4 Factors That Make Living in Philadelphia Better Than Pittsburgh

When choosing a home in Pennsylvania, I always recommend Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. These two urban centers generally top the list for most people and with good reason. While both offer their unique set of advantages, Philly stands out. By now you will have realized that I have a strong and unwavering connection to Philly.

Today, I will explore four primary factors that make living in Philadelphia better than in Pittsburgh. As you reach the end of this informative blog, you should be able to make out why Philly has an edge over Pittsburgh.

Economic Diversity

You may know that Philly’s economy is much more expansive than Pittsburgh’s. This provides residents with a wider spectrum of opportunities. As the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philly is home to industries like healthcare, finance, education, and even technology. Institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Comcast Corporation, and several others offer a steady stream of employment.

The job market in Pittsburgh remains smaller compared to Philly. Earlier, the city was majorly dependent on the manufacture of steel, but the transition to healthcare and technology has been successful overall. You may see someone who wants to sell their home in Philadelphia, PA and move to Pittsburgh, but it’s not common. If someone is from Pitt, they usually stay there. Same goes for Philly. You don’t often see Pennsylvanians move in between these two cities.

In my opinion, Philly is a more appealing choice to job seekers because of the diverse fields, high-paying jobs, and economic hub-like tendencies.

Diverse Neighborhoods and Real Estate Inventory

Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods offer a wide range of living options to suit different lifestyles. From the Old City to the vibrant lifestyle in Fishtown, Philly has a neighborhood for everyone. Our home-buying company offers convenient business all across Philly because of the variance in the city.

Pittsburgh also has distinctive neighborhoods, but the scope is less expansive. Philadelphia’s large population translates to more housing inventory. This ensures that residents can find a place that aligns with their preferences.

In recent years, the real estate business in Philadelphia has shown steady growth, making it a promising investment for homeowners. We at Brotherly Love Real Estate always recommend Philly as an option to clients considering potential real estate investment opportunities.

Healthcare and Education

Philly is a powerhouse of healthcare and education. The city boasts cutting-edge research in healthcare through institutions like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Temple University and Jefferson Health are the cherries on top of the city’s healthcare excellence.

Although Pittsburgh is also renowned for education through institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, the scale that Philly offers gives it a clear advantage. For families and young professionals alike, the presence of healthcare and educational avenues means access to some of the best schools ensuring a high quality of life.

With new developments in startup culture, education has proliferated in the city. Schools and hospitals are often at the forefront of innovation that attracts residents from all over the country.

Culture and History

Every American is aware of Philly’s rich cultural background. The city played a pivotal character in the founding of the United States. The city is a treasure island for history buffs with examples like the Liberty Bell, the Independence Hall, and the infamous Rocky Steps.

Although Pittsburgh has deep cultural roots, it does not match the depth of Philly’s cultural significance. The Steel City has its fair share of museums and theatres, but the focus has been on industrial heritage.

Additionally, Philly’s proximity to NYC and Washington D.C. furthers its cultural heritage. Residents can explore these regions for additional experiences, making Philadelphia a strategic location for those seeking cultural opportunities.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Living in Philadelphia?

I had established long ago that Philly is better than Pittsburgh, but it is essential to be logical and set my bias aside. Here are some upsides and downsides to living in Philly.

Upsides to Living in Philly

• Low cost of living.
• Excellent public transportation.
• Big town amenities.
• Prime location on the East Coast.
• Walk-able city.
• Remarkable amount of public spaces.
• Diverse neighborhoods.
• Access to high-quality education.

Downsides to Living in Philly

• Overcrowding in the city.
• Traffic is a headache.
• Highest wage taxes in the country.
• Crime-related challenges.

What is Great About Living in Philly?

Philly has so much to offer to its residents. From affordable housing to a dynamic healthcare system, Philly has something for everyone. My business partner and I particularly enjoy the live, work, and play concept of the city that helps us maintain a work-life balance.

Some of the great qualities of this city in my opinion are:

• A small-town vibe in a big city.
• Balanced lifestyle.
• Galore of opportunities.
• Easy access to bigger metropolitan cities.
• Acceptable weather.

Verdict

These four factors are just the tip of the iceberg as to what makes living in Philadelphia so much better than Pittsburgh. I will always be on Team Philly. But the choice between the two cities comes down to personal preferences. But, you can see that Philly emerges as the clear winner for us.