So, you are thinking about moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Well, hold up! Before you pack up your moving van and head on over, let me drop some Philly knowledge on you.
See, Philadelphia’s got a reputation, and it is not all cheesesteaks and brotherly love, my friends. We have got a few quirks up in here that you have to be ready for. I am going to lay down ten facts about Philly that will have you thinking twice about moving here. From parking wars that will make your head spin, to the never-ending quest for a perfect soft pretzel, Philly’s got surprises around every corner.
So, get ready for a wild ride if you are moving to the City of Brotherly Love. Trust me, it is a love-hate relationship you will not forget!
Now, let’s dive into why you should Avoid Moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Unless You Can Handle These 10 Facts.
#1 Local Laws & Regulations
Philadelphia’s got some local laws and regulations that will have you scratching your head.
First off, let’s talk about parking. You know how most places have those simple little parking meters? Well, not Philly! They have these robot parking kiosks. You will need to ask a tech savvy teen to help you figure out how to pay for your damn parking!
And what about pet ownership? Philly’s got some strict rules when it comes to furry friends. Be sure to read up on regulations and especially if you plan to live in a place with a homeowners association with a whole other level of rules!
Here is a fun one — noise regulations! In Philly, they take their peace and quiet seriously. If you are a fan of karaoke late nights or you have got a drummer’s heart pounding within you, Philadelphia might not be the best stage for your noisy talents.
So, my friends, if you are even thinking about moving to Philly, you might want to get familiar with the rules around here. Nobody’s got time for surprises or potential penalties.
Learn the parking dance, leave your pet gorilla at the zoo, and keep the noise down. If you can handle all that, you might just fall in love with the quirks of this city.
#2 Crime Rate & Safety
Now, I am not going to lie, Philadelphia’s got a bit of a reputation in the crime and safety department. It is like they took ‘Brotherly Love’ and added a dash of ‘Criminal Mischief.’ But hey, do not panic just yet! I got some tips and tricks to keep you safe and sound in the City of Brotherly Love.
But fear not, my friends! We have got some safety precautions to keep the criminals on their toes. We have neighborhood watch programs that are more dedicated than your grandma at a church bake sale.
Philadelphia’s got resources too! We have apps that will guide you away from the city’s crime-ridden alleys, like ‘MyLocalCrime’ or ‘Citizen.’ These apps show you where to dodge trouble and where to find the safest spots — probably right next to the donut shop where the cops hang out.
So, my friends, just use common sense. Philly’s got its crime tales, but it is also got a resilient spirit and a community that looks out for each other.
#3 Weather
Let’s take a moment to talk about the wild, unpredictable world of Philadelphia weather. Now, I know what you are thinking… but Philly’s weather is like a rollercoaster ride you did not sign up for!
First off, let’s talk about our scorching summers, step outside and the humidity hits you like a punchline from a Chris Rock special. It is so humid, walk two steps and you feel like you just finished running a marathon.
And if you are trying to look good, forget it! Your hair will be frizzier than a poodle in a wind tunnel, and your makeup will slide off your face faster than a politician dodges scandals.
Just when you think you have had enough of the heat, winter comes barging in like a bull in a china shop. During Philadelphia winters, you have got to bundle up like you are on an expedition to the North Pole. Hats, scarves, gloves, long johns — you name it, you are wearing it.
But hey, despite the challenges, we Philadelphians embrace our crazy weather. We have learned to adapt. We have got umbrellas in one hand, snow shovels in the other, and a never-ending supply of complaints on our lips. But deep down, we would not have it any other way. It keeps life interesting and makes us appreciate those rare, perfect weather days when the sun shines just right.
#4 Historical Significance & Attractions
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| Independence Hall in Philadelphia |
Philadelphia is a tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year, and you know what that means, folks? Long lines, crowded streets, and confused tourists trying to decipher the difference between a cheesesteak and a hoagie.
Tourism brings a lot of energy to the city, but it also brings challenges. Picture this: you are a local, just trying to get your morning coffee, and suddenly you are stuck behind a group of tourists walking at a snail’s pace, taking pictures of every pigeon they see.
But locals are a resilient bunch. We have learned to embrace the chaos and have mastered the art of dodging selfie sticks and navigating through tour groups like a boss.
So, my friends, if you are looking for a city where history comes alive and tourists arrive in droves, then Philadelphia might be the place for you.
#5 Commute Time
Let’s talk about the commute time, people. I mean, who wants to spend hours in a metal box, inhaling a sad granola bar while stuck in traffic because you missed out on dinner.
Traffic congestion is a nightmare, my friends. You have enough time to write a novel, learn a new language, and listen to an entire Joe Rogan Podcast all while waiting on a freeway that suddenly turns into a parking lot.
But there is hope, if you want to call it that. Good old SEPTA. Public transportation might have its quirks, like sharing a train with strangers, but it beats being stuck behind a tractor on a two-lane road.
So ask yourself, what is your tolerance? Know your limits. Some people thrive on long commutes, turning their cars into mini-offices. Others would rather eat a live spider than spend another minute in traffic. It is all about knowing yourself.
Now, before you decide on a place to live, think about all the other places you need to be or do in your life outside of your abode. Think about how it will impact your mornings, your evenings, and your overall sanity.
#6 Local Government & Taxes
Now unless you are part of the Biden Family you cannot avoid your taxes people! We have got property taxes making you feel like you will never truly own you home.
And watch out, because Philly figured out how to tax us in other ways, too. Red light and speeding cameras are all over Philly. Plus, we have the City Wage Tax where we get to PAY extra for the privilege of working within the city limits.
But hey, it is not all doom and gloom. Philly locals love to get involved in their communities and local governments. They have got initiatives, clean-up events, and town hall meetings where you can argue about the pains of the day!
Taxes are inevitable but community involvement is a chance to make a difference, and local government is like that weird neighbor with a casserole. They may have quirks, but they keep our communities thriving. Give them a round of applause and when you move here, get involved and make a difference!
#7 Lifestyle & Entertainment
Some people hate to have fun and those people will hate it here in Philly, because Philadelphia knows how to keep you entertained, fed, and grooving like nobody’s business.
We have got arts, music, and culinary scenes that will blow your mind. Art galleries that will make you question your stick figure drawings, music venues that will make you dance like nobody’s watching (even if everybody is), and a culinary scene that will have you singing love songs to your taste buds.
We have got recreational activities, parks, and outdoor spaces that will make you feel like a kid again. From strolling through Fairmount Park hugging majestic trees, to running up the famous Rocky steps along with a crowd of tourists. It is a synchronized exercise routine, Philly style.
AND we have events, festivals, and cultural activities unlike any other city! The Mummers Parade, where people dress up in wild costumes and strut their stuff. The Philadelphia Flower Show, a burst of nature in the concrete jungle.
Philly’s got that special sauce, and it is not just on the cheesesteaks.
#8 Neighborhood Differences
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| Street map of Central Philadelphia with Society Hill outlined |
Let’s talk about the diverse neighborhoods in Philadelphia, where each block has its own personality and zip code swagger. We have got more flavors here than a Baskin Robbins ice cream shop!
You want a posh neighborhood, where the lawns are perfectly manicured and the houses look like they were plucked straight out of a movie set? Where you can practically hear the sound of champagne bottles popping and see people walking their dogs with diamond-studded collars. No problem.
Then, we have the eclectic neighborhoods, where creativity oozes from every corner. Art galleries, vintage shops, and coffee houses that only serve unicorn-themed lattes. A psychedelic time machine where tie-dye is always in fashion and every street is a stage for impromptu poetry readings. If you are into quirky, this is the place for you.
We have neighborhoods that are the perfect mix of hip and gritty, where the streets are lined with colorful murals and the air smells like a blend of roasted coffee and street tacos. You can find a new craft brewery popping up on every corner, and the sound of live music fills the night air.
Before you decide where to hang your Phillies hat, be sure to explore the diverse neighborhoods of the Philadelphia Metro first!
#9 Job Market & Opportunities
In Philadelphia, we have got major industries that will make your head spin faster than a Beyoncé dance routine. No matter what industry you are in, you will find your opportunities here in Philly. From healthcare, education, and finance to cheesesteak connoisseurs and professional Rocky impersonators. Yes, it is a diverse mix, my friends.
There are thriving sectors and unique opportunities waiting to be discovered here in Philadelphia. We have a booming tech scene with housing prices half the cost of silicon valley and only a fourth of the amount of bums as San Francisco has, too! Philly startups pop up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, with job titles so fancy they sound like they are straight out of a sci-fi movie.
And let’s not forget about the food industry. Philly’s got more than just cheesesteaks, people. We have gourmet eats, food trucks with personalities, and if you are a chef with more tattoos than a rock band, you will fit right in!
#10 Cost of Living
Everyone’s favorite topic… let’s tackle the cost of living in Philadelphia.
This is really a matter of perspective. If you are moving from a place with a lower cost of living, then Philly might make your wallet weep and your piggy bank run for cover.
On the other hand, if you are moving from somewhere with a much higher cost of living then Philadelphia might feel like a pair of stretchy pants after a foot long hoagie. You will find a lot more wiggle room in your budget if you are moving from an area like NYC or LA.
If you are considering a move to the Philly metro, be aware that different areas and neighborhoods can have a completely different cost of living.
My team of relocation experts will be sure to fill you in and help find the perfect spot for you and your budget.
Despite my smartass sense of humor, I absolutely LOVE helping people find the right place for them right here in the Philly Area. My name is Dawn D’Amico and I am 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's Mobile: 215-962-9307, eXp Realty: 888-397-7352
📧 Email: dawn.damico@exprealty.com
🔗 More Info: https://bit.ly/3X9Ju4x
