Hey there, future Philly peeps! Get ready to go from, ‘Yo, what’s up?’ to, ‘Yo, I’m loving it!’ as we dive into the City of Brotherly Love.
I’m Dawn D’Amico, your trusty tour neighborhood realtor through the cheesesteak-loving, history-packed, and Rocky-rousing streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
We are about to tackle the top 5 questions that folks like you just cannot resist asking before making the leap to this urban playground. So grab your Liberty Bell-sized curiosity and let’s uncover the secrets, the sights, and the sauce that makes Philly the place to be. Get ready for the scoop on skyscrapers and scrapple, and everything in between. Buckle up, because we are about to explore the city that truly knows how to ‘rock’!
Let’s get down to Moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Philadelphia safe?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the FIRST question everyone wants to know and some feel like they already know the answer but we are really gonna break this down.
Philadelphia has a reputation for being a dangerous city, but it is actually quite safe. The violent crime rate in Philadelphia is lower than the national average, and the property crime rate is about the same. However, there are some neighborhoods in Philadelphia that are more dangerous than others, so it is important to do your research before you move.
It is true Philadelphia has a higher violent crime rate than most other large US cities. However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly within a city. Some neighborhoods in Philadelphia are much more dangerous than others. For example, the neighborhood of Frankford has a violent crime rate of 1,369 per 100,000 residents, which is more than twice the city average.
Overall, Philadelphia is a relatively safe city, but it is important to be aware of the crime rates in different neighborhoods. If you are planning on visiting or moving to Philadelphia, it is a good idea to do some research on the crime rates in the specific neighborhoods you are interested in.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia?
The cost of living in Philadelphia is about the same as the national average. However, there are some things that are more expensive in Philadelphia, such as housing and transportation.
If you are coming from a city with a low cost of living, you may be surprised at how expensive Philadelphia can be.
There are several cost of living calculators available in the app store so you can really prepare yourself for the cost of living here compared to where you live right now.
Now if you are moving from a city like New York or Los Angeles then Philly’s cost of living will give you a lot more breathing room in your budget.
BUT, if you are moving from a place that has a much lower cost of living you might be shocked at our costs. It is really a matter of perspective from where you live right now.
So, if you are thinking of moving to Philly from a cost-of-living utopia, prepare for a new-found appreciation for budgeting.
What are the best neighborhoods to live in Philadelphia?
Picture: Rittenhouse Square
There are many great neighborhoods to live in the Philadelphia metro, but there are some that are getting a lot of attention on area websites. I am sure you have heard about these if you have been doing some research about this area….
Center City is the heart of Philadelphia and is home to many of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Rittenhouse Square is a trendy neighborhood with a mix of apartments, condos, and townhouses. It is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Fishtown is a historic neighborhood that has been undergoing a major transformation in recent years. I remember when you could buy a townhome there for $5000. It is now home to a number of trendy shops, restaurants, and bars.
Northern Liberties is another trendy neighborhood that is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to live in Philadelphia. It is home to a number of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
University City is home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. It is also home to a number of hospitals and research institutions.
Although these are the most talked about neighborhoods, there are so many more that you would love as well that just do not get as much attention. If you are moving here we will get to explore those options too.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
Picture: Philadelphia Museum of Art
This is a tough question for an easy answer because it is going to depend on what you are into. It also depends on if you are a young adult who wants to find all the party spots OR a family of 5 with all three kids being under 10 years old.
So, trying to answer the question about the best things to do in Philly with a broad brush for everyone reading this article… well it is nearly impossible and that is why a personal call will be in order when the time comes BUT..
For a city so rich in history and culture there are MANY things to do and see here. So, I will tell you what the most popular attractions in Philly are right now in 2023…
The Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom.
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most popular museums in the United States.
The Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison that is now a popular tourist attraction.
The Barnes Foundation is a private art museum that houses a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.
That is your answer for the best things to see on your discovery tour!
How do I get around Philadelphia?
There are so many ways to get around Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is a very walkable city, and biking is also a popular way to get around. But, if you are too lazy for that shit… there is SEPTA — our public transportation system in Philadelphia. It operates buses, subways, and trains that stretch out to the suburbs and connect with surrounding states, too.
There is the PATCO Speedline — a commuter rail line that connects Philadelphia to New Jersey.
If you have got a smartphone in your hand then you have access to Uber and Lyft — the popular ride-hailing services that can be used to get around the Philly Metro and there are plenty of drivers available at all hours of the day and night. And, Philly still has plenty of Yellow Cabs to hail on the street as well.
Despite my smartass sense of humor, I absolutely LOVE helping people find the right place for them right here in the Philly Area.
I’m Dawn D’Amico and I’m a licensed agent in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
If you have decided that your heart is set on living somewhere in the Philly Metro, reach out to me below. I LOVE hearing from people who want to live in one of the best Metros in the country.
Dawn D’Amico: 215.962.9307
damico.dawn@gmail.com
