The Good and Bad
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2/22/2012
I'll try to give you the good and the bad of it while first disclosing that I am on this website for a reason. To find a new place to live.
I have lived in four countries, all over the East Coast and have traveled the entire US by car from one end to the other and back...But have planted my roots in Philly for nearly twenty years. It took me a while but I grew to love it for the arts, culture, nightlife, recreation, restaurants, proximity to NYC, AC, beaches (none of the beaches are worth the drive though) and surprisingly, the city is incredibly family friendly.
We have the biggest municipal city park system in the US (Fairmount Park), miles and miles of jogging/cycling trails, a great zoo, Japanese Garden, Arboretums, Museums, and did I mention the history? There was a major Revolutionary War battle about two blocks from my house! (The Battle of Germantown) How cool is that? And If you like music, whoever your favorite band is...they will be coming to Philly at some point.
Into running? How about a yearly Marathon/half Marathon and the largest 10 miler in the country (Broad Street Run)
In short, Philadelphia has a great deal to offer. If only the people here could appreciate it. Which brings me to the bad.
And it gets really..really...bad.
The crime and drugs and violence are off the charts. I can fill a grocery bag with the amount of trash and weed baggies I have to pick out of my front lawn and sidewalk on trash day, NOBODY says hello to you on the street (unless a mean look is "hello") and the homicide rate is not only a national disgrace, it's also terrifying for a parent like myself. I do not live in the burbs. I live in a neighborhood that has seen three murders (on my street alone) since I moved in seven years ago.
I've seen guys with guns drawn, pointed at each other in a standoff directly in front of my house. It's bad.
If you can't get your kids into a decent Charter School, you better be prepared for home schooling.
I could go on and on. It's an amazing city, it has so much to offer and so much potential, well beyond it's incredible history! I have seen most of the major cities of this country and most don't even compare to Philadelphia. It's just a shame it's being run down with drugs and violence.
Needless to say, I want out.
In short, if you are on the East Coast and you want to live in the city (and have the cash flow) Go to NYC!
Jan | Philadelphia, PA