Aside from the almost century-old rivalry between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, NYC and Philly have always been close pals. Each is unmatched in terms of the diversity of people, culture, and character, and each has its own very distinct pulse and rich history. However, there is no denying that the towns are more alike than distinct. Both of these well-known East Coast cities have their highs and lows. Thus, comparing them is a difficult task.
For whatever reason, though, a lot of people appear to be moving to Philadelphia in recent years from New York City. For instance, according to data from Unacast and CBS Philadelphia, nearly 7,500 more New Yorkers migrated to Philadelphia in 2020 than Philadelphians did to NYC. Are those who are relocating making the best choice? These are some potential causes of migration, though it’s truly anyone’s guess.
Rent In Philly Is Significantly Cheaper Than NYC
One of the most important considerations for New Yorkers moving may be real estate. According to NerdWallet, the average price for a two-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia will be less than half that of an apartment in NYC, where the average rent is currently over $4,000. But Philadelphia and New York City, with its five boroughs, are also large cities. Thus, the area has a big impact on the rental costs. For example, a studio near Rittenhouse Square, a famous neighborhood in Philadelphia, might cost far more than a nice two-bedroom in the Bronx, Staten Island, or even some portions of Brooklyn and Queens.
Still, they can acquire a great apartment in a great location in Philadelphia for a lot less money than renters spend in most of New York. Additionally, Philly has 56.84% less people per square mile than NYC, which typically translates to fewer roommates. Put another way, extra benefits you’re more likely to discover in Philadelphia include private bathrooms, roomy kitchens, storage areas, and private front and/or backyards, among other things.
Remote Working
Due to the growing popularity of remote work, more people are moving out of New York City and neighboring areas like New Jersey. Among other reasons, Philly is a great option because of the expense of living there. In addition, there are several co-working and office spaces, coffee shops, and cafés where remote workers can do business if they become weary of working from home.
Startup Scene
Additionally, a growing number of inventors and entrepreneurs are drawn to Philadelphia. Philadelphia has the 27th greatest startup environment in the world and ranks 11th in the nation for startups, per a 2022 Startup Genome analysis.
Cool And Trendy Neighborhoods
In terms of population, Philadelphia is the biggest city in Pennsylvania. Great restaurants, bars, cafés, and music venues of all kinds are therefore widely available. Newcomers tend to gravitate toward neighborhoods like Old City, Rittenhouse Square, and Washington Square West, but there’s always something to explore, no matter what your interests are.
Art
Philadelphia has many excellent museums to choose from. There’s no shortage of soul-satisfying attractions, including the world-famous Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, the Rodin Museum, and innumerable art galleries and exhibits.
Easier Life For Families
The City of Brotherly Love offers all the conveniences of a contemporary metropolis, but it moves at a far slower pace than New York City. For those who wish to raise families and live less stressful lives, this is the perfect option.
Food & Beer
Philadelphia has some of the best cuisine in the nation. Owing to the population’s diversity, the city is home to a wide array of first-rate restaurants. Additionally, it boasts a flourishing craft beer culture, with hundreds of regional brewers dispersed throughout the city. A nice location to start looking into this is the Craft Beer Trail.
Philly Pride
Philadelphians are undoubtedly proud of their city. Perhaps only Boston’s level of passion to sports is matched by that of sports fanatics. However, the city is also a cultural hotspot. You’ll experience an unyielding sense of character, uniqueness, and self-respect everywhere you go—from Rocky to the Liberty Bell to Wawasconvenience stores to Italian ices and everything in between.
History And Tradition
Philadelphia has a rich past. A few examples of enduring annual traditions are the Mummers Parade (which dates back to the 17th century) and the Caribbean Day and St. Patrick’s Day parades. Additionally, there are a ton of annual events honoring the past of this vibrant, multicultural town. In the meantime, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and—in a literal sense—the beginnings of the nation are housed at Independence National Historical Park.
The Murals
Arts Murals Philadelphia has the biggest public art program in the country. So, in addition to its distinctive architecture and green spaces, Philadelphia is home to over 3,600 murals painted by artists from all over the world, making it a visual treasure to explore.
Music
Like its population, Philadelphia’s music scene is diverse. Numerous genres of music, including jazz, rock, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM), are featured in hundreds of venues. Put simply, there’s something to suit every taste. In addition, a number of well-known figures from Philadelphia include Joan Jett, Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Boyz II Men, Pattie LaBelle, Billie Holiday, and The War on Drugs.
Public Transportation
The sixth-largest public transportation system in the nation is called the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). You can get about most of the city very easily for $2, which is 75 cents less than in New York City, if you take the subway or bus. Additionally, SEPTA provides public transit from and to Philadelphia.
Close Proximity To NYC
From Philadelphia, Manhattan is approximately 1.5 hours away by bus, train, or automobile. Additionally, bus and train tickets are fairly priced. Philadelphia is therefore a good choice for people who might miss the hustle and bustle of New York City because it’s so close to it; you can go there and back in no time.
Laid-Back Life
Despite being the second most populous city in the Northeast megalopolis, after New York City, Philadelphia has a population that is almost one-sixth that of NYC. It is the sixth most populated city in the United States. Its occupants generally lead more relaxed lives because it is essentially less crowded, bustling, and stressful overall.
What Are Some Things Philly Has That NYC Doesn’t?
First up, there’s the cheesesteak from Philadelphia. And although there are hundreds of outdoor food markets in NYC, the oldest and biggest in the world is located in Philadelphia (that is, the Italian Market). Additionally, Philadelphia has a generally lower cost of living than New York City. Philadelphia boasts an unmatched quantity and caliber of public art initiatives. Philadelphia boasts the desirable Rittenhouse Square, noted for its upscale dining options, stylish stores, and exciting nightlife, whereas New York City offers Central Park. There are also countless other fantastic places with unique personalities and energies. In addition, a lot of people think that there is a better sense of community in the City of Brotherly Love overall. Lastly, the Eagles have beaten the Giants twice out of 178 games played (two of those games were ties).
Is Moving To Philly Worth It?
Moving to is undoubtedly a wise decision. The city is among the most varied in the country in terms of culture and leisure activities. Living in Philadelphia has several benefits, such as easy access to public transportation, a walkable downtown, and a vibrant cultural environment. People who wish to live in a large metropolis without having to pay the high cost of living found in cities like New York metropolis and Washington, DC, are increasingly choosing to live in Philadelphia. Along with a wealth of job prospects (particularly in healthcare and education), Philadelphia is also home to prestigious educational institutions, the arts, and culture.
What Are Some Of The Best Places In Philadelphia To Move To?
It can be difficult to find the perfect neighborhood in Philadelphia. Your spending plan, way of life, transportation requirements, etc. are just a few things to think about. However, these are a few locations that you might like to make your new home:
– Away from the bustle of downtown, Fairmount Park provides a variety of activities, particularly for families. There are lots of green spaces at Eakins Oval for you and your children. The cultural center of Fairmount, Philadelphia, is also appropriately called the “Art Museum Area.”
– Situated directly on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia lies the historic area known as Fitler Square. It is a component of a larger area called the “Schuylkill,” which also includes Devil’s Pocket and Grays Ferry. Renters like this neighborhood because it’s close to great restaurants and parks.
– Logan Square is a distinctive blend of contemporary office skyscrapers and early 1900s relics, including as City Hall. This expansive downtown area serves as a business center and is the site of annual municipal events such as the Philadelphia Marathon and Fourth of July celebrations.
– Center City: Businesspeople swarm the numerous eateries and cafés in Center City at lunch, while nearby Midtown Village is bustling with activity all day and night. The LGBTQ community loves the shops and bars in this neighborhood, which is affectionately known as “The Gayborhood” by the residents.
How To Move From New York City To Philadelphia
This kind of relatively long-distance migration requires logistical preparation. While there are many preparations to take, it’s often a good idea to hire a moving company for the actual relocation. One less thing for you to worry about when you hire expert moving services.Oz Moving & Storage would be happy to help at every stage, beginning with providing you with a free estimate on the greatest prices. Partial and full-service moving options are available to you (including packing, unpacking, and safe transportation). Additionally, because Philadelphia and New York City have a long history of friendship, your expert movers may even provide you some free advice on how to enjoy The City of Brotherly Love.
