About Philadelphia, PA
Welcome to the City of Brotherly Love! Living in Philadelphia is all about enjoying quintessential American staples: sports, great food, rich history, and plenty of cultural staples for anyone craving a world-class artistic experience. Anyone moving here will enjoy vibrant festivals and plenty of charming and historic neighborhoods to move into.
Philadelphia is considered much more affordable than nearby Manhattan with growing job opportunities thanks to major corporations opening up shop. And where better to start a new career journey than in the country’s first World Heritage City and the birthplace of the United States?
Anyone living in Philadelphia gets a true taste of all four seasons. The famous fall foliage paints a colorful landscape leading into the colder winter months, where the low in January can reach nineteen degrees. Summer in Pennsylvania is comfortable and warm 83 degrees. You’ll need to bring your snow and rain boots: the average snowfall in Pennsylvania is around thirty-eight inches, while you can expect to see an average of 44 inches of rain per year.
Fun facts about Philly
Home to the Declaration of Independence & the Liberty Bell
Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and where the constitution was written. Because of this, Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States while the District Of Columbia was under construction. Visitors can tour Independence Hall and see the world-altering document with their own eyes.
The Liberty Bell used to ring in Independence Hall and is what was used to gather everyone to hear the first reading of the Declaration Of Independence. It is now located in Independence National Historic Park, on display for all to see.
The Rocky Statue
The statue commissioned by Sylvester Stallone for the movie Rocky III was originally placed at the Philadelphia Museum Of Art. Later the statue was moved to the Spectrum Sports Complex, which was the location of the movie’s fights, according to the movie. In 2006, the statue returned to its original home at the Philadelphia Museum Of Art, where it still resides today.
Philly cheesesteaks
A quick internet search will return quite a few conflicting stories on who invented the Philly cheesesteak. It’s understandable why anyone would want to lay claim to being responsible for such a delicious sandwich that’s sought out by almost anyone visiting Philadelphia. Locals here are not short on opinions of who makes the best Philly cheesesteak, and anyone who is a new transplant to the area will have a lot of fun discovering which shop makes their favorite.
Facts and figures
According to the latest census information, Philadelphia is home to approximately 1.6 million people, with 64.7% of the population being between 18 and 65 years of age. Philadelphia is a diverse city with the white and black populations being almost equal, with other Latino and Asian populations adding to the melting pot environment.
Philadelphia was hit hard by unemployment according to 2020 numbers with an unemployment rate of 16.5% but made a turnaround in 2021 with unemployment drastically reduced to 5.8% in December of 2021. You’ll find emerging industries like life sciences and cell and gene connected therapy health growing their presence here, attracting a new pool of top-notch talent.
At the same time, manufacturing and chemical manufacturing has been long mainstays in Philadelphia and continue to be a bedrock of employment opportunities. People looking to start their career or make a career change would be wise to look at Philadelphia: from November 2020 to November 2021, 110,000 new jobs were added to the job market.
Cost of living
- Median household income: $45,927
- Per capita income: $27, 924
- Median selected monthly owner costs (with a mortgage): $1,332
- Median selected monthly owner costs (without a mortgage): $455
Employment
- Unemployment made an impressive decrease in December 2021 to 5.8% from 16.5% reported in December 2020.
- Major industries include:
- Mining, logging, and construction.
- Manufacturing.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities.
- Information.
- Financial activities.
- Professional and business services.
- Leisure and hospitality.
- Other services.
- Government.
- There was a total of 110,000 new jobs added from November 2020 to November 2021.
Philly housing market trends
Currently, Philadelphia real estate market trends are teetering right between a buyer’s and seller’s advantage. However, it’s anticipated that supply will not be able to meet the growing demand, so watch for movement toward a seller’s market.
Philadelphia real estate remains more affordable, with its median home listing price of single-family homes at $279,000 and an average price per square foot of $229.
2022 Philadelphia real estate market trends for single-family homes:
- Median list price: $279,000
- Average price per square foot: $228
- Average days on market: 72
- Median rent: $1,600
- Average rent for a 3-bedroom, 2-bath unit: $2,588
Top sights and things to do
Philadelphia has something for everyone, from history to the arts to sports to amazing food. Just follow your passion, and the city will be sure to delight you.
Take a walk through Old City & Society Hill
Old City and Society Hill are where you’ll find colonial-era homes and buildings, many of which have been magnificently preserved through the years. Visitors will find galleries and eateries and can enjoy an especially lively art scene on the first Friday evening of every month.
See a sports game
Philadelphia loves its sports teams, and going to a game is worth it just to immerse yourself in the unique fan culture of this city. Get ready for some rowdy fun while rooting for your team (and if your team is visiting, root for them at your own risk)!
The Italian Market
It’s America’s oldest and longest-running outdoor market that spans over twenty city blocks in the Bella Vista and Passyunk Square communities. Grab your canvas bags and enjoy shopping for produce and goods from over 200 different merchants.
Stroll through a museum
Museum-lovers could spend months exploring all of the museums that Philadelphia has to offer. There is plenty to visit, but some of the highlights include:
- National Museum Of Jewish American History
- Rodin Museum: Featuring the work of the great French artist
- Penn Museum
