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Philadelphia has gone from an underdog to the newest "it" city.
With culinary hotspots, a rich historical background, and affordable housing, it's easy to see why Millennials and entrepreneurs are flooding to Philadelphia.
If you're looking to make the move, here are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
Almost overnight Philly has gone from an underdog city to the newest "it" city of the east coast. Earlier this year, the Eagles finally clinched the Super Bowl win every resident's been dreaming of, it's on the shortlist for Amazon's new headquarters, and the real estate market has never been hotter.
The New York Times even referred to it as "the next borough," a nod to its proximity to the Big Apple and the Amtrak train that gets you from city to city in just over an hour - less than it takes some Brooklynites to make their way to Manhattan.
For someone like me, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, it's easy to see why it's succeeded. The people, food, charm and affordable prices were enough to make me move home after spending eight years in New York. A piece of advice? You'll quickly learn that cheesesteaks come "wit whiz" and water is known as "wooder" … and that's enough to win over lifelong locals!
If you happen to fall into the category of someone contemplating a move to the City of Brotherly Love, here are five of the best neighborhoods.
Fairmount is the perfect place for any art lover or fitness fanatic. It's steps away from world-renowned museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum. Soak up Cézanne, relish in Rodin, or delight in Degas — it's all within reach in Fairmount.
As for fitness freaks — you can run the museum steps Rocky Balboa style or give Kelly Drive, a pedestrian lane running along the Schuykill River, a spin. It's by far the most idyllic spot for an early-morning workout.
If you're feeling especially adventurous you can go for a row in the river. Boathouse Row runs parallel to the pedestrian hotspot and is a home to the clubhouses of rowers from high schools and universities all over town.
2. Manayunk
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.
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.
4. Old City
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.
If you’re not much of a history buff, the area’s also full of theatres, boutiques, great restaurants, galleries and a bustling nightlife.
5. Ardmore
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.
