Considering a Move to the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington Metro Area? Here’s What You Should Know
The Basics of the Philadelphia Metro Area
The Philly metro area stretches across three states (PA, NJ, DE) and includes a mix of historic urban cores, stunning leafy suburbs, riverfront towns, and emerging small cities. It’s one of the most affordable major metros in the Northeast, and combines East Coast grit, colonial charm, and modern-day reinvention. Philly is hot right now as the northeast alternative to the more expensive New York, Boston, and DC metros.
With over 6 million residents, this metro includes Philadelphia, very fast-growing suburbs, and satellite cities like Wilmington, DE, and Camden, NJ. It offers everything from rowhome neighborhoods and cobblestone streets to wealthy school districts and commuter towns with regional rail access.
Economic & Cultural Landscape of the Philadelphia Metro Area
- Healthcare, education, and financial services drive the regional economy (think UPenn, CHOP, Jefferson, Comcast, Vanguard).
- Camden and Wilmington are revitalizing with investments in life sciences, logistics, and fintech.
- A strong backbone of universities, hospitals, and law firms gives Philly long-term career depth.
- The cultural DNA is working-class, creative, and proudly local — from cheesesteaks and murals to black-owned bookstores and immigrant-led enclaves.
- Growing tech and biotech presence anchored by University City and the Navy Yard.
How the Metro Is Structured
Here’s how the metro generally breaks down:
- Philadelphia Proper – Dense, diverse, and historically rich, with distinct neighborhoods.
- Main Line & Western Suburbs – Affluent, leafy, high-achieving school districts and established commuter towns.
- South Jersey Suburbs – Affordable, quiet, and suburban, with direct PATCO access to the city.
- Northwest/Northern Suburbs – More space, strong schools, and classic commuter life.
- Wilmington & Northern Delaware – A small city with low taxes, Amtrak access, and surprising affordability.
The Main Areas of the Philadelphia- Camden–Wilmington Metro
Philadelphia Proper
The Vibe: Historic, scrappy, and full of personality. Rowhomes, murals, BYOB restaurants, and a fiercely loyal civic identity.
Why It Works:
- Walkable
- Transit-rich
- Affordable compared to other East Coast cities
- Diverse, full of art and culture.
Watch Out For:
- Crime in some neighborhoods
- School quality varies
- Aging infrastructure.
Good Fit For:
- Young professionals
- Creatives
- Students
- Healthcare workers
- People craving city life without NYC pricing.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Philadelphia Proper to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Main Line & Western Suburbs
The Vibe: Polished, prestigious, and family-focused. Mansions and manicured parks meet elite schools and stone train stations.
Why It Works:
- Excellent public schools
- Quick access to Center City
- Strong community institutions.
Watch Out For:
- High home prices
- Some social insularity
- Limited rental inventory.
Good Fit For:
- Families
- Professionals
- College-town lovers
- People seeking generational neighborhoods.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Philadelphia's Mainline & Western Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
South Jersey Suburbs
The Vibe: Quiet, leafy, and affordable. Suburban living just across the river from Center City.
Why It Works:
- Lower taxes than PA
- Easy PATCO train into Philly
- Room to spread out.
Watch Out For:
- Car dependency
- Slower pace
- Some struggling downtowns.
Good Fit For:
- Commuters
- Young families
- Buyers priced out of Philly who still want city access.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into South Jersey Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Northwest/Northern Suburbs
The Vibe: Traditional commuter belt — stable, spacious, and family-centric with good schools and regional rail links.
Why It Works:
- Larger homes
- Access to parks and trails
- Proximity to job hubs like King of Prussia and Blue Bell.
Watch Out For:
- Traffic along 422 and the Turnpike
- Not walkable
- Little nightlife.
Good Fit For:
- Suburban professionals
- Families
- Hybrid workers
- Those looking to plant roots outside the city.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Philadelphia's Northwest/Northern Suburbs to better understand whether this area is right for you.
Wilmington & Northern Delaware
The Vibe: Underrated and evolving. A small city with corporate roots, Amtrak access, and increasing buzz.
Why It Works:
- Lower cost of living
- No sales tax
- Easy train rides to Philly, Baltimore, or DC.
Watch Out For:
- Still rebuilding in some areas
- Limited cultural amenities compared to bigger cities.
Good Fit For:
- Remote workers
- Retirees
- First-time buyers
- Amtrak commuters who want value and access.
Check out LookyLOO's Deep Dive into Wilmington & Northern Delaware to better understand whether this area is right for you.
TL;DR – How to Choose Where to Live in the Philly Metro
Subregion---------------------------Best For
- Philadelphia Proper-----------------Young professionals, creatives, med students, city lovers
- Main Line & Western Suburbs--------Families, high-income buyers, professionals, school-focused
- South Jersey Suburbs--------------Commuters, young families, value-focused buyers, and quiet-lifestyle
- Northwest/Northern Suburbs-------Families, dual-incomes, hybrid workers, and suburbanites
- Wilmington & N. Delaware-----------1st-time buyers, retirees, remote workers, Amtrak commuters
Final Thoughts: Where to Focus Your Search in the Philadelphia Metro
If you want gritty charm, walkability, and character at a more affordable price than NYC or DC, Philly proper is a winner. Looking for great schools, legacy homes, and quiet prestige? The Main Line delivers. The South Jersey suburbs offer value and PATCO access, while the Northwest suburbs strike a balance of schools and space. And for a true underrated sleeper pick, don’t overlook Wilmington and Northern Delaware, where low taxes and rail access make it a surprisingly strong lifestyle and budget play.