What’s It Really Like Living in Philly vs NYC

Philly vs NYC! This is going to be a tough one. I love both cities, the Big Apple for its consistent allure and the City of Brotherly Love for the mellow lifestyle. So how to choose?! Philly and NYC are two of the strongest candidates when considering moving to the East Coast.

Both contenders offer safety, a rich history, a vibrant culture, and job security. They present features that are attractive to families and young professionals alike.

So what’s it really like living in Philly vs NYC? I will highlight some contrasting factors that define these two iconic cities and at the end of this, you can pick your favorite.

Reality Check: Philadelphia vs New York City

Dear readers, here is a reality check that will hit the sweet spots for Philly vs NYC. There are factors related to moving cities that simply cannot be ignored. These comprise the cost of living, affordability, job security, safety, and several others.

Affordability vs Extravagance

One of the most significant differences between these two competitors is the cost of living. Everything related to NYC is expensive and requires you to have deep pockets. The Big Apple is infamous for being one of the most expensive cities in the world and for good reason. From housing to groceries to transportation, NYC demands a premium for everything.

The median rents for one-bed apartments in Manhattan can exceed $3,500 per month with Queens and Brooklyn not far behind in the race. Conversely, Philly offers some respite in this department. The housing market is much more affordable with median rents for a one-bed apartment in the range of $1,500 to $2,000.

For homebuyers, the gap widens even further. While New York City’s median home price ranges around $750,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the borough, Philadelphia’s median home price sits between $250,000 to $300,000. NYC home prices are good for real estate agents and bad for buyers. The aspect of home affordability makes Philadelphia more appealing to those looking to settle down without breaking the bank.

Job Market and Professional Stability

In my opinion, NYC’s job market is unparalleled. The city serves as a global hub for finance, real estate, media, and arts. Wall Street and the Finance District offer unmatched opportunities for career progression.

Philadelphia, although smaller has a robust job market. The city is a healthcare. Pharmaceutical, and educational hub with companies such as Comcast and Penn Medicine offering stable jobs. Philly has also seen a decent rise in the startup culture. Achieving work-life balance is an added advantage in Philly.

Lifestyle and Culture

When I go to NYC, I am looking for energy, diversity, and culture. NYC is a mecca for the arts and culture. With museums like MoMA and the Met, you can never go wrong with the arts in NYC. Broadway shows, art galleries, and live shows are some features that are always around.

When I feel like unwinding, Philly is my go-to place. My business partner has been in Philly all his life and swears by it. We have so many friends whose house buying journey in Philly was partly fueled by the history of the city. Historic sites such as the Liberty Bell and the Independence Museum provide a strong link to America’s past.

For anyone thinking about moving from Philly to NYC, “forget about it”! Unless you want to sell your house to us, then we can talk. Overall, we see more people prefer Philadelphia over New York City, but it’s not a hard rule.

Community and Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in New York City is unique. The artistic vibe in Williamsburg and Brooklyn is entirely different from the upscale elegance of Manhattan. However, I strongly feel that the sheer grandeur and size of NYC can make it hard to form close-knit communities. I know a lot of people might disagree, but hey that’s another thing I admire about this city. Once you form communities, there is no going back.

Philadelphia is known for its tight-knit neighborhoods. Areas like Fishtown and Queen Village have a neighborly feel that is hard to find in NYC. I have noticed that people tend to stay in Philly longer which helps foster communities.

Why Are New Yorkers Moving to Philadelphia?

The migration of New Yorkers to Philly is no longer a ripple, but a giant wave. In my research, I was able to find three simple yet attractive reasons behind this change:

• Remote work flexibility
• Affordable housing market
• A desire for more space

This is literally why New Yorkers feel Philly is a better option than NYC.

Is Moving To Philly from NYC a Good Idea?

Moving to Philadelphia is a great idea if you value housing affordability and community. Philadelphia’s warm atmosphere and growing opportunities make it a suitable option.

My business partner swears by the lifestyle in Philly. Couldn’t live without it! Our homebuying company is based in Philly primarily because of the opportunities the city presents. As you can see, I will always represent this wonderful city for all it has to and can offer.

Choosing Between Living in Philly vs NYC

It seems both cities are neck to neck. What NYC offers in the percentage of opportunities, Philadelphia covers for it in spacious housing, warm neighborhoods, and an opportunity to settle down.

I would choose Philadelphia over NYC any day.