Philadelphia, often referred to as “The City of Brotherly Love,” is a city steeped in history and brimming with cultural vibrancy. From its iconic landmarks and historic sites to its bustling neighborhoods and thriving arts scene, Philadelphia offers a unique living experience. However, like any major city, it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re considering a historic row house in Old City or a modern apartment in Rittenhouse Square, you’ve come to the right place.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll explore the various pros and cons of living in Philadelphia, helping you decide if the City of Brotherly Love is the right place for you.
Fast facts about living in Philadelphia
- Population: Over 1.6 million residents
- Average rent: $1,847 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Median home sale price: $270k
- Subway stations: 75, providing extensive public transit options
- Public parks: More than 300 green spaces for recreation and relaxation
- Languages spoken: Over 100, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity
- Annual tourists: Approximately 45 million visitors each year
- Restaurants: Over 7,000, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world
1. Pro: Rich historical significance
Philadelphia is a treasure trove of American history, offering unparalleled access to historic sites like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House. The city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. Walking through its historic districts, residents can feel a deep connection to the past, which adds a unique charm and educational value to living in the city.
2. Con: The housing market can be competitive
While Philadelphia’s real estate market is more affordable than many other major cities, it can still be competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia is $1,847 per month, and the median sale price for a home in Philadelphia is around $270k. While these prices are lower compared to cities like New York, finding the perfect home can still be a challenge due to high demand. Renters and buyers may need to act quickly and be prepared for bidding wars in popular areas.
3. Pro: Thriving job market
Philadelphia has a diverse and robust job market, with opportunities in various industries such as healthcare, education, finance, and technology. Major employers in the city include the University of Pennsylvania, Comcast, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The city’s economy is bolstered by its numerous universities, research institutions, and a growing startup scene, providing ample career growth potential.
5 of Philadelphia’s top employers
- University of Pennsylvania
- Comcast Corporation
- Jefferson Health
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Temple University
4. Con: Higher taxes
Pennsylvania has relatively high state and local taxes, including income, property, and sales taxes. The combined state and city income tax can be substantial, and property taxes can also be burdensome. For example, the city wage tax for residents is around 3.75%, and property taxes can add significant expenses to homeownership. Residents often find themselves paying more for everyday expenses, such as groceries, utilities, and transportation, which can strain budgets, with utilities being 9% more, groceries 2% more, and transportation 8% more than the national average.
The cost of living in Philadelphia is further impacted by the 8% sales tax on goods and services can add up quickly, affecting daily living costs. For businesses, the high corporate taxes and regulatory costs can impact overall profitability and growth, potentially making it more challenging to thrive in the competitive urban market.
5. Pro: Extensive public transportation system
With a transit score of 86, Philadelphia offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trolleys, and subways operated by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority). With 75 subway stations and extensive bus routes, getting around the city is convenient and affordable. The city’s walkability and bike-sharing programs like Indego also make commuting without a car feasible for many residents.
Additionally, regional rail lines connect Philadelphia to the surrounding suburbs and cities like New York and Washington, D.C., making it easy to travel for work or leisure. SEPTA’s 24-hour service on some routes ensures that residents have access to public transportation at all times, enhancing the city’s accessibility and reducing the reliance on personal vehicles.
6. Con: Aging infrastructure
Philadelphia’s aging infrastructure can be a challenge, with issues such as potholes, outdated public transit systems, and older buildings in need of maintenance. Frequent water main breaks and electrical grid issues can cause disruptions, impacting daily life for residents. While the city is making efforts to modernize and improve its infrastructure through initiatives like the Rebuild program, which focuses on renovating public spaces and facilities, residents may still encounter inconveniences related to these issues. Upgrading infrastructure is a slow and costly process, often requiring significant investments and causing temporary disruptions during construction phases.
7. Pro: Diverse neighborhoods
Philadelphia is known for its diverse and distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character and charm. From the historic streets of Old City, with its colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets, to the vibrant energy of Fishtown, known for its hipster vibe and creative community, there’s a Philadelphia neighborhood for everyone. Explore the artistic scene in Northern Liberties, home to numerous galleries and studios, or enjoy the culinary delights in South Philadelphia, famous for its Italian Market and authentic eateries. Relax in the green spaces of Fairmount, which offers easy access to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and scenic Fairmount Park.
This diversity also means a wide variety of cuisines, festivals, and cultural experiences are available year-round, such as the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, the Odunde Festival, and numerous ethnic food festivals.
8. Con: Weather extremes
Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, which means hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. While some enjoy the variety, others may find the weather extremes challenging to handle. Snowstorms can disrupt daily life, affecting transportation and causing school and work closures. Summer heat waves can be uncomfortable, leading to increased energy costs for cooling. The transition seasons, spring and fall, can also be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
9. Pro: Access to quality education and healthcare
Philadelphia is home to some of the best educational institutions in the country, including the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University. The city also boasts top-notch healthcare facilities such as Jefferson Health, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), which are renowned for their cutting-edge medical research, specialized treatments, and high-quality patient care.
This access to quality education and healthcare is a significant advantage for residents, contributing to a strong community of lifelong learners and well-cared-for individuals. The presence of these institutions also fosters a robust job market in education and healthcare sectors, further enhancing the city’s appeal.
10. Con: Limited nightlife options
While Philadelphia has a vibrant cultural scene, its nightlife options can be limited compared to larger cities like New York or Los Angeles. The city’s nightlife tends to be more low-key, with a focus on local bars and smaller music venues. For those seeking a more bustling nightlife with a wide variety of clubs and late-night entertainment, Philadelphia might feel a bit underwhelming.
11. Pro: Abundance of green spaces
Despite its urban environment, Philadelphia offers numerous green spaces where residents can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Other popular parks include Rittenhouse Square, Wissahickon Valley Park, and Penn’s Landing. These green spaces provide a much-needed respite from the city’s fast pace and are perfect for recreation and relaxation.
Popular Philadelphia parks:
- Clark Park
- Schuylkill River Trail
- Pastorius Park
- Bartram’s Garden
- Belmont Plateau
12. Pro: Iconic landmarks and cultural institutions
Living in Philadelphia means having iconic landmarks like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art at your doorstep. These sites are not only great for sightseeing but also contribute to the city’s unique character and charm. Residents can enjoy exploring historic sites, taking in the city’s rich history, and participating in various cultural and educational events.
Iconic landmarks in Philadelphia:
- Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Reading Terminal Market
- Eastern State Penitentiary
13. Pro: Rich cultural diversity
Philadelphia is known for its cultural mosaic of vibrant diversity, home to people from around the world. In neighborhoods like South Philadelphia, Chinatown, and Germantown, residents can experience a wide array of cuisines and traditions from different cultures. This blend of backgrounds creates a unique environment where diverse perspectives and traditions thrive. Cultural institutions, festivals, and parades throughout the city highlight this diversity, from the annual Mummers Parade to the Odunde Festival and the Italian Market Festival.