Life in Philadelphia

"While the decision to [live in Philadelphia] makes sense on a practical level, above all else, it appeals to a deeper desire for a good home," says Eric Karlan, currently an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania, and part-timer at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Philadelphia has all the perks of a big city with a small-city feel."

In addition to the special deals and the BYOB culture, Philadelphia offers a world of dining destinations. Local restaurateur Stephen Starr offers a diverse palette of flavors at his signature restaurants across the City, from Asian dishes at Buddakan to Cuban foods at Alma de Cuba - but his collection of restaurants are just the beginning. No matter what you crave - from African to Italian to regional classics - our City has it all.  

From weekend hangouts to date nights, there are outings and experiences for everyone in Philadelphia. There are concert halls and theaters lining the Avenue of the Arts, a rich collection of museums - like The Franklin and the Rodin Museum - surrounding Logan Circle in the heart of Center City, and numerous professional sports teams playing in South Philadelphia - all easily accessible by public transportation. And with Rittenhouse Row featuring a variety of boutiques, the Gallery at Market East, and a flagship Macy's, Philadelphia is a shopper's paradise.

For some fresh air and green space, head to Fairmount Park - the nation's largest city park - where you can bike, hike, and visit America's first zoo: the Philadelphia Zoo. And because our City is so navigable and compact, anyone can walk or hop on a bicycle (Philadelphia is the #2 cycling city in the nation, according to Bicycling Magazine) to easily explore all our diverse neighborhoods: from the Italian Market in Bella Vista, to Chinatown in Center City, to America's most historic square-mile in Old City.