What to Know When Moving to Philly

Moving to any location can be a load of confusion, especially if you don’t know the place too well! But lucky for you, Jon, me, and our cash homebuying business work well in Philadelphia. Advising people moving to Philadelphia is now second nature to us.

We recently met with first-time sellers considering moving to Philadelphia. I emphasized that “although Philadelphia is a great place and they could easily find their dream home, they should prepare for the move.”

1. Real estate is much more affordable than the surrounding areas

Bigger East Coast cities like DC, Boston, and NYC all have high prices on the market. Thankfully, Philly is great as it’s an alternative option to those seeking shelter near high-priced cities. There is much more room in Philadelphia for much less than the conventional cities, allowing for a more comfortable home for anyone who’s looking to find a place to live.

The median home value is around $130,000 compared to much higher prices in any major city. Philly is a great long-term place to live for anyone looking to settle down with a family, or simply to build a new life.

2. Philly is a large city

Philadelphia is the 6th biggest city in the entire United States, and it is the 2nd largest city on the East Coast, behind New York. With over 1.5 million people who call Philly home, expect to experience traffic and more than average waits at popular shops and restaurants.

3. Public transit is great

You can get around with SEPTA easily in Philly, which is the public transport system. With an easy way to get around, this means you can live a little outside of Philly and still enjoy everything Philly has to offer.

4. Rent during the off-season

Philadelphia has 10 (and more) universities and campuses around the city. This means that when students come to start their semester in the fall, you’re going to be competing with a large group of people for housing.

To get a reduced price on your rent or home purchase, come to Philly during the off-season, around winter, December to March, to have a wider variety of places to check and get a better price.

5. Hire professional movers 

When moving to Philly, it pays to hire a team that truly understands the city’s unique layout. Suburban Solutions, a locally based Philadelphia moving company, has extensive experience handling the challenges that come with city moves. Like what you’re asking? How hard can moving be?

At the same time, national providers like Three Movers offer dependable service and flexible packages that can also be a great fit, especially for long-distance or out-of-state relocations. Whether you choose a local specialist or a broader moving network, it’s smart to inquire several weeks in advance to lock in the best pricing and availability.

6. Philly is a city of neighborhoods

Before you move to Philly, it’s important to know that 25 neighborhoods in Philly vary drastically. Rittenhouse Square is considered high-class and is fairly expensive. Chestnut Hill is another neighborhood that is known to be high-end.

Other neighborhoods like Fishtown and Northern Liberties are on the rise, as they continue to attract the hipster crowd from all over the country. Beware that there is crime in Philly, so picking a suitable neighborhood should be on your priority list.

Conclusion 

Relocating to Philadelphia can be challenging, but it’s achievable. Philly is a city much more than simply cheesesteaks. It has amazing neighbors (such as Jon and his family), great activities, and thriving cultures. That is why we buy houses in Philadelphia! Keep these tips in mind when moving to Philly so you have a great life ahead of you.