Philadelphia, PA Reviews


139 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a vibrant and historic city known for its rich cultural diversity, iconic landmarks, and delicious food. It is also the sixth most populous city in the United States, with over 1.5 million residents. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with various neighborhoods to choose from. From lively downtown areas to quiet residential streets, Philadelphia has something for everyone. However, as with any city, there are pros and cons to living here. Let's take a look at what some users have to say about their experiences living in Philadelphia.

loves living in Philadelphia and says, "I've been living here for four years now and I can confidently say that I've fallen in love with this city. The people are friendly, the food is amazing, and there's always something to do. It's also very affordable compared to other major cities." However, also mentions, "The only downside is the traffic. It can get pretty hectic during rush hour, but that's just a small price to pay for everything else this city has to offer."

On the other hand, has a different perspective and says, "I've lived in Philadelphia my whole life and I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan. The cost of living is constantly rising, and the crime rate is concerning. It's also not the cleanest city, and I wish there were more green spaces." Despite these drawbacks, does mention, "The job opportunities here are great and the public transportation system is very convenient."

has been living in West Philadelphia for two years and says, "I absolutely love my neighborhood. It's diverse, safe, and has a great sense of community. There are also plenty of small businesses and restaurants to support." However, adds, "I do wish there were more affordable housing options in this area. Rent prices are definitely on the rise."

Lastly, shares their thoughts on living in Northeast Philadelphia and says, "I've lived here my whole life and I have to say, I really enjoy it. It's a quieter and more suburban area, but still close enough to the city for convenience. The cost of living is reasonable and there are great schools in the area." But, also mentions, "The only downside is the lack of public transportation options. It can be difficult to get around without a car."

In summary, users have generally positive experiences living in Philadelphia, citing its diverse and vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and job opportunities. However, some mention concerns about traffic, rising cost of living, and crime rates. Overall, it seems that each neighborhood in Philadelphia offers its own unique experience, and it's important for individuals to research and find the best fit for their lifestyle and needs.

 based on 139 Reviews
Get to know Philadelphia with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Philadelphia

Great food, beautiful architecture, walkable - 5/1/2024
Philadelphia is a very walkable and fun city to explore (albeit be aware of where not to explore at least at night). The city has beautiful old architecture , great museums and some of my favorite restaurants to eat (and I'm coming from NYC). The city had a bad episode during the pandemic like all major cities but it’s been coming back and thriving. I see more new developments in Philadelphia than any other city and believe it’s on a great track under the new Mayor. Aside from visiting Center City there are other neighborhoods to explore such as Fishtown and Northern Liberties for eating/going out and West Germantown/Mount Airy for beautiful architecture and more of a historical walk. I’ve found most people in Philadelphia to be friendly and welcoming but there are also less desirables like any city. The right wing media focuses on Philadelphia being a dangerous city, but it gives very little attention to how crime has dropped significantly over the past couple of years compared with Read More

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Philadelphia is livable, affordable, beautiful… - 3/23/2024
I’m originally from New York City, then lived in a small city in upstate New York for eight years, then moved down to Philadelphia and have lived here for many years. I’m always surprised at all these complainers on social media… Yes, there are issues that matter as if you prefer urban or rural environment… Cost-of-living, etc.… But for the most part we make our home where we are… People are basically the same everywhere…

When compared to cities in the East Coast and out West, Philadelphia is comparatively an inexpensive place to live in and to buy a home. There’s lots of things to do… It’s very walkable with great architecture and an often beautiful city… there are areas that are green and beautiful and areas that feel more urban in the central area… Of course, like all cities, there’s areas of poverty, which, of course is a tragedy… But this is more of an American problem than simply a Philadelphia problem. I’m glad to say that Philadelphia is my home and if you have Read More

Let’s not like about killadelphia, PA - 8/28/2021
Now the only reason some people disagree is because MONEY. If you live in “manayunk” (which I lived for 2 years) you can’t compare … you can’t compare your out skirt suburbs your 3k apartments. THE REAL PHILLY south, central, west, north. Ive lived in Philly for 20 years and in tons of places chasing this DREAM of a safe living. But you will not find it here unless you reside to a beautiful house at the end of a ****ty day. The people suck the weather sucks. Drugs everywhere, fiends everywhere, shootings, serial rapist, murders left and right you can get shot from a 14 year old kid or a 50 year old man! This place is complete garbage and telling people to move is a no go. Just because the cost of living with cities fun is cheaper than other states so be a scheme and set people up to die. Terrible drivers, rude ignorant people, they curse at you first before saying hello. And I’m speaking from a view from growing up in the poorest spots to living in manayunk, queen village, society Read More

avoid phila pa - 4/9/2021
do not go. do not travel to. Will charge you fees, anything - to pay for the mess that they made. Life long resident, born here as well. I'm Very sorry to say. Go elsewhere. someplace cleaner, more Read More

Hidden Gem - 4/2/2021
I'm actually grateful for the bad reviews because I purchased an amazing home here 3 years ago and couldn't be happier! I feel like if everyone was giving it 5 stars the real estate would be a lot higher lol I was looking for a city with the features I loved in San Francisco without the high price tag. The museums, parks, quality of life, community, walkability, and four seasons are what make this home for me. Downsides, there are these in every place regardless, but my top three would be lack of parking in some areas, traffic, and commutes. If you can't tell, I hate driving. If that's you, I would recommend you find a neighborhood you love and access to public transportation (if you need to get to work, school, etc). I bought my home in Manayunk in a place walking distance to SEPTA which saves me a lot of grief. This neighborhood just felt right when I visited. Store workers and café were friendly and people smiled in passing while I walked around. It felt like people were happy to Read More

Stay away. - 3/6/2021
City of Brotherly Love? Not at all. There's a "Me First" "They can wait" attitude. You see it in the way they drive, you see it in passing walking down the street. There is so much gun violence and it's getting younger and younger. It's common to hear about a 15 getting shot or a woman. These shootings are happening in broad daylight, in public places where cops are supposed to be patrolling. There is no fear of consequences, no respect or value of another's life. It seems like everyday you hear about gun violence. A 15 year girl just got killed, 7 people were shot close to a University, they just shot 2 people at a cemetery in the county as a retaliation from a Philly shooting a few days prior and a month before that the priest said there was a shooting in front of his church...No one cares here. It's all about self. Of course you'll find some people who aren't like that but overall the vibe is crappy and depressing. Between gentrification, pothole streets, constant Read More

City of brotherly hate - 1/26/2021
If I could give negative stars, Philly would get a -2. Anyone who says that Philly "is a beautiful city full of history land wonderful neighborhoods" either hasn't lived there very long, is delusional or has a vested interest in lying (probably a local politician). I grew up in Philly and joined the army one day after graduating from high school in order to get out. This is a city with a history of corrupt politicians, fascist police and polarized citizens. What other city on earth can claim that it's police force dropped C-4 explosives on it's citizens in an African-American neighborhood, then shot at those who attempted to escape the ensuing fire? What other city in the USA can brag that it's African-American infant mortality rate is higher than Jamaica's? What other city can brag about it's African-American citizens on average have a lower life expectancy than the citizens of Cuba? Yep, nothing like the city of brotherly Read More

Beautiful Philly?? - 7/29/2020
I lived in Philadelphia my whole life and wouldn’t live anywhere else! Beautiful city! The current mayor is no good! But that will change in good Read More

Philly, a haiku - 2/2/2020
Needles everywhere
Gross, rude, and disrespectful
The schools are the Read More

Philadelphia is garbage - 9/25/2019
Lived in this crime-ridden, overcrowded, trashy, corrupted city for most of my life. First of all, when driving in Philadelphia—you will immediately know because of all of the pieces of trash on the ground either by passerby’s or idiot neighbors that are too trifling to throw out their garbage. Secondly, the neighborhoods are crime infested with asshole neighbors that will attempt to flatten all of your tires over a parking space (where they don’t live) that they was was trying to hold for a week and the useless asshole cops are no help whatsoever and never are unless their getting kickbacks from the drug smugglers they know or it’s another crooked cop friend of theirs. Thirdly, Roosevelt blvd is the worst place for driving, not only do you have fools in cars that can’t drive, but you also have Septa bus drivers that hit your car, don’t wanna take responsibility for their careless driving and you and your insurance have to pay for all repairs by yourself. Lastly, the clowns in city Read More

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