Living in Philadelphia

This is one of our most fun sections on the site because it rounds up all the best things about living in Philadelphia—the city center, but also the surrounding suburbs. We also cover new laws and ordinances that might impact your life, upcoming events of note, and more.

Want to know the best parks in the city? We have you covered. A new street food festival or pop-up restaurant featuring a world-reknowned chef? We definitely have you covered there, too. Wondering about the latest developments on school zoning, new city taxes, and more? If the news impacts Philadelphia it will be found here!

We love our city and look forward to sharing with you the aspects of living in Philly, from food to culture to neighborhoods and more.

We hope you enjoy the information we offer! If we can help you in any way, please speak with one of our talented real estate agents, or directly contact the Center City Team office: 215.440.2093

December 15, 2016
Secret Santa

Secret Santa Helps Kids at Elementary Schools

The holiday season is all about giving. From warm hugs to fresh-baked cookies to the biggest, most elaborate present under the Christmas tree, there is nothing like the feeling of brightening someone’s day. Accordingly, the holidays often become an opportunity for caring souls to dispense random acts of kindness, just like the one that occurred recently at H.W. Good Elementary […]
December 14, 2016
lidl

Lidl, German Grocery Chain, Plans First Philly Location

Lidl, a German grocery chain that competes fiercely with discounter Aldi in both companies’ native land, is planning its launch in the United States. Strike 1 in the battle for grocery store supremacy? A location in Philadelphia, in the Port Richmond neighborhood. Lidl, which has its U.S. base in Arlington, Virginia, recently bought up two parcels covering nearly four acres […]
December 13, 2016

Soda Tax Varies With Terminals at PHL

It’s been at least a couple of months since we’ve heard of any drama over the soda tax, so clearly the time is nigh for a little fizzy brouhaha. The controversial tax on sweetened beverages, passed into Philadelphia law by Mayor Jim Kenney, is back in the headlines. This time, it has to do with the size of Philadelphia International […]
December 12, 2016
philadelphia

Philly News Briefs: 12/12/16

1.) Las Vegas isn’t the only “Sin City” in the United States. According to a – scientifically spurious – study by personal finance site WalletHub, Philadelphia ranks as the 28th “most sinful” city in America. The study took into account factors inspired by the seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, envy, pride, and greed. In news that should come […]
December 8, 2016
vertical neighborhood

“Vertical Neighborhood” Coming to University City

An enormous new skyscraper in University City is home to what developers are calling Philadelphia’s first “vertical neighborhood” – a place where living space, offices, and multiple amenities like entertainment and dining come together under one roof. FMC Tower is 830,000 square feet and combines hotels and apartments for hybrid luxury suites where residents can stay for one day or […]
December 7, 2016
sanctuary

Mayor Kenney Refuses to Give on Sanctuary City Status

The president-elect of the United States might take a hard line on undocumented immigrants, but Philadelphia will remain a “sanctuary city,” says Mayor Jim Kenney. Kenney, a Democrat, has steadfastly remained that the City of Brotherly Love will remain progressive even in the face of Donald Trump’s feelings or eventual policies against oppressed groups, including undocumented immigrants, minorities, and the […]
December 7, 2016
dispensaries

Philly City Council Discusses Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Now that medical marijuana use has been passed into law in the state of Pennsylvania (as is being done in many states around the country), it is up to individual cities to pass zoning regulations for the location of medical dispensaries where patients can go to get their prescriptions filled. A committee of the Philadelphia City Council convened last week […]
December 5, 2016
lights

Block’s Christmas Lights Display is Best in the State

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Even in my home state of Florida, where daily temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s, it’s undeniable that people are feeling the spirit of the season. There, as in Philadelphia, people are festooning their homes with colorful holiday lights to deck the halls and show off their Yuletide cheer. One […]
December 1, 2016
jurassic world

“Jurassic World” Exhibit Comes to Franklin Institute

Dinosaur lovers of all ages will be captivated by the newest exhibition at the Franklin Institute! “Jurassic World: The Exhibition” opens tomorrow. It debuted in Melbourne, Australia, and its Philadelphia opening will mark its first appearance in America. The Philly version of the exhibition offers even more attractions than the Australian one, so this should be considered a can’t-miss trip […]