’t miss greenery as the city is home to hundreds of lush parks. The city’s rich green backdrop of incredible parks and open spaces began with the city’s founding 300 years ago. And, we’ve filtered out the 10 best parks in the city.

    • Dilworth Park
    • Franklin Square
    • Logan Square
    • Rittenhouse Square
    • Washington Square
    • Fairmount Park
    • FDR Park
    • Pennypack Park
    • Wissahickon Valley Park
    • Penn Treaty Park
  4. The nightlife in Philadelphia is thrilling

    Life might be eventful in the day but it becomes thrilling once the sun sets in Philadelphia. Philly nights are best known for legendary bars, lively clubs, and some late-night dining spots. Once you are here, you need to know that the after-dark scene is pretty hot here.

  5. Philadelphia has a booming job market

    Philadelphia is one of the most growing cities, especially in the manufacturing and technology sector and if you are moving here for a job purpose, you’ve got reasons to pack your bag as fast as possible. Even the biotechnology and health sector are thriving in Philadelphia.

  6. Homes are fairly affordable in Philadelphia

    Philadelphia is the third-“trendiest” affordable metropolitan area in the country. The median home value is $200,306, much lower than many US cities and buying a home needs to the on top of the priorities while moving to Philadelphia. About 59.1 percent of the city’s residents are homeowners.

  7. Philadelphia is a city of millennials

    Over one-third of the residents are millennials. The approximately 528,000 millennials living in Philadelphia represent the largest generational cohort in the city. Plenty of jobs, green lush spaces, and unlimited entertainment options are some of the reasons for millennials choosing Philadelphia.

  8. You’ll have access to tons of remarkable outdoor attractions

    With endless trails, riverfronts, parks, and outdoor opportunities, the city will not permit you to stay inside on weekends. With one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world, Philadelphia is one of the best places to explore the outdoors. With tons of outdoor options, you may be confused about where to start. Here are our top 10 picks.

    • Schuylkill River Trail
    • Bluecross RiverRink
    • Chamounix Equestrian Center
    • Spring Mountain
    • French Creek State Park
    • Foliage at Bowman’s Hill Tower
    • Treetops Quest
    • Marsh Creek State Park
    • Valley Forge National Historical Park
    • River Tours in Manayunk
  9. Philadelphia is appealing to startups and entrepreneurs

    The tech talent, funding access, and strong life sciences and data analytics scenes make Philadelphia one of the best places for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The large millennial population along with the low cost of living and good climate contribute to establishing the city as a favorite place for entrepreneurs and start-ups.

  10. Philadelphia is home to many hip and trendy neighborhood

    Philly is a highly diverse city with many stunning and trendy neighborhoods to settle in. Whether you are serious about moving to Philadelphia or have already moved in, here is a list of the 10 best neighborhoods to pick from.

    • Rittenhouse Square
    • University City
    • Fishtown
    • Old City
    • Chestnut Hill
    • Roxborough
    • Northern Liberties
    • Fox Chase
    • East Falls
    • Society Hill
pros and cons of Phoenix

Pros & Cons of Living in Philadelphia, PA

Here are the various pros and cons of living in Philadelphia. This will help you weigh your options carefully before making up your mind about moving to Philadelphia.

Here are the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia, PA:

The Pros
  • Access to lots of higher education options
  • Booming economy
  • Beautiful green scenery
  • Easy access to various job opportunities
  • The weather isn’t really bad in Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia is suitable for remote working
  • Effective public transport system
  • Relatively low cost of living
  • Philadelphia is the heart of Pennsylvania economy
The Cons
  • Philadelphia is overpopulated
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia is terrible
  • Philly isn’t a tax-friendly city
  • High traffic jams
  • Air pollution is a constant threat
  • Jobs are typically concentrated in education and healthcare
  • Parking spaces are few and expensive
  • Navigating in Philadelphia while driving isn’t so easy

What are the best places to live in Philadelphia?

If you’re moving to Philadelphia, you’ll be interested in the best places to live in the city. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods to live in Philadelphia to help you get started.:

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Philadelphia, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1 Manayunk 12,005 $244,671 $67,074
2 Wharton-Hawthorne-Bella Vista 29,357 $268,021 $56,818
3 Fairmount-Spring Garden 23,809 $320,109 $72,884
4 City Center West 32,463 $446,456 $74,773
5 Schuylkill Southwest 13,322 $305,539 $71,943
6 Chestnut Hill 11,011 $432,092 $100,099
7 City Center East 26,784 $481,058 $76,360
8 Bustleton 31,993 $235,589 $59,747
9 Academy Gardens 27,044 $206,228 $60,948
10 Roxborough 31,063 $229,678 $69,711

What are the bad areas in Philadelphia?

The various neighborhoods rated as the bad areas in Philadelphia also double as the ones rated as the poorest in the city. Since you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, here are the least areas to consider living in the city:

Rank Neighborhood Population Average annual income Crime rates
1 Tioga-Nicetown 17,382 $24,935 2639 crimes per 100,000
2 Hunting Park 22,735 $23,587 452 crimes per 100,000 people
3 Strawberry Mansion 19,690 $31,085 1,944 crimes per 100,000 people
4 Fairhill 27,298 $19,698 1,545 crimes per 100,000 people
5 Alleghany West 18,676 $25,196 2,458 crimes per 100,000 people
6 Harrowgate 17,456 $23,871 1,701 crimes per 100,000 people
7 Haddington-Carroll Park 35,068 $28,706 1,588 crimes per 100,000 people
8 Elmwood 24,891 $36,424 1,217 crimes per 100,000 people
9 Frankford 39,792 $33,217 1,369 crimes per 100,000 people
10 North Central 21,880 $25,296 1,982 crimes per 100,000 people

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Is Philadelphia, PA a good place to move to?

Depending on your lifestyle and what you want in any place you call home, Philadelphia can be a good city to move to and it mostly appeals to Millennials. The city’s historic landmarks, and iconic attractions makes it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.

High home affordability rate, abundant green space, beaches, foods, sports, nightlife, parks, and mountains etc. makes Philadelphia appealing to many people. If all these appeals to you, moving to Philadelphia will be the right decision.

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Cost of living in Philadelphia PA

Is it expensive to live in Philadelphia?

The cost of living in Philadelphia, PA is 101.2 based on a United States average of 100. If you’re moving to Philadelphia, PA, your cost of living in the city will be slightly higher than the United States average.

What salary do you need to live in Philadelphia?

Depending on where you’re moving from, moving to Philadelphia could mean earning more or less income. Here’s a simple breakdown of the average income and salary of people living in Philadelphia:

  • The average annual salary of people living in Philadelphia is $61,584 a year
  • Philadelphia residents average monthly salary is $5,132
  • Philadelphia’s average weekly salary is $1,184
  • The average hourly rates in Philadelphia is $30 per hour

What is considered middle class in Philadelphia?

What is considered middle class in Philadelphia are residents earning $25,676 – $77,028 for those who are single. Middle class couples in Philadelphia are those earning $36,311 – $108,934. While for a family of four in Philadelphia, the middle class are residents earning $51,352 – $154,055.

Location Single Couple Family of 4
Philadelphia $25,676 – $77,028 36,311 – $108,934 $51,352 – $154,055
United States $26,093 – $78,280 $36,902 – $110,705 $52,187 – $156,560

Since you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, you should be aware of what is considered middle class in the state of Pennsylvania.

What is considered low income in Philadelphia?

What is considered low income in Philadelphia are residents earning below $25,000 a year for a family of four. The poverty rate in Philadelphia is 23.3%. Currently, the poverty guideline in the United States specifies that a family of three is expected to survive on $21,270 per year. The poverty rate in the city is one of the things to consider before making up your mind about moving to Philadelphia.

How is the housing market in Philadelphia?

What’s the median home price in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia median home value is $200,306, according to Zillow. Buying a home could be one of the things on your bucket list if you’re moving to Philadelphia. Homes are fairly affordable in Philadelphia and about 59.1 percent of the city’s residents are homeowners.

What’s the average rental price in Philadelphia, PA?

The average rental price in Philadelphia PA is $1,650. The United States average is $1,468. About 40.9 percent of Philadelphia residents are renters. If renting a home is an option since you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, about 3.3 percent of homes and apartments in the city are available to rent.

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Philadelphia is $834. The United States average is $821.
  • Philadelphia PA average rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment is $985. The US. Average is $930
  • Philadelphia PA average rental price for a 2-bedroom home is $1,193. The U.S. average is $1,148
  • Philadelphia PA average rental price for a 3-bedroom home is $1,493. The U.S. average is $1,537
  • Philadelphia PA average rental price for a 4-bedroom home is $1,696. The U.S. average is $1,791

Best things to do after moving to Philadelphia

There’s never a dull moment in Philadelphia. The city is home to tons of attractions. These are the key things you can do after moving to Philadelphia:

  • Visit the Independence Hall where the nation’s constitution was debated and signed
  • Tour the Reading Terminal, an old urban market
  • Spend time at the The Delaware River waterfront
  • Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
  • See the Liberty Bell
  • Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Enjoy nightlife at the Rittenhouse Square
  • Tour the John F. Kennedy Plaza
  • Explore the The Delaware River waterfront
  • Explore the Delaware River waterfront
  • Tour National Museum of American Jewish History
  • Visit the Rodin Museum
  • See the Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Explore the Philadelphia's Italian Market on South Ninth Street
  • Visit the Citizens Bank Park

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How safe is Philadelphia to live?

Crime rate in Philadelphia is rated as one of the highest in the entire United States. The city has a crime rate of 40 per 1000 residents. The probability that a Philadelphia resident will be a victim of either violent or property crime is one in twenty-five.

About 98 percent of other communities in the state of Pennsylvania are rated safer than Philadelphia. Currently, Philadelphia is rated among one of the 100 most dangerous places to live in America, according to NeighborhoodScout. Crime rate is one of the key things to consider before making up your mind about moving to Philadelphia, PA.

What’s the most common crime in Philadelphia, PA?

Aggravated assault is the most common type of crime in Philadelphia, PA. Since you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, PA this is one of the key things you’ll have to think through.

What are the best schools in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is home to some of the best schools in the United States. Whether you have school age kids or not, living closer to the best school district in the state is good for you. Since you’re considering moving to Philadelphia, here’s a simple list of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the city.:

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