About Philadelphia
What can we really say about Philadelphia? A world-famous city stuffed to the brim with museums and history, with an expanding job market, a gorgeous downtown area, and enough restaurants to keep the hungriest gourmand occupied for a lifetime? It’s no wonder Philadelphia is one of the most popular destinations for those looking to move today.
Living in Philadelphia
With a cost of living only a little higher than the national average but far below other coastal metro areas like New York City, Philadelphia is an affordable option for those seeking a big city experience. Bars, restaurants, parks, and shopping areas abound in a mix of urban and suburban environments that keep the city’s roughly 1.6 million residents happy year-round.
Local Communities in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a major city that takes itself seriously in terms of food, entertainment, and leisure activities, so you’ll have no trouble finding exciting things to do whenever you feel like it. With that in mind, we’ve brought together a few local favorites to get things started.
Businesses
- Sweet Lucy's. Maybe you don’t think “barbecue” when you think of Philadelphia, but this famous smokehouse is sure to change your mind.
- Sharkey's. For a classic grill vibe, check out Sharkey’s, where the ale is always flowing and the food is consistently top-notch.
- Philadelphia Water Ice. Ever tried water ice? This Philadelphia staple can be picked up all over the city, but don’t be afraid to check out the factory for a more immersive experience.
- Lloyd Sixsmith Sporting Goods. This family-owned sporting goods store offers old-fashioned vibes and impeccable service to the city’s sport-loving community.
Schools
- Elementary: Forrest Elementary, Disston Elementary, Nazareth Academy Grade School, Mayfair Elementary, Keystone Academy Charter
- Middle school: Holmesburg Christian Academy, The Philadelphia Charter School for Arts and Sciences
- High School: St. Hubert Catholic High School
- Universities and colleges: University of Pennsylvania, Holy Family University, Temple University, Drexel University
Moving to Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a world-famous city, and you shouldn’t let the ordinary hassle of moving cloud your experience of putting down roots in the City of Brotherly Love. To make finding a place to live easier, we’ve brought together some popular housing options below.
Apartments, condos, and living facilities
- Apartments: Robin Apartments, Chestnut Apartments, The Collins Apartments, Rittenhouse Hill apartments, Rock Hill Apartments, The Philly Apartment Company.
- Condos: Center City Condominiums, 23, Waterfront Square, CityView Condominium, Aria Condos.
- Assisted Living: Wesley Enhanced Living Burholme, Harmony Place, Simpson House, Broad Street Residence.
Parks, trails, and attractions
- Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion. This science museum is the perfect playdate for kids, offering them up close and personal views of tons of creepy crawlies.
- The Franklin Institute. For a more technical science museum, check out this great institution, named after founding father Benjamin Franklin.
- Please Touch Museum. This children’s museum offers the best interactive exhibits for young learners.
- Philadelphia’s Magic Garden. This public art space features a truly massive mosaic created by the artist Isaiah Ziegler.
- Liberty Bell. You’ve heard of it, but have you seen it? A can’t-miss opportunity for history buffs.
- Roosevelt Mall. This outdoor shopping mall is a popular weekend haunt for locals of all ages.
- Pennypack Park. With 1600 acres of woods and forested trails, Pennypack offers a truly immersive nature experience for when you feel like getting away from it all.
When you’re prepping for your big move, don’t forget that a seamless self-storage solution can make the entire experience less stressful. At EZ Storage, we offer a wide variety of sizing options, so you’ll be sure to find something that meets your needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve brought together a few commonly asked questions about living in Philadelphia below.
Is Philadelphia a good city to move to?
Philadelphia is a great city to move to. With a cost of living that’s 4% below the national average — but well below other big cities like New York and Chicago — it’s an affordable option that sacrifices none of the big-city feel. A growing job market means Philadelphia is a popular destination for young professionals and families.
What is a good salary to live in Philadelphia?
A good average salary is about $60,000 if you’re planning to live comfortably in Philadelphia, though it’s a highly affordable city, and many people find it easy to get by on a little less.
Is Philadelphia a fun place to live?
Absolutely. Philadelphia has a thriving downtown and cultural scene, filled with restaurants, universities, museums, and updated downtown centers, plus professional sports teams. If you’re looking for New York vibes without the astronomic price tag, Philadelphia may be the place for you.