I know this isn't a relocation forum ... but I've gotten so much great travel info here, I couldn't help it!
I live in San Francisco, I work in the non-profit, arts world. And I can't afford to live here anymore. Also, I really just want a big change. I chose Philadelphia because I love the energy, culture, and 'feel' of the East - as opposed to the general flakiness and superficiality of Calif. (Sorry if I'm offending anyone!) And Phila. is affordable. I've lived all over - grew up in Seattle, and have lived in L.A., Paris, Chicago (which I loved, except the long winters). I tried NY, but was a little overwhelmed by it.
Just wondering if anyone out there (Philly native or transplant) has any thoughts, advice? I guess I'm hoping for general impressions of the city, how it's changed/revitalized recently, what the people are like, how I'd fit in as a 40 y.o, SWF, neighborhoods that would be a good fit, etc. I'm thinking Manayunk sounds interesting and lively?
Thank you so much, for any and all responses,
Andrea

Andrea:

I have visited Philly and like it alot. The advantage of living in Philly is that you are so close to the ocean and you could go to the coast every weekend in the summer if you'd like. I'd suggest a trip to Cape May, NJ, it's filled with charming Victorian homes and buildings.

I live in suburban Philadelphia, about 35 minutes from the city. There's lots to do in this general area with the shore 2 hrs one way, and the mountains 2 hrs the other way, NYC 2 hrs North, and the Maryland Inner Harbour 2.5 hrs. south. The culture is amazing; lots to see and learn, as is the arts. You'll find all kinds of people here - from the friendliest, to the rudest...but then again, you'll find that everywhere. The river front is the fun place to be with the street festivals, arts, etc. They've been really building it up the last few years. No where near as "dumpy" as it used to be. Manayunk is close to the city, and yet close to the Main Line (the upper class). From what I understand, it's a fun, energetic area where singles tend migrate. The night life there vibrant. Stay away from West Philly.

Philly is a good spot as far as affordability and diversity of culture. Also, you'd be within striking distance of NY, Wash., the seashore, the mountains, etc.

Manayunk is an intreresting place to live. So is the Germantown area. If you're considering the 'burbs, generally people feel NJ is cheaper but the western suburbs -- Chester and Bucks counties -- are nicer.

All in all, Philly is a good spot.

Don't know if you're still checking these messages -- we moved from SF to Miami Beach but have visited Philly many times for business. Now, believe it or not, we're actually going there for a month- long vacation to experience autumn and much more the city has to offer. It is an emerging American gem of a city. You'd make a wise move to give it a go.

I'd endorse the move. Philly's a great place with easy access to other great places -- seashore, NY, DC, etc.

Thumbs up on Manayunk, Germantown, Chestnut Hill. You might also consider some parts of South Philly, an ethnic, middle class neighborhood that's close to Center City.

One other note: I don't know your finances, but if you're used to paying SF's real estate prices, you may want to consider the swankier areas of Philly, which will probably seem cheap by comparison.

I live in Center City, am in the same age bracket, also work in the arts and I absolutely love living and working in the area.

Philadelphia does seem to appeal to a similar part of the soul and intellect as San Francisco--it's beautiful, quite European, has a vibrant arts scene that ranges from experimental to established, extraordinary restaurants, some wonderful cafes, easy access to nature, architectural diversity. . . I could go on and on. I find the people I meet to be literate, engaging, and progressive.

And, as you say, it's affordable (though getting less so everyday--property and wage taxes are not fun). At this point in my life, it's definitely the best place for me to be.

I moved here about 20 years ago and have seen a lot of changes, mostly for the better. The most significant one is street life! And I believe that the city leadership (especially under the Rendell administration) appreciates what lively streets communicate about a city. In fact, when the Kimmel Performing Arts Center was in the planning stages, the leadership made a conscious decision NOT to include underground parking, because they wanted people to flow out onto the streets after an event, perhaps stopping for a bite or a drink on the way back to the car.

If you're fortunate enough to both live and work in Center City, you may not even need a car! I'm married, but I know quite a few unmarried people of both sexes and orientations in my age range and above. This may sound odd, but I think Philadelphia is a good place to be single. There are opportunities to meet people, but there also seems to be a current of acceptance toward singleness, which I don't think is the case everywhere (some places seem geared toward more of a "couples" culture).

I don't know that I'd choose Manayunk over Center City (you'd definitely need a car). Manayunk is not all that arty anymore--chain stores have moved in and the crowd can be rather suburban. Northern Liberties and Bella Vista are appealing and still affordable. Fairmount is starting to get pretty pricey. Old City is losing some of its charm (which saddens me because I lived there for 10 years). The Washington Square area and the area south of Rittenhouse Square, while generally pricey, do occassionaly have some well-priced houses and apartments.

The one huge negative I see about Philadelphia is that the obnoxiously efficient Parking Authority. But that's my personal soapbox and I'll get off of it now. (car ownership is expensive here--from insurance to parking to repairs inflicted by cobblestones and other, less quaint street surfaces.)

I think the city is becoming more animal friendly, although we're certainly not as far along as cities on the West Coast.

Only because I love the city so much do I refrain from touting its location and the fact that it's so close to New York and Washington. The beach (aka "the shore")is just about an hour away. Currently, you can get daily direct flights to London, Paris, Munich, Brussels, and other European cities.

The humidity may be an unpleasant surprise to anyone who hasn't lived in a swamp or Washington DC. The city still looks to professional sports teams as economic saviors and puts an appalling amount of revenue and energy into keeping teams, their management, and fans happy.

Hope this helps. If you decide to make this move, I'd be happy to give you more specific info and opinions.

Cheers!


a substantial number of literate and engaging people

Maybe Andrea lives here all ready. Not sure why we are responding to a post 4 months old. Anyhow, I moved to Pa. 30 years from Calif. I do not live in the city but I like Philly very much. I do live in the Burbs. It was a great change for me, and I would never go back to Calif. to reside. As she says it is superficial. Over all the focus, here is on family, arts, culture etc. Not a bunch of nonsense as in Calif. I do not care for winters never have, to be honest, but I love the 4 Seasons. In order to enjoy Spring, I know I need to experience winter as well. It is all part of the 4 Seasons. It eventually ends.