Beyond being one of the most historically and culturally rich places in the United States, Philadelphia is an incredible place to call home. Philadelphia was just recently named the sixth-largest city in the US, coming in just behind the rapidly growing Phoenix, Arizona. Festivals, art, local cuisine, and diverse cultural offerings are just a few of the many perks of living in such a contemporary cosmopolitan city. However, if you are planning on choosing a home within the beautiful city of Philadelphia there are a few things to take into consideration.
Choosing Your Neighborhood
Anyone who has lived in Philadelphia for any amount of time knows that it is made up of hundreds of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality and benefits. That is why when choosing a neighborhood it is important to choose a neighborhood that is not only locationally beneficial for you but also a neighborhood that is going to fit your lifestyle and interests. Take Fishtown, for example, the former commercial shad fishing area is now home to bars, art galleries, cafes, and music venues alongside classic row homes. Northern Liberties, which used to be a manufacturing area, is another good option, particularly for artsy types drawn to the local boutiques and urban charm. Washington Square West, meanwhile, is home to Philly’s “Gayborhood”, where rainbow hues mark the sidewalks, beckoning LGBTQ visitors and residents to enjoy the many gay-friendly bars and clubs in this area. These distinct differences in neighborhoods make it especially important to have a Real Estate Agent that understands your preferences and the neighborhoods within Philadelphia.
Row Houses, Condos, and Apartments
Regardless of what you end up choosing for your perfect home in Philadelphia, it is no secret that your dollar goes further than in many other major cities on the East Coast. Philadelphia is a large metropolitan area that exceeds the more densely-populated urban core most often referred to as Center City. As a result, you’ll find a diverse range of housing styles available. Depending on your budget and the neighborhoods you are exploring, you may find new condos, high-rise apartment buildings, and detached homes. From 50th-floor luxury condos with spectacular views of the city’s skyline to single-family stone mansions in Chestnut Hill or Overbrook, Philadelphia offers something for every preference.
Transportation
One of the many benefits of Philadelphia’s long history is that it was designed with pedestrians in mind. For an eco-friendly commute, you can take advantage of the nearly 450 miles of bike lanes throughout the city or use one of the many public transportation options. In fact, Philadelphia is widely considered to be easier to move around than New York or Washington DC. For metropolitan travel, you can hop on the subway or ride the bus, which is well-connected throughout the Philadelphia area.
Weather
The weather in Philadelphia is shaped by its location. Only 50 miles inland from the Atlantic ocean and 70 miles away from the Pocono Mountains, Philadelphia gets cold winters with plenty of snow. You should expect to live with around 20 inches of snow in the winter, and frequent rain during the rest of the year. Summers in Philadelphia tend to be humid and hot, averaging around 90 degrees by mid-July each year. Be sure to keep the weather conditions in mind as you prepare for your big move! You won’t want to get stuck in a snowstorm with all of your boxes frozen shut in the moving van.
History
The city of Philadelphia is packed with history, in fact, almost every single one of the Founding Fathers lived in Philadelphia including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. You can visit hundreds of historical sites from the Constitution Hall to the infamous Liberty Bell. There are endless things to see and do in Philadelphia and the longer you stay, the more there is to do!
Making the Move to Philadelphia
We have shared numerous benefits of living in the greater Philadelphia region, but ultimately, we know there are many factors that impact where a person will move. If you’re still in the consideration stage, plan to visit the city and surrounding areas to get a sense of what you like and what you don’t. Browse local job boards to see how the market is in your industry and job function. Once you secure a job, it might make sense for you to rent for a little while, especially if you’ll be applying for a mortgage, which will factor in your work history and length of employment. During this time, you can look at local real estate listings and figure out what type of neighborhood and home you’ll be searching for when you’re ready to buy. When you are ready to purchase or rent your first Philadelphia home, contact us at Contact@IanPerlerTeam.com and we will give you the inside scoop into all that is Philadelphia!
We have shared numerous benefits of living in the greater Philadelphia region, but ultimately, we know there are many factors that impact where a person will move. If you’re still in the consideration stage, plan to visit the city and surrounding areas to get a sense of what you like and what you don’t. Browse local job boards to see how the market is in your industry and job function. Once you secure a job, it might make sense for you to rent for a little while, especially if you’ll be applying for a mortgage, which will factor in your work history and length of employment. During this time, you can look at local real estate listings and figure out what type of neighborhood and home you’ll be searching for when you’re ready to buy. When you are ready to purchase or rent your first Philadelphia home, contact us at Contact@IanPerlerTeam.organd we will give you the inside scoop into all that is Philadelphia!