It’s cheaper than NYC. It can be pretty rough and tumble in places, but it’s a big city. Compared to other big cities, Philly's housing is tremendously affordable. If you are willing to live in a neighborhood that is racially and economically mixed, you can find a 3-bedroom apartment for under $2,000. Houses can be found for under $100K in many of the city's neighborhoods, as well. The housing stock does tend to be older--but if you want to pay top dollar for a new condo in a hip neighborhood, you might pay around $300-400K.

Young people can live in Center City (Downtown) and take advantage of all the funky street festivals pop-up beer gardens, and art museums. The area near Olde City is a nice compromise between not horrendously expensive and relatively safe. Young families with some money can take advantage of some of the best private schools in the country. If you like Quaker schools, boy, are you in luck?

Hard to believe for a city that hatched the Quaker school movement but there's no getting around it; Philly's got attitude. You’ve likely heard the stories already. We’re not sure if it’s the winters or the sports teams or the potholes that cause people to have a little bit of a chip on their shoulders, but it’s there. Our advice? Don’t take it personally. Locals call it “character” and you’ll develop it too after a few years here. Keep in mind it’s not like people are passing you on the street randomly telling you where you can shove it (unless you’re crazy enough to wear a Cowboys jersey and, frankly you’d deserve to be told off). You’ve got to earn the kindness at the heart of Philly residents and we don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.





East Coast Energy on  a Budget

LookyLOO Review of Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a tried and true northeastern city. It’s dense, gritty, and passionate. Pros are that it’s super diverse (there was an insanely high rate of immigration from about 2000-2016), gay-friendly, and sports-crazy.  With four professional sports teams, the city creates a huge camaraderie by rooting for the home team. And if you aren’t loyal to local teams? Be prepared to practice your sports worship in private. Because of the makeup of the city, you can live without a car, which is a plus for a lot of people. Philly is a diverse city both in terms of the people and the areas. A lot of different people live here and that’s because there’s an area that’ll suit each person.


Lifestyle 

Philadelphia’s big industries include government, financial services, health care, biotech, and information technology. Financial services are huge and Philadelphia is also home to one of the largest health education and research centers in the US, which makes sense when you take into account that there are a ton of universities and higher education institutions in the area. The largest employers are the local city government, University of Pennsylvania, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. There are also a ton of headquarters in the city like Comcast, Cigna, Urban Outfitters, Pep Boys, and more. Along with these industries, tourism is also a huge draw to Philadelphia and a huge part of the economic structure of the city. Just in Independence National Historical Park, which includes the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, there are 42 million domestic tourists, yearly. 


Worklife

**Here is a thorough write-up on the school options in Philadelphia from a local:**

So it is very much dependent on which catchment you live in, or what you can afford. Otherwise you're stuck with the random luck of applying to another school. 

You really care about elementary schools only. All the best high schools in the district are magnet schools (Masterman, Central, Palumbo, GAMP, SLA, Carver, Bodine) which you have to apply to and be accepted. Yes there will likely be a commute, but unfortunately it seems the quality of these magnet schools doesn't correlate to their local catchment. Most elementaries are K-8. There are a few middle schools, but they most tend to be tied to a high school as well (notably Masterman and GAMP). I suspect this also leads somewhat to a skewing of scores as the best students in the catchment schools leave after 4th grade.

That said here's the top list:

9's - Penn Alexander (UCity), hands down the best K-8 in the district. Masterman and GAMP's middle schools as well.

7's - McCall (Center City East), Meredith (Society Hill, roughly), Greenberg (Bustleton)

6's - Greenfield (Center City West), Loesche (Somerton), Anne Frank (Bustleton)

5's - Decatur (Mechanicsville?), John Hancock (West Torresdale? Sorry, really not familiar with Northeast Philly neighborhoods), Fell (South Philly), Jenks (South Philly), Kirkbride (Bella Vista/Southwark)

Some honorable mentions at the 4's that may have recently dropped down or tend to have very positive community impressions.

Cook-Wissahickon (Wissahickon, NW philly) Was a 5 last year, don't know what's going on, it is a frequent feeder to Masterman. Dobson (Lower Roxborough/Manayunk) improving school, great principle, very positive community impression. Jackson (Italian Market-ish area), again regarded as an improving school.

You probably have options and you'll have to weigh what you value. Do you want a school that is going to have absolutely every resource to offer your child? What sort of neighborhood environment do you want (walkability, green space, etc.). Do you value a neighborhood and district that is ethnically and culturally diverse or not? What will your commute(s) look like from respective neighborhoods? More on the city side: if you like your current neighborhood but the elementary is unacceptable, can you afford to send your child(ren) to private/parochial school until at least 5th grade? Will this be a cheaper or more cost-effective solution then moving into the suburbs? The only person that can answer this is you. 

Schools

There has been a fair amount of Millennial movement from NYC to Philly.  A good way to think of Philly is as "Brooklyn lite." Mixed neighborhoods: some fabulous ethnic neighborhoods, some gentrified, people who are in a hurry, and rude and obnoxious. A lot of cursing. If this appeals to you, it can be had for much less money than Brooklyn these days. If you want access to this but prefer to go home to the suburbs, the Main Line suburbs (fed by commuter trains) have a lot to offer. 


Brooklyn but for Real

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**_crapitalism**
Living in Philadelphia
6mo ago
✭✭✭✭

I live here and I love it. most of the negativity you read about it is from people who live in the suburbs who spend 4 hours a day on facebook groups instead of going outside. as long as you don't go out of your way to live in a bad neighborhood and don't hunker down in your home bc you've read on the internet that the city is some war zone, you'll have fun. it's super easy to meet people here and there's always something to do. if you want neighborhood recommendations or just general city tips, there's usually a moving thread stickied to r/philadelphia that can help you out. good luck with the move, we're happy to have you here! go birds

For more reviews of Philadelphia from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/philadelphia/reviews)

Reviews of Philadelphia from Locals

**The Best Thing About Philadelphia?** 

It’s cheaper than NYC.  It can be pretty rough and tumble in places, and in general, but it’s a big city. Compared to other big cities, Philly's housing is tremendously affordable. If you are willing to live in a neighborhood that is racially and economically mixed, you can find a 3-bedroom apartment for under $2,000. Houses can be found for under $100K in many of the city's neighborhoods, as well. The housing stock does tend to be older--but if you want to pay top dollar for a new condo in a hip neighborhood, you might pay around $300-400K.

Young people can live in Center City (Downtown) and take advantage of all the funky street festivals and pop-up beer gardens, art museums. The area near Olde City is a nice compromise between not horrendously expensive and relatively safe.

Young families with some money can take advantage of some of the best private schools in the country. If you like Quaker schools, boy, are you in luck.

**The Worst Thing About Philadelphia?** 

There's really no getting around it; Philly's got attitude. You’ve likely heard the stories. There seems to be no limit to what Philadelphia’s most impassioned sports fans will do and by and large, it’s a pretty cranky and brash population.

The city schools are problematic (funding problems) and people do complain about the public transport system.

Liquor laws are weird (but BYOB restaurants are common.)

**How You Living?** You’re Probably Going to Live In a Row Home.

Despite several modern condo complexes popping up around town, chances are you’ll find yourself living in a row home. The layout is pretty similar no matter which one you choose: Two, maybe three levels piled on top of each other, kitchen in the back, bedrooms and bathroom above. If you’re lucky you’ll have a rooftop with a great view of Philly’s skyline. Those are surprisingly easy to come by.

Philadelphia is called the “City of Neighborhoods” It is a very pockety city meaning there are thin lines between good and bad neighborhoods. Neighborhoods can vary enormously, from really dangerous to really lovely gentrified neighborhoods full of Victorian houses, or stone houses that have been beautifully remodeled. 

This is a city of neighborhoods, and there’s one for every type of personality. 

**Rittenhouse** is sophisticated, characterized by well-manicured streets, stately row homes and well-kept public parks. 

Go south to **Passyunk**, where skinny-jeans-wearing urbanites mingle with young families along one of the most innovative dining corridors in the city. 

**Fishtown** feels gritty in all the right ways. Go there for dive-bar vibes and some of Philly’s best indie rock venues. 

**West Philly** welcomes the hippy-at-heart with crunchy cafes, ethnic eateries and the ever-present scent of a certain herb wafting through the air.

Philly is home to two historic markets. The Reading Terminal may be touristy, but savvy locals know how to breeze through for a quick lunch, excellent meat and fish purveyors and to snag fresh, homemade goods from the Amish vendors open there six days a week. South Philly’s Italian influence lives on in a big way at the Italian Market.

**The Philly Suburbs**
If you can afford it, the **Main Line** suburbs are the ones. Homes, often in Pennsylvania stone, good schools, and a high quality of life. Trains get you downtown Philadelphia. easily. 

**Gladwyne** is an especially nice one. There are attractive condos as well.

**Lower Merion**, it is a main line suburb of Philly, but unlike Philly has good schools and colleges (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, St Joe’s and Villanova), relatively low taxes, is safe and an easy commute into the city by car or train. Housing prices are probably the highest of the close in suburbs.

**Penn Valley**, and especially the north side of **Wynnewood** are popular as well as **Chester Springs**, and **Newtown Square**. Northern suburbs, such as **Rydal**, and northwest areas around **Whitemarsh** are nice (commuter trains/longer commutes). 

Same as you continue into **Bucks County**,  

**Narberth** is a main line suburb with a walkable core -- centrally located shops and train stations from anywhere in town. The streets are lined with gorgeous old trees and the town still has a small town feel. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?** 

There has been a fair amount of Millennial movement from NYC to Philly.  A good way to think of Philly is as "Brooklyn lite." Mixed neighborhoods, some fabulous ethnic neighborhoods, some gentrified,  people who are in a hurry, and rude and obnoxious. A lot of cursing. If this appeals to you, it can be had for much less money than Brooklyn these days. If you want access to this but prefer to go home to the suburbs, the Main Line suburbs (fed by commuter trains) have a lot to offer. 


Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth most populated city in the US. If you’ve never been to PA before, just know it’s a lot wider than you think. You can be on the west side of the state near Pittsburgh and be close to Ohio and West Virginia, but the east side is just a quick drive to D.C., New York, or New Jersey. Philadelphia is situated across the Delaware river from New Jersey, in the southeastern corner of the state, smack-dab in the middle of New York and D.C. The city itself can feel dense if you’re not used to that sort of thing. Like LA has more people, but it’s much more spread out than Philly and it can be shocking. Philadelphia is much closer in relation to other northeastern cities like NYC and D.C. 

The Area

Philadelphia is like a giant playground for college students.Away from home for the first time, especially for those from the burbs, students will be amazed at how much there is to do. There are museums, libraries, parks, sporting events, restaurants, and a great amount of nightlife. The universities and colleges in Philly are a part of the city itself, which gives students a good chance to explore the city after classes or on weekends. We suggest Spruce Hill if you’re going to Penn. It has a dense feel with a ton of rental opportunities, but there are also a ton of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. 
- Spruce Hill
- University City
- Cedar Park


College Students

Spruce Hill 

There is a ton to love about Philly, but you really hit the jackpot if you’re a young professional (and single!). One of the neighborhoods that’s recently been seeing a lot of love is East Passyunk (pronounced “Pashyunk,” obviously). This neighborhood sits on one of the only diagonal streets cutting across Philadelphia’s carefully planned grid-system. And that’s kind of the base of where you start to understand Passyunk: it’s a bit off, in a good way. The seriously walkable main avenue is lined with indie boutiques, bars, cafes, and some of the best spots to eat in the city. Don’t be put off if you tell someone you’re moving here and they tell you to go to “the shady deli by the CVS.” You’ll get the absolute best hoagie you’ve ever had and for only $3.50 you’ll be thanking us later.
- East Passyunk
- Fishtown
- Washington Square West


Young Professionals

East Passyunk

Philadelphia is a steal for young families looking to settle down for a while. Locals know it’s way better than Boston and NYC (or God forbid, New Jersey) and you still get an amazing city. Graduate Hospital is a great neighborhood for anyone in their 20s or 30s and wanting to start a family. Locals will tell you that the area was “rough” about 10 years ago, but the people who have recently moved here love the area and intend to stay! If you visit you’ll see a ton of people out with a dog and a stroller, people out in Julian Abele park just hanging out or listening to live music, and friends enjoying dinner and drinks along South. 
- Graduate Hospital
- Rittenhouse Square
- North Broad


Young Families

Graduate Hospital

There is no shortage of great suburbs in Philly. If you can afford it, the Main Line suburbs are the ones you want to start with. There are gorgeous homes, good schools, and trains that get you downtown, easily. We suggest Lower Merion, which is a Main Line suburb and has fantastic schools and colleges (a sore spot for downtown-ers). In this area you’ll get relatively low taxes, a safe area for the kids, and a decent commute by car or train. 
- Lower Merion
- Gladwyne
- Penn Valley


Established Families

Lower Merion

Philly is a great, walkable city for someone looking to have a bustling, but enjoyable retirement. There are a ton of great things to do year round and the large tourism culture ensures your family will have a ton to see when they visit. Check out Rittenhouse for a sophisticated city feel. It has well-manicured streets, beautiful stately row homes, and gorgeous well-kept public parks. Situated near the river and sandwiched between other bustling downtown Philly neighborhoods, you can easily walk to any other spot to get out and enjoy the city.
- Rittenhouse Square
- Midtown Village
- Fairmount


Empty Nesters

Rittenhouse Square

Philadelphia

**What is life in Philly like?**


I think it's great, but it also depends on what you're specifically looking for out of a city experience.

The amount of culture, food, beer, history, art, green space, and amenities you're going to get here in the framework of what you're going to pay for rent is simply unparalleled. I moved to Philly six years ago after college, and seriously just worked in a restaurant 4 nights/week and had no problem paying my $400/mo rent (my rent was so cheap because I went a few blocks outside a "hot" neighborhood, but could still walk to its borders in three minutes). I could use time I wasn't required to work to sack away rent to explore and take in everything the city had to offer (and spend plenty of time looking for a full-time with no pressure). I felt like I was in on some big secret that no one knew about, or something. The amount of value you get per rent dollar spent is an incredible ration. Like, the fact I could try a locally roasted delicious coffee and pick up a (relatively) amazing sandwich for under $12 and each within a few blocks from my house blew my mind, as someone who grew up in the 'burbs and drove 15 minutes to anything decent. In addition, it's not just that; most things you want, including mostly any community you want to be a part of can be found here, and for cheap, and a subway or bus will take you there. It's just a bevy of urban density with tons of options to explore on all levels.

The bad? I'd say typical big city problems; crime, litter, people begging for money. I honestly don't have many big complaints about Philadelphia except for one (and yes, it's food related): its lack of options past 2 am. There's simply nothing open when the bars shut down, including transportation most nights. I wish there were a backdrop of a series of gritty diners, at least. There's just nothing, and if there is, it's very few and far between. The places that are open are madhouses. This may not be of interest to you if you don't like going out.

**I've been obsessed with moving to Philly for last 4 months. But some of the things I see here sometimes make me wary. I'd love some insight from locals and transplants. Thanks.**


Dude (dudette?). The description of what you want in a big city sounds just like what I wanted before I moved here. And you'll get it. I'm from Texas, lived in Chapel Hill for a short while so I know where you're coming from. Philly is like nothing you've ever lived before, and it sounds like that's exactly why you'll love it.

The 'rudeness' thing: it's not like people up here are just "fuck you!" all over the place. Maybe that's because I'm southern friendly or something, but the people I've met are nice. Sure, maybe my neighbors didn't talk to me or acknowledge my existence for a month or two, but once they did we wave & chat all the time. I've found that people everywhere respond to a smile/head nod and a "how are you." Even if you think they aren't looking at you.

Coming from Charlotte you'll appreciate SEPTA. I know Philly loves to hate on it and compare it to the public transit of other big cities. But if you're coming from pretty much anywhere in the spawlin' south, you'll be very impressed at how much of the city and its surroundings are covered by public transit (not to mention how you rarely have to wait very long for the next train/bus/trolley if you're in the city).

**What is it like to live in Philadelphia, PA?**

I read a few of these other answers first before typing mine. I was born and raised in the Philly area, left when I became a Navy wife and 25 years later I'm back. Back to the amazing food, my beloved Eagles, my neighborhood. For the person who said Philly is so terrible and all that other swell stuff, well I don't know where you’ve been but you obviously missed everything that makes Philly so awesome. Sure there are bad neighborhoods, what big city doesn't have them? But the food, the diversity, the culture, we have all that in spades. No mountains, no beaches? Well, duh. Did you ever look for Philly on a map? No straight bars? Where did you look? Philly is amazing. It's home. And one more thing, the women don't dress nicely or wear makeup? You never met me.

**What is it like to live in Philadelphia, PA?**

Some basic facts in no particular order:

They claim to have mass transit. They do not. Unless you live close to a bus or train line, it’s not very easy to get where you are going.
The politicians are notoriously corrupt and that is especially true now. They are an embarrassment.
Visitors will find it VERY hard to park. Philly’s parking issues are serious. If you are a politician or a union contractor you can pull over anywhere you please - you’ll have spots reserved for you. EVERYONE else is ignored. Until they address the parking problems, they’ll always be second rate. If they took parking privileges away from all City Hall big shots, the problem would be fixed in a week.
They stand out as the one city ready to punish its soda-drinking population with a hefty tax, but it cannot promise to keep them alive. The number of people shot and killed on Philly streets is flabbergasting.
If you move to Philly from NY, you’ll probably be pleased. The scale of things is easier to take and it won’t be as hard on your wallet. If you move to Philly from Dallas, your gonna be disappointed; it will appear filthy to you.
Hope this helps!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Go to Bell

Looklyloo Score: 83