Thinking About Moving to Philadelphia? Here’s What It’s Like

It’s impossible not to love Philadelphia. You want to live in a city with real character and a lot of history and a neighborhood feel? Move to Philadelphia. You want the best food on the East Coast (yes, the cheesesteaks deserve the notoriety)? Hit Philly.

You want busy city life and quiet tree-lined blocks with row houses? Love Philadelphia. You want a wealth of history and a wealth of culture? Philadelphia is worth loving.

Why Philadelphia Feels like Home

Philadelphia may be the sixth- largest city in the U.S., but it doesn’t feel like it. It has all the cool coffee shops, murals, and busy farmers’ markets a few blocks away from the Liberty Bell. There is always something going on – a concert, game, live music – and the people, they are just like the city. Honest, rough, and true.

 

 

 Cost of living

Philadelphia costs less than New York or Washington, D.C. Rent changes by area. A good one-bedroom apartment usually costs between $1,200 and $1,800 a month.  You won’t spend too much on utilities, groceries, or meals out. Just look for some of the city’s many affordable local spots.

Taking the bus or train also helps keep costs low.  SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) runs buses, trams, subways, and trains in Philadelphia, so you don’t have to own a car.

 

 Where to Live

Philly’s neighborhoods are super diverse with its own vibe.  These are some well-known ones:

• Fishtown is hip and artistic, and it’s full of coffee shops, bars, and paintings.
• Rittenhouse Square – Upscale, walkable, and close to restaurants and green space.
• University City – Great for students and professionals, with access to Drexel and Penn.
• South Philly is known for its strong sense of community, great food, and die-hard sports fans.
• Manyunk has a more suburban feel to it, with hills, walks, and a busy main street.

You can always find parks, public transport, or a good lunch close to where you land.

 

 Getting Around

One of Philly’s best perks?  It’s very walkable—especially in Center City.  If walking isn’t your thing, SEPTA buses, subways, and trains cover most areas.  There are also bike lanes and scooters around town.

Driving is an option, but parking can be tricky depending on the neighborhood.

 

 Job Market

Philadelphia has a wide range of industries.  Some of the strongest job sectors include:

• Healthcare & Hospitals – It’s a huge medical hub.
• Education – Universities and colleges offer plenty of roles.
• Finance & Business – From big firms to startups.
• Tech & Innovation – The scene is growing fast.
• Hospitality & Food Service – Especially in Center City and tourist areas.

 

 What’s the Weather Like?

You’ll get all four seasons in Philly.  Here’s the breakdown:

• Spring – Mild and beautiful, perfect for parks and cherry blossoms.
• Summer – Warm and sometimes humid, with highs in the 80s.
• Fall – Crisp and cool, great for walking and fall festivals.
• Winter – Can bring snow and cold temps, but nothing extreme most years.

 

 Pros and Cons

 Pros

• Historic and cultural city with lots to do
• Walkable with good public transit
• Affordable compared to other big cities
• Great food and neighborhood variety

 Cons

• Winters can be chilly and icy
• Some areas still face safety and traffic concerns
• Parking can be tough in certain neighborhoods

 

 Quick Tips Before Moving

• Use SEPTA to explore before choosing a neighborhood.
• If you’re moving from out of state, update your license and vehicle registration.
• Budget for street parking or a permit if you’re bringing a car.
• Join local Facebook groups or community events to settle in faster.
• Try a cheesesteak early—Pat’s and Geno’s are touristy, but locals have their favorites too.

 

Conclusion

One of those places where you get to like it more and more. You can walk by buildings that are hundreds of years old. Then, you can go to an outdoor concert or eat the best Italian hoagie of your life. It has just the right amount of edge to keep things interesting—a mix of grit, pride, and heart.

If you come to Philly with an open mind and find your neighborhood, you’ll quickly feel at home.