16 Things to Know Before Moving to Philadelphia, PA 2022

Philadelphia is a city with rich history, iconic food, and a cosmopolitan culture that rivals some of the best Northeastern cities. With year-round entertainment, sports, arts, nightlife, and more, living in the City of Brotherly Love offers something for everyone.

1. What it's Like Living in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to 1.58 million people and is the biggest city in Pennsylvania. The City of Brotherly Love sits at the epicenter of American history with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Philadelphia is a popular choice for university students and young professionals in higher education, manufacturing, oil, food processing, and healthcare, and biotechnology.

Philadelphia's modern history dates back to 1682 when it was founded by William Penn. It rapidly grew into a colonial city, which became integral to the American Revolution. Today, you'll see historical markers around every corner, from Benjamin Franklin statues to the Liberty Bell, all of which draw tourists year-round.

The City of Brotherly Love is also known as a city of firsts. Philadelphia hosted America's first birthday and founded America's first zoo, first hospital, and first medical school. Today, Philadelphia continues to balance history and innovation in a culturally rich city with robust job opportunities.

2. Cost of Living in Philadelphia

According to Payscale, the cost of living in Raleigh is 5% lower than the national average, while housing is 30% lower than the national average.

Here's an idea of how much things cost when moving to Raleigh, as reported by Payscale:

• Energy bill: $161.62
• Loaf of bread: $3.77
• Doctor's visit: $113.92
• $2.39 for a gallon of gas

Recent trends show the average rent in Raleigh is on the rise. Expect to spend around $1,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,735 for a two-bedroom apartment. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh, your income should fall around $58,000 a year or $27.88 an hour. For a two-bedroom apartment, you'll need to earn at least $69,400 a year or $33.37 an hour.

The median income in Raleigh is a generous $67,266, as reported by the Census Bureau in 2019. By comparison, the median income is $54,602 in the rest of North Carolina.

Keep in mind those figures are just an overview of the cost of living in Raleigh and are different from a basic living wage. Living above the poverty threshold in Raleigh and making a good living requires $16.32 an hour for a full-time employed single individual with no children. You'll need a higher salary or a few side hustles to afford nightlife, vacations, and restaurant outings.

3. Who’s Moving to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia attracts new renters from across the East Coast and South! People from New York, Washington DC, and Boston are moving to Philadelphia, while renters in Philadelphia search for apartments in New York, Allentown, and Cincinnati.

For more information, read our Renter Migration Report.

If you're interested in moving to a new state, read our Step-by-Step Guide.

4. Philadelphia Job Market

The job growth in Philadelphia increases by 1% each year, especially in the service sector. The city’s job market attracts newcomers looking for opportunities in higher education, research, and government. Philadelphia's largest employer is the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Comcast and Crown Holdings headquarters are based in Philadelphia as well. Health education and research centers, and the federal and city governments, are also major employers.

5. Philadelphia Weather

Philadelphia's climate is relatively temperate as a mid-Atlantic city. Temperatures rise to around 89 degrees during July and drop to a low of 28 degrees in January. Expect up to 20 inches of snow each year and cold winters.

The sweet spots during the year are Fall and Spring when colorful leaves and blooms line the sidewalks. Enjoy the change of the seasons with a walk through Fairmount Park.

6. Public Transportation in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's public transportation is incredibly convenient for local and regional transit. It’s considered easier to get around than both New York City and Washington DC. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a public transit system that includes trains, buses, trolleys, buses, and subways.

Philadelphia’s public transportation also makes it easy to get to areas in the New Jersey and New York metro areas. Locals can grab a train from the Port Authority Transportation Corporation (PATCO) from Philadelphia's City Center straight to New Jersey.

Owning a car in Philadelphia is a viable option, but it isn't necessary. Parking can get intense Downtown. You can take public transportation, walk, or bike everywhere you want to go. Lyft and Uber are also widely available.

7. Philadelphia's Convenient Location

Philadelphia is near the rest of the Eastern seaboard. You can easily travel to New York City, New Jersey, or Washington DC by train for a quick weekend getaway. The convenience also means you never lack company and visitors when you live in Philadelphia.

8. Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia's neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from funky enclaves to upscale living. Here are just a few of the more popular communities to consider.

Old City

Cobblestone streets of Old City beckon 18th-century charm. Live in the middle of a historic neighborhood with the Liberty Bell, Penn's Landing, and Benjamin Franklin Bridge. In Old City, you’re never far from trendy boutiques, galleries, theaters, and nightlife.

University City

University City attracts college students, university staff, and young adults. The area is home to Drexel University, the University of the Sciences, and the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. You'll also find plenty of arts and culture.

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill's upscale neighborhood represents the city's garden district with attractions like the Morris Arboretum. Trendy Germantown Ave is full of boutiques, pubs, and cheese shops attracting visitors and locals.

Center City

Center City is the heart of Philadelphia, with attractions like Independence and the Franklin Institute. You'll also find restaurants at Rittenhouse Square, shopping at the Reading Terminal Market, and education through the historic city hall.

Queen Village

Queen Village’s old-world charm features trendy eateries and art galleries. Although you'll find plenty of charming colonial homes in Queen Village, you can also find tattoo parlors and dive bars.

Want to explore more? Learn more about Philadelphia's neighborhoods here.

9. Philadelphia Food and Drink Scene

Philadelphia has a thriving food scene, but also comes with its own quirky hometown dishes. Local icons include oversized Philly Cheesesteaks, Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, Butterscotch Krimpets, and water ice. Locals love their Philly Taco from Jim's Steaks. The cheesesteak is wrapped in a Lorenzo & Sons pizza slice.

Take advantage of the food scene with annual events and festivals. Enjoy the Philly Craft Beer Festival, StrEAT Food Festival, Burger Brawl, and Pizzadelphia, to taste some of the best cuisine and hometown favorites in the city.

Philadelphia also delivers on exotic eats and global cuisine. White Yak's Tibetan menu includes curries, soups, and dishes like chili chicken with hand-pulled noodles. Laser Wolf layers proteins with Israeli flavors, hummus, seasonal vegetables, and a labneh dessert. For jazz, drinks, and good food, try South, whose dishes include macaroni and cheese and upscale po' boys.

10. Philadelphia Outdoors

Philadelphia may be a significant urban epicenter, though it offers tons of green space and outdoor adventures. The city is home to Bartram's Garden, America's oldest botanical garden. The 50-acre free public park is a National Historic Landmark situated alongside the Tidal Schuylkill River. The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge helps preserve, restore, and develop the natural area of Tinicum Marsh.

The heart of Philadelphia's green space lies in Fairmount Park. The 9,200 acres make up 10% of the city. You could also choose to get out of the town altogether and take a day trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or The Pocono Mountains.

11. Philadelphia Nightlife

Philadelphia's nightlife is easily accessible by walking rideshare. The walkable, urban lifestyle offers something for everyone. Enjoy rooftop bars, Philadelphia's Art Museum on Friday nights, speakeasies, arcades, and ghost tours.

Part retro diner and part nightclub, Silk City Diner feature neon lighting and disco-ball chandeliers. Locals dance along the neon-lit floor at Dolphin Tavern with an eclectic mix of DJs and themed dance nights. For something swankier, the Stratus Rooftop Lounge on the top of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia offers dazzling views with cocktails.

12. Best Places to Explore in Philadelphia

Philadelphia draws nearly 46 million visitors a year to its attractions and culture. It's even better for locals who get to experience the city year-round.

The heart of the city's culture lies at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with over 200 galleries of world-class art. The museum itself is also a landmark building, completed in 1928 on a hill in the beloved Fairmount Park. Here's a fun fact: Philly is one of the world’s most significant cities for public art.

History is a major draw for both visitors and newcomers. Independence National Historical Park represents the founding ideals of the country. Stop by the infamously cracked Liberty Bell, or visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were debated and signed.

The National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia offers a hands-on, interactive experience of America's history. The National Constitution Center is a private, nonprofit museum that's devoted to education and insights into the US Constitution. If you want to learn more about the American Revolution, visit the Museum of the American Revolution.

13. Philadelphia FREE Family Attractions

You don't need to spend a bundle to take in the family-friendly attractions around Philly. Famed sculptor Robert Indiana created the LOVE Statue at John F. Kennedy Plaza.

Visitors can see where the bell rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House at the Liberty. Bell Center. You'll also learn more about how it got that historic crack.

The Independence Visitor Center is the gateway to the namesake historical park. You can ask on-site staff for information and tips on what to see around Philadelphia, whether you're a new local or want to play tourist.

14. Philadelphia Annual Events

You can explore more of Philadelphia with the city's annual events. Start with the annual Made in America Festival featuring hip hop, rock, pop, R&B, and EDM.

The New Year's Day Mummers Parade is a local favorite. Crowds gather every New Year's Day for a lively display of performances and costumes. Local clubs compete across a variety of categories, including elaborate costumes, performance routines, and movable scenery.

The Philly Naked Bike Ride is exactly what it sounds like. Naked riders pedal 10-miles while taking in historic sights like the Liberty Bell. The level of nudity is really up to the cyclists, so dress as much or little as you want.

15. Philadelphia Sports

Philadelphia is a sports town with loyal locals lining up to root for the home team. The Eagles NFL team plays at Lincoln Financial Field, and the Phillies MLB team hits home runs at Citizens Bank Park.

There's something year-round for sports fans in the City of Brotherly Love. Hockey fans cheer for the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center, which is also home to the NBA's 76ers and the Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse team.

16. Philadelphia Universities and Colleges

Philadelphia is renowned for its higher education opportunities and prestigious colleges and universities. Drexel University is celebrated as a private research university focused on health professions, business management, marketing, engineering, performing arts, and more.

The University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) is famous for its MBA programs, marketing, social sciences, engineering, health, and other options. And at Temple University, students pick up business management, communications, journalism, visual arts, law, and more.

The combination of higher education, history, and culture, makes Philadelphia a draw for millennials and young professionals building their careers.

Finding Your Philadelphia Apartment

Ready to move to Philadelphia? Learn about how to find an apartment in Philadelphia. Then, start apartment hunting with Apartment List.

If Philadelphia doesn't seem like the best Pennsylvania city for you, check out the best places to live in Pennsylvania!

What to Know Before Moving to Philadelphia in 2022

What’s the weather like in Philadelphia?

The climate in Philadelphia is relatively temperate as a mid-Atlantic city. Temperatures rise to around 89 degrees during July and drop to 28 degrees in January. Expect up to 20 inches of snow each year and cold winters.

What’s the timezone in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s time zone is Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST and/or EDT), depending on the time of year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), the same time as New York City.

What to do in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has many things to do, including taking advantage of its thriving food scene with annual events and festivals. Enjoy the Philly Craft Beer Festival, StrEAT Food Festival, Burger Brawl, and Pizzadelphia to taste some of the city's best cuisine and hometown favorites.

What county is Philadelphia in?

The city of Philadelphia is located in its own county, titled Philadelphia County. Falling only short to Montour County, Philadelphia is the second smallest county in Pennsylvania by land acre.

What are the benefits of moving to Philadelphia?

One of the many benefits of moving to Philadelphia is its location near the rest of the Eastern seaboard. You can easily travel to New York City, New Jersey, or Washington DC by train for a quick weekend getaway. The convenience also means you never lack company and visitors when you live in Philadelphia.

What are the pros and cons of living in Philadelphia?

The pros of living in Philadelphia include the rich culture and history, great location and easy access to neighboring cities, diverse neighborhoods, and walkability and green spaces. The cons of living in Philadelphia include the expensive and challenging parking, overpopulation, rising crime rates, wet and cold winters, and the weak job market.

What’s the best neighborhood to move to in Philadelphia?

The five best neighborhoods in Philadelphia are Old City, University City, Chestnut Hill, Center City, and Queen Village.

What’s it like living in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a city with rich history, iconic food, and a cosmopolitan culture that rivals some of the best Northeastern cities. Living in the City of Brotherly Love offers something for everyone with year-round entertainment, sports, arts, nightlife, and more.

What are the taxes in Philadelphia?

As of 2022, Philadelphia’s current sales tax rate is 8%, including state, county, and city rates. Philadelphia is known for being one of the most tax-friendly states throughout the country.

What jobs are popular in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia’s job market attracts newcomers looking for higher education, research, and government opportunities. Philadelphia's largest employer is the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

What universities are in Philadelphia?

Renowned for its higher education opportunities and prestigious colleges and universities, Philadelphia is home to Drexel University, The University of Pennsylvania (UPENN), and Temple University.

What are things to do in Philadelphia?

There are plenty of things to do in Philadelphia, whether you like spending your time exploring upscale boutiques or checking out local attractions. The Philadelphia food and drink scene is thriving, with annual events and festivals. Lastly, enjoying the great Philadelphia outdoors and nightlife help to balance out just a few of the top activities to do in this great city.