Philadelphia, one of America’s premier cities and Pennsylvania’s biggest, is a hotbed of history, culture, and commerce. It is one of the foundational cities that shaped the identity of the United States.
There’s a lot about Philadelphia that residents love, and the city provides a prime location ripe with opportunity. This city brings many lifestyle benefits to its residents, from a unique culture to a powerful economy. Let’s look at the characteristics of Philadelphia that make it a prime location to live.
Top-Notch Food, Art, Entertainment, and Cultural Attractions
Philadelphia has a vibrant culture defined by some of its famous museums, a renowned food scene, and unique neighborhoods. Its historical status as a central part of the American Revolution is present in famed city icons such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the best and oldest in the country. It has more than 200,000 paintings and artifacts, and the iconic Rocky statue outside is a symbol of the city. The Franklin Institute is a renowned science museum named for the celebrated founding father Benjamin Franklin, and the Barnes Foundation houses a huge art collection.
Philadelphia is a haven for foodies, with a vast array of dining options. The city has well-known delectable dishes, such as cheesesteaks, and international offerings especially popular in areas such as Washington Square West and Old City, which have everything from fine dining restaurants to local Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern hotspots. The Philadelphia nightlife is vibrant with busy bars and music venues, and there are always new events, shows, and festivals that make the city constantly exciting.
Large Job Market and Affordable Real Estate
Philadelphia offers excellent job opportunities while remaining a mostly affordable real estate market. Even as a major city, the real estate prices there are very affordable, especially in comparison to other parts of the state and country. According to Redfin, in January 2023, the median sale price of a home in Philadelphia was $237,000, which is far lower than other major U.S. metro areas.
Philadelphia’s job market is quite strong, too, with plenty of high-paying jobs within major corporations. Numerous Fortune 500 companies have offices and headquarters in the Philadelphia area, including pharmaceutical giant AmerisourceBergen, telecommunication powerhouse Comcast, and the insurance juggernaut Lincoln Financial. Combined with the low cost of living in the city, Philadelphia residents benefit from a dramatically more affordable lifestyle.
Appealing Small Towns Near the City
While Philadelphia’s job market and culture are deeply appealing, some prefer to live away from the crowds of the city while still enjoying easy access to all that it has to offer. Philadelphia has several desirable options for those who prefer the peace and quiet of a charming Pennsylvania suburb but still want to commute to the city for work or to enjoy a night on the town.
Just a 30-minute commute to the city, Media is a pleasant suburb with a charming downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. It has high safety ratings and wonderful schools, which makes it a top option in the area for families.
An hour’s drive from Philadelphia and surrounded by farmland, Doylestown feels even further removed from the high-rise buildings and crowds. It has a classic look with a Main Street lined with brick buildings, which house independent local businesses and dining destinations, and it has quality schools and parks as well.
