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Hazel R.
qa
Best pizza in Philadelphia? And don't say chains
We relocated for my husband's job in construction. Anyone else feel the same?
65 upvotes
6 Replies
Aiden Collins
I've lived in both Old City and Fairmount. Completely different vibes. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
32 upvotes
jacob_local
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. The city has shifted a lot.
27 upvotes
Jameson T.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Philadelphia.
Background: 30, remote worker, moved from Denver 1 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Graduate Hospital.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Graduate Hospital because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Germantown - it's growing and the value is better.
**Work:**
government jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Denver but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Philadelphia people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. For retirees, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 30, remote worker, moved from Denver 1 years ago for my partner's job. Currently in Graduate Hospital.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Graduate Hospital because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Germantown - it's growing and the value is better.
**Work:**
government jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Denver but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Philadelphia people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. For retirees, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
25 upvotes
Aaliyah G.
Been here 7 years, can vouch for this.
25 upvotes
Christian King
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Philadelphia guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Manayunk: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Chestnut Hill: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Germantown: underrated and affordable
- Rittenhouse: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Philadelphia is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value space over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider St. Louis.
Happy to answer questions.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Manayunk: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Chestnut Hill: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Germantown: underrated and affordable
- Rittenhouse: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Philadelphia is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value space over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider St. Louis.
Happy to answer questions.
18 upvotes
Kelly P.
I walk my dog through Mount Airy every day and Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. The vibe has really grown in the past couple years.
18 upvotes