The best places to live in Philadelphia

You'll find Manayunk a 20-minute train ride or drive from the center of Philadelphia. Manayunk has the charm of a small town but the personality and bustling feel of a city. Nestled among massive hills is Main Street, a bustling hub of small businesses.

With more than 30 restaurants, 18 bars and clubs, nine cafes and coffee shops, boutiques, specialty stores and art galleries all within a mile radius, there's no need to travel far for the culture you need.

At night, the streets are alive with its young residents. Manayunk is home to hundreds of college students thanks to its close proximity to six of Philly's biggest schools. But don't let that scare you away — many of these college students have grown up and stayed in the area to raise their families. It's also home to young professionals, new parents, and dog lovers.

In spite of its interesting name, Fishtown is actually a lovely little place to live. Most Philadelphians equate Fishtown to Brooklyn's Bushwick — it’s a little bit hipster, but a lot of fun. Full of quirky bars, antique shops and restaurants, Fishtown is only a 20-minute subway ride from the heart of the city.

What was once a home for local commercial fishermen is now home to eclectic art, a thriving music scene and a coffee company giving Starbucks a run for their money, La Colombe. Factories have been transformed into modern, sleek lofts and tiny row homes have been upgraded to luxury homes with roof decks overlooking the city skyline.

If you’re looking for old-world charm in the middle of a modern metropolis, Old City is a perfect fit. Home to historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it was once the epicenter of the United States.

Walking through tiny alleyways and quaint cobblestone streets (the same ones the likes of Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington would have walked), you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Despite its antique charm, Old City homes blend old world charm with the innovative amenities of today.

If you’re not much of a history buff, the area’s also full of theatres, boutiques, great restaurants, galleries and a bustling nightlife.

Ardmore is technically in the suburbs, but like if the suburbs went on a year abroad and came back with cooler taste in music and clothes and had a sudden penchant for exotic food and drink.

Ardmore is seriously cool. It's home to the renowned Tired Hands Brewery, which is chock full of young and trendy professionals any night of the week. It’s also a shopaholic’s dream. There's all the major chains like DSW, Gap, Lululemon, as well as small-town boutiques to scour for one-of-a-kind pieces.

The music scene is great, and it's still an easy commuting distance to the city. If you're looking for a little more space, it’s a nice place to settle into a single home and stay a while.