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

Philadelphia - 11/14/2014
Lived in Philadelphia for 20 plus years. The cost of living is rising yearly. There are many restaurants and cultural events nearby and easy to take public transportation to many places. The climate is cold winter's and beautiful fall and spring seasons. The summers can be hot and humid. There are numerous parks to visit. Personally Love Valley Green, a place I visit to get away from the fast pace of the downtown area. Philly is diversified with many people from different cultures and backgrounds. The crime rate in some areas are higher than other areas. Traving during peak ours ca. Be challenging because of traffic. Public schools need improvement. Read More

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Relocating - 8/21/2014
Need info on best areas to live in philly for family Read More

I MISS PHILLY :-( - 6/3/2014
I am from Raleigh, NC and still live here but we had relatives in South Philly and we used to visit every summer when I was a child and all my favorite child hood memories took place right there. The row houses on McClellan St., the neighborhood grocery store, the bakery, playing stick ball with the kids, the ice cream man, the hoagies, the smells of the good Italian cooking from the neighbors. I MISS IT SO MUCH AND WANT TO LIVE THERE SO BADLY!!!  Read More

Transplanted - 5/16/2014
I am a TEXAS native and I moved from Dallas, TX to Philadelphia, PA in 1995. My children were 18 and 15 and fought me tooth and nail, but, I wanted out of TEXAS and I loved the Northeast, and so when I visited Philadelphia several times over a period of a year, I knew that this would be our home. Philadelphia is like any other big city, it has it's good and bad, but for me the good out weighed the bad and so Philly here we come. Coming from Texas to the Northeast was like moving into a whole new culture, and it took about a year or a little more to acclimate to the people, the area, the weather, the Eagles over the Cowboys :), but we all did it. Both of my children went on to get their degrees from Temple and Penn State. My son has since moved to Pittsburgh, PA, but at least he is still in PA. I digress, sorry, sure there are areas where it is not that safe to be, and for about 2 years, Philly had the nickname "Killadlephia", because of all the murders going on the the Northwest Read More

Philly - 12/12/2012
It pretty much has everything a large city has to offer... Read More

Moving to the east coast - 10/2/2012
I am moving to the east coast from the south to start a new chapter in life with my boyfriend and my new job..I read alot of negative reviews and i feel that everywhere there is crime and ect. I am moving from a smaller city and don't get me wrong i am a little nervous but, when people plan on moving people need to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally.I am moving from a city where the city moves a little slower to a fast pace city but, again i am preparing myself.I hate to hear people talking negative about other cities because these cities are homes to families and no one wants to here people talking about the city the were raised in and grew up in.I love the city i grew up in and even if i am moving it would bother me if i would hear someone talking about the city i grew up in.I can't wait to see the history of Phillidelphia and i can't wait to start a new chapter in my life in a new city and with the person that i love.This well, be the first big city i live in and visit.I Read More

A REALY BAD PLACE TO LIVE. - 7/4/2012
I was born and raised in Philadelphia 1948 to 1966. Graduated from Father Judge High School and went into the Army for 20 years. Retired and returned to Philadelphia in 1986. I was shocked to find that every living family member had moved away from Philadelphia. I'am talking over 72 people moved out of the city and most moved out of the State. I had to find out for myself, why my City was not the place I grew up in. Well, it did not take long to figure out how bad Philadelphia had become. I moved to Northeast Philadelphia, wanted to take my kids into the City to show off the great cultural locations near downtown. I took public transportation as I did when I was growing up in the City. That was a mistake. It was filthy and on the elevated train "The L" we were robbed at gun point. After arriving in downtown a guy tried to pick my pocket at Independence Hall. I could not sent my kids to public school because they were tormented everyday because they were white. Move the kids to Read More

Hello, folks - THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER (if you - 4/24/2012
I've sat for the last hour and read the reviews of Philadelphia. There are many things that are true that have been written and then there are alot of things that are actually incredibly exaggerated or just one person's experience (although, isn't that what all of these "reviews" are?). One thing that I'm noticing with some of the comments is that some of the people who hate the city seem to have lived there their whole life. Guess what, I hated Philly too after I lived there my whole life. I moved away to "awesome" NYC for 13 years. Now, I've moved back to Philly. There's a time in your life where you realize the grass is greener and sometimes, home is where the heart is. Of course, this is subjective b/c I have family and roots in Philly/Philly 'burbs so I'm not looking to find a way to build those roots up. I signed up for this site just so I could give people another perspective in case they are considering moving to Philly/philly area (remember that many who say they are from Read More

Moved to Philly from San Francisco - 3/4/2012
I moved to Philly from San Francisco in April 2011, and so far, I actually love it here. It does feel fairly small and confined, as there are large neighborhoods that are best avoided. But it's size has also been one of its strengths, as I felt quite at home with the city in my first month of moving here.

I feel like Philly gets a worse wrap than it deserves - even from the locals. For the most part, I've found it to be a very safe city and incredibly walkable. I live in Center City, and I walk everywhere - Olde City, West Philly, South Philly. I also take the public transportion to neighborhoods that aren't quite as walkable from where I live, like Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and Port Richmond (which has great Polish fare). And while the transportion is nothing compared to other cities like NYC and DC, it's more than adequate.

The quality of life is also a huge plus. I frequently NYC about once a month, where I'll stay with friends in Brooklyn or Read More

The Good and Bad - 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 Read More

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