Firstly why Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Philadelphia
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 1,584,200 people
• Philadelphia’s quick summary would be The ‘City of Brotherly Love,’ famous for its historic landmarks like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and its vibrant food scene.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 70,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 250,000 annually
• Net Migration: -180000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 10,000
• Number of Homeless people: 5,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major city offers extensive job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Philadelphia Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $61,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Philadelphia is $79,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $18000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Philadelphia’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,535
• Property Tax %: 1.4%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,800
• Rent for an average house: $2,400
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Philadelphia, Center-City, West-Philadelphia, North-Philadelphia, and probably could include South-Philadelphia
• Avg. Age of Homes in Philadelphia: 87 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Philadelphia’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Philadelphia are  Healthcare, Education, and Finance
• Philadelphia Job Scene: strong job market in healthcare education and finance
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strong emphasis on healthcare, education, and fintech industries
• Philadelphia Resident’s pay $2,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Philadelphia: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 400 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 40

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Philadelphia

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-95 provides essential access through Philadelphia
• Commute Time: 30 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns near City Hall
• Transportation Score: 68 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Philadelphia: 1,300,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 25 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Philadelphia: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Philadelphia International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Philadelphia’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Philadelphia is best described as features hot humid summers and cold winters with considerable rainfall
• Winter Weather in Philadelphia i’d describe as cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Philadelphia can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Philadelphia are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Philadelphia is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Philadelphia below Freezing: 10
• Average Annual Rainfall: 41 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted significantly by urban activity
• Philadelphia Winter Air poor air quality significantly influenced by urban pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Philadelphia Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Philadelphia 18
• While the number of trade schools inside Philadelphias’s city limits are 25
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Free Library of Philadelphia

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Philadelphia Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Philadelphia only Doctors is about 3,300
• Local Hospitals here is  30
• Full-time Philadelphia only Police Officers is about 12,000
• Crime Rate Index: 80/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Philadelphia’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Philadelphia’s Monthly Gym Membership: $75
• Philadelphia’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Philadelphia

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 25 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: big city known for its historical significance and culture
• You might enjoy concerts at the Wells Fargo Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Philadelphia  has a bustling nightlife filled with a vibrant mix of bars restaurants art galleries and entertainment venues

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Philadelphia

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a diverse culinary scene with many international options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 350 scattered around Philadelphia
• The Popular Sports Team is Philadelphia Eagles
• Top Level Political Climate in Philadelphia can be described as diverse urban center with a progressive political landscape
• Philadelphia’s Longer standing religious establishment is Philadelphia Cathedral

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Philadelphia Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Philadelphia has 270 Parks?
• Fairmount Park is Philadelphia’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Philadelphia Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cultural events, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Philadelphia Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Philadelphia can be described as fast-paced urban lifestyle with a rich historical context
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Philadelphia visiting museums exploring parks attending street fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Philadelphia are Beaver-Falls 20 miles away Ellwood-City 14 miles away Shenango 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Philadelphia or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns near City Hall. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Philadelphia’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Rittenhouse Square is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Philadelphia are Beaver-Falls 20 miles away Ellwood-City 14 miles away Shenango 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 80 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Philadelphia has 10 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Philadelphia people have an average (positive or negative) $18000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   5,000 homeless people living in Philadelphia. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general diverse urban center with a progressive political landscape could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Philadelphia.

Retiree & Senior Life in Philadelphia

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might access property tax exemptions that enhance housing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Watermark
• Philadelphia Senior Center features programs for social engagement arts classes and wellness activities

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

If Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!