Why Philly’s A Great Place To Live & Work

Basic Facts

Beyond all the history, the sports and the cheesesteaks, Greater Philadelphia is a highly livable region with a large, diverse and friendly citizenry. More than 1.5 million people have chosen to live inside the city limits, with well over 4 million residing in the five-county region made up of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.

Philadelphia skyline   — Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphians, whether residing inside the city or out, are well-known for their boisterous and rabid fandom. That spirit and enthusiasm carries through every aspect of life in a region where the people are almost as hyped about the history, culture, cuisine, recreation and education as they are about a Phillies homer or an Eagles touchdown. While there’s plenty of opportunity for entertainment and fun, when the real work needs doing, Philadelphia steps up, serving as a national leader in a wide variety of employment sectors that help drive its thriving economy and strong job market.

Seasons

When Philadelphians move away from the region, they often lament the loss of living in a place with four distinct seasons.

Mild winters produce picturesque snowfalls and flashy, festive holiday fun.

In spring, Philly comes alive with bustling energy and blooming cherry blossoms, with antsy residents emerging as snow melts and temperatures rise.

Cherry blossoms at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center   — Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia

Summers are hot without being overbearing — perfect for picnicking in more than 11,000 acres of public park space or bike rides along the river trails.

And autumn is a time for harvest festivals, brewery get-togethers and some of the best fall foliage of any urban region.

Fall in Rittenhouse Square   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Cost of Living

Even with its cosmopolitan lifestyle full of cultural, entertainment, business and employment opportunities, Philadelphia offers a more affordable lifestyle than similar coastal cities, with a cost of living just 5% above the national average. That’s significantly lower than Boston, New York City, Washington, DC, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. For example, the monthly cost of living for the average Philadelphian is under $2,500 compared to nearly $4,000 in New York City.

Main Street Manayunk   — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia

Residing outside of the city remains affordable as well. The metro area cost of living index is at 108.5, just 8.5% over the national average (compared to the Boston, New York and DC metros, which lie 40–50% over national). Delco is the suburbs’ most affordable county, under 7% above average. And some of the area’s most affordable towns include Drexel Hill, Glenside, Chester, Upland and Jenkintown.

“Measure your current cost of living (or that of other cities around the country) with the cost of living in the Philly region by using the Select Greater Philadelphia’s cost of living calculator.

Key Industries

Greater Philadelphia is home to a dozen Fortune 500 corporations and top venture capital centers. It’s an important information technology and biotech hub and one of the largest health education centers in the nation, helping build the local economy in a major way.

The region’s most prominent economic sectors are tech-forward, accessible and poised to carry the Greater Philadelphia area long into the future.

Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk over the Schuylkill River   — Photo by Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia

Neighborhoods

The 11-county Greater Philadelphia region offers an eclectic range of communities spanning three states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. From paintbrush factories converted into luxury South Philly lofts to Victorian houses steps away from quaint coffee-shop-lined main streets in Newark, Delaware, or acres of farmland in historic Medford, New Jersey, you can hunker down in the heart of the city or embrace the serenity of country living.

Philadelphia sits at the center of the five-county region, and although it’s one of the nation’s largest cities, it’s also cohesive.

East Passyunk Neighborhood   — Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

There’s no borough versus borough, no north side versus south side, no split loyalties. While Philadelphians are a unified rooting section, Philly is still a city of neighborhoods, distinct districts with distinct histories and distinct personalities — and proud residents who live in all of them.

And, while 1.5 million residents call the city of Philadelphia home, over a million more reside in the city’s surrounding Pennsylvania counties.

Want to find the perfect neighborhood or town for you and your family? Take the Select Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhood quiz!

Diverse Communities

As it has been for three centuries, Philadelphia’s strength, like that of the nation as a whole, lies in its diversity.

The Black Community

Philadelphia’s largest population segment is its broad and thriving Black community.

Over 40% of Philly’s residents are Black, the fifth-largest population of any city in the nation, with a history dating back centuries, including abolitionists like James Forten and artists like opera singer Marian Anderson.

Spruce Street Harbor Park   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Over 80% of Black residents live in North Philly, Point Breeze, West Philly and Southwest Philly.

Opened for the Bicentennial in 1976, The African American Museum in Philadelphia was the first institution in a major city to focus on the history and culture of African Americans.

The Latino Community

Nearly one in eight Philadelphians are of Latino or Hispanic heritage, including large populations originating from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (many settling in North Philly), Mexico (concentrated in South Philly), Cuba, Colombia and Central America. Almost 60% of Latino residents in Philadelphia are Puerto Rican.

Philadelphia’s Hispanic and Latin American population is integral to daily life, including a large segment of small business owners of shops and restaurants, including James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa. Philly’s Puerto Rican Day Parade attracts thousands of revelers each fall.

Christina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Community

Covering seven city blocks, Philadelphia’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in the world.

While originally a hub for the city’s Chinese population, it has grown over the years to include emigrants from many other East Asian countries. Other Asian American enclaves include Little Saigon in Passyunk Square and Koreatown in Olney.

Chinatown Friendship Gate   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Central to the AAPI community in Philadelphia is the Asian Arts Initiative, a community arts center serving underrepresented artists using art to create community.

The LBGTQ+ Community

Philadelphia is one of the most important and welcoming cities for the LGBTQ+ community.

Embracing a long history of activism, acceptance and pride, Philly is a top destination in which to live, work and play for LGBTQ+ residents. The heart of Philly’s queer community is the Gayborhood in Midtown Village, which features rainbow crosswalks and street signs, bars and nightclubs, and LGBTQ+-owned shops, cafes and bookstores, including Tabu, Menagerie Coffee and Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room. Don’t miss the Philadelphia Pride March & Festival (June) and Philadelphia OURFest (October).

Philadelphia Pride March & Festival   — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia

Things to Do

With significant colonial- and revolutionary-era historical sites, world-renowned museums and galleries, a raved-about (and affordable) restaurant and nightlife scene, the best spectator sports environment in the nation, exciting live music and theater, and tax-free shopping for clothing and shoes, there is never a shortage of things to do in and around Philadelphia and its surrounding counties.

Museums and Attractions

From the nation’s most famous historic sites to acclaimed art and science museums, it’s easy to see why millions visit Philadelphia, the nation’s first World Heritage City, each year.

History comes alive at world-famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley and the Betsy Ross House and historical museums, including the Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and The African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Liberty Bell   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Nearly every corner of the four adjacent counties is steeped in history as well, from sites like Valley Forge National Historical Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site to Brandywine Battlefield Park and Washington Crossing Historic Park, plus historic estates like Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Pearl S. Buck International, Pennsbury Manor and Peter Wentz Farmstead. Add to that a slew of Underground Railroad stops in Bensalem, Kennett Square, Quakertown, Upper Darby, Langhorne, Newtown and beyond.

Valley Forge National Historical Park   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

And for art lovers, a stroll down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway takes you past the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and The Franklin Institute. Or pop out to the countryside to view the works at Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Malvern’s Wharton Esherick Museum, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove and numerous locales in Henry Mercer’s Doylestown like Fonthill Castle, The Tile Works, Mercer Museum and Michener Art Museum.

Fonthill Castle   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Food and Drink/Nightlife

Chefs, bakers, bartenders, restaurants and restaurateurs from around Philadelphia have cleaned up at the James Beard Awards, racking up more than 100 honors in recent years. In fact, in 2023 alone, Philadelphia nabbed more James Beard Awards than any other city in the country. Leading the list through the years are Outstanding Restaurant winners Friday Saturday Sunday and Zahav, Outstanding Restaurateurs Ellen Yin (of High Street Philadelphia and more) and Stephen Starr (whose roster includes Parc and nearly two dozen others), and Best Chef winners from South Philly Barbacoa, Kalaya, Vernick Food & Drink, Zahav and Vetri Cucina. The 2024 awards look to take on a very Philly flavor as well, with nine semifinalists, including new entries Honeysuckle Provisions and My Loup.

Kalaya   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

But there’s also no better city for casual and street food, from 24-hour diners to cozy out-of-the-way joints to legendary cheesesteak shops Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks and the iconic Reading Terminal Market.

Reading Terminal Market   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Philadelphia also offers one of the best diverse dining scenes in the nation, with restaurants across the city offering authentic international dishes, often run by first- and second-generation immigrants. Each neighborhood has its own distinct background serving up menus steeped in traditional cuisine, such as Italian stalwarts across South Philly, Mexican in Bella Vista, Ethiopian in West Philly, Japanese in Washington Square West, Mediterranean in Society Hill and Queen Village, West African in Southwest Philly, Middle Eastern in Northeast Philly, Chinese and Vietnamese in Chinatown, Russian specialties in Montco and German spots in Bucks County.

Add to that the varied bar scene, including historic pubs like McGillin’s Olde Ale House and speakeasies like Hop Sing Laundromat, eclectic dives like Tattooed Mom and high-end cocktail lounges the likes of Charlie was a sinner.

Tattooed Mom   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

But don’t think for one moment that the city itself has a monopoly on fine, fun and award-winning dining. Hot kitchens and great eats can be found across the region, such as Andiario in West Chester, Wayne’s At The Table BYOB, Charcoal in Yardley, Ambler’s Tresini, and Stella of New Hope. And don’t miss one of the comfy old-school suburban diners — a regional tradition — like Llanerch in Darby, Stargate in Ridley Park, Hatboro’s Daddypops and Cross Keys Diner Doylestown.

Events and Sports

The biggest events, festivals, and parties bring Philadelphians together nearly every week throughout the year. Whatever your interest, there’s a celebration for you. Promise.

Revelers can enjoy the Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day, Wawa Welcome America’s July Fourth festivities, and the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parade. And the city’s diversity goes on display during the Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, the ODUNDE Festival and the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival.

Mummers Parade   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Other favorites include two annual events at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, including the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (the nation’s oldest and largest) and the massive Philadelphia Auto Show.

And when it’s time to root, root, root for the home team, there is no city more spirited than Philadelphia. Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park are the best — and loudest — in the nation. Sundays in fall and winter draw 67,000 Eagles fans to Lincoln Financial Field with the simple invitation of “Go Birds.” Flyers hockey and 76ers basketball enthusiasts pack into the rafters at the Wells Fargo Center. Soccer diehards gather along the waterfront in Chester to cheer on the Union. Plus, there’s the Big 5, the country’s most historic college city hoops league that sees six Philly schools compete for regional bragging rights.

Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Music/Theater/Nightlife

If live entertainment is your jam, Philly has rock, soul and even a bit of Broadway.

From rousing musicals to world-premiere plays, the region hosts the biggest stars on historic stages at performing arts facilities like the Walnut Street Theatre, Academy of Music, Bucks County Playhouse, Forrest Theatre, Hedgerow Theatre, Miller Theater and many more.

Bucks County Playhouse   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

As one of the nation’s best live music cities, rousing shows take over stages nightly at amphitheaters like Franklin Mortgage Pavilion and the Mann Center; music halls like The Fillmore, Union Transfer, The Met Philadelphia, Ardmore Music Hall and the Theatre of Living Arts; historic venues, including the Keswick Theatre, Sellersville Theater and Tower Theater; and intimate clubs Johnny Brenda’s, Underground Arts and more. That’s even before mentioning the 125-year-old Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

The Fillmore   — Photo courtesy The Fillmore

Shopping

Whether your idea of retail therapy involves strolling an urban downtown shopping corridor or exploring a massive mall, Philadelphia has all the shopping options of more expensive cities at a fraction of the price.

Take a walk among the shops and boutiques along 2nd and 3rd Streets in Old City, Main Street in Manayunk and Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. Philadelphia’s suburbs also offer leafy alternatives like Main Street in New Hope, State Street in Kennett Square and Suburban Square in Ardmore.

Shopping in Old City   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

The region delivers on the indoor mall experience too. In the city, explore Fashion District Philadelphia, Philadelphia Mills and The Shops at Liberty Place. If the ’burbs are more your speed, make your way to spots like Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Pottstown or King of Prussia, one of the nation’s three largest malls.

King of Prussia, a Simon Property Mall   — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia

Sales Tax

And one more reason to shop local in Greater Philadelphia? There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Pennsylvania. Now that’s purchase power.