I grew up here, left for college, and came back 9 years ago. Cost of living is a bit more compared to where I came from.
With a population of 1,582,432, the city has a {city_feel}. I saw that rent in Bella Vista is now /mo which is expected.
I feel like Philadelphia is becoming more expensive without getting better. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
Anyone else feel the same?
29 upvotes
19 Replies
Nevaeh
Real talk.
44 upvotes
Lucy Rivera
Facts.
36 upvotes
Julia C.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Germantown from Pittsburgh about 1 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Germantown and Fishtown for housing
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was walkability. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Overall I'd give Philadelphia a 8/10 for young professionals.
32 upvotes
Elijah
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Philadelphia.
Background: 44, freelancer, moved from Miami 11 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Queen Village.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Queen Village because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Rittenhouse - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Miami but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 12 months were tough. Then I found my people through my gym. Now I have a solid group. Philadelphia people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. For singles, I'd give it a 6/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
28 upvotes
Bennett Martin
As a local, yes.
23 upvotes
Elijah Hall
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):
- Bella Vista: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Graduate Hospital: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Chestnut Hill: great community feel
- Fishtown: suburban feel, big yards
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: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Philadelphia is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Boston.
22 upvotes
Caroline Myers
Great question. Here's my honest take after 9 years:
The good:
- Four seasons
- Active community events
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Limited public transit
- Sprawl is real
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. I'd say for remote workers, Philadelphia is excellent. Feel free to ask specifics.
22 upvotes
Elijah
Worked in marketing here for 11 years. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The market is solid right now if you're in that field.
21 upvotes
Scarlett W.
Moved here recently, same feeling.
21 upvotes
Nolan Mitchell
This is the way.
16 upvotes
Denise T.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a empty nester in Old City. Been here since 2019. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
Neighborhood-wise, Old City has really grown in the past few years. Northern Liberties is the up-and-coming spot right now. Bella Vista is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for government: decent. For marketing: pricey.
The parks system here is underrated.
Happy to answer questions.
15 upvotes
Anna Johnson
I had the opposite experience.
13 upvotes
Madeline
I had the opposite experience.
12 upvotes
Emilia Bennett
Worked in logistics here for 9 years. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. The market is hit or miss right now if you're in that field.
12 upvotes
Luca Moore
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):
- Fairmount: safest area, good schools
- Brewerytown: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Northern Liberties: underrated and affordable
- Germantown: 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: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Philadelphia is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value community over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
Good luck!
8 upvotes
Eva
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The city has grown a lot.
All Countries
