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

July 2, 2019
schoolroom

The Best Private Elementary Schools in Philadelphia

As a parent, we have a whole different set of criteria for a new home purchase than singles and DINKs. We have to wonder about things like the amount of bedrooms – are any of the kids going to have to share? – the square footage, allowing plenty of room for toys, devices, homework nooks, and bookshelves; whether there are […]
June 26, 2019
philadelphia

How Did Downtown Philly Become “Center City?”

Every big city has a downtown, but Philadelphia’s is called Center City. That’s pretty unique, you have to admit. How did the name “Center City” come about, and when did it really take hold? The story is an interesting one, as it turns out. Back when William Penn laid the plans for the city of Philadelphia, in 1682, the “city” […]
June 25, 2019
courthouse

The Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Center City Philadelphia is composed of some of the most notable and exciting neighborhoods in the world. Philly, as a city, is experiencing a tremendous boom in real estate, as newcomers flock to the most dynamic city on the East Coast. If you are thinking about moving to the City of Brotherly Love, you undoubtedly are concerned about safety. Everyone […]
June 20, 2019
city hall

What is the William Penn Statue Looking At?

If you are a visitor to Philadelphia, it’s impossible to hit the city’s highlights without seeing the famous statue of William Penn atop the historic and beautiful City Hall. Situated in Old City, a nexus of landmarks (Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell), one gazes up in amazement at the 37-foot high statue of the man who planned and designed the […]
June 18, 2019
arthaus

Arthaus Condo Tower Breaks Ground in Center City

A(nother) beautiful luxury condo tower is coming to Center City!   Welcome to the Arthaus Located in the desirable Avenue of the Arts neighborhood, the Arthaus building will have forty-seven stories of high-end living. The building will be situated across from the Kimmel Center. The developers are touting the fact that residents can live, work, and play all within the […]
June 17, 2019
mannequin

Update: Fashion District Philadelphia Making Progress

The site of the former, rundown and depressing Gallery Mall in Center City is undergoing a Cinderella-worthy transformation as its new incarnation, Fashion District Philadelphia, shapes up. In the capable hands of local mall operator Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) and Santa Monica, CA-based Macerich, the new mall is attracting tenants quickly as it approaches its planned September 19th […]
June 13, 2019
traffic jam

Philly Officials Target Center City Traffic

Anyone who has the dubious pleasure of driving through Center City during rush hour (which lasts pretty much all day with no break between the morning and afternoon gridlock), on the weekend when special events are going on, or pretty much any time barring maybe the middle of the night knows that our downtown area has a severe traffic problem. […]
June 12, 2019
fixer upper

The Warning Signs of a Bad Fixer-Upper

Buying a fixer-upper is a tricky thing to accomplish successfully. On one hand, some DIY and investment of both time and money can get you a dream house that you’d normally never be able to afford, in the neighborhood highest on your wish-list, with more space/amenities/charm than you’d dare to hope for. On the other, sometimes the house is an […]
June 11, 2019
living room

First-Time Landlord? How to Tell Myth From Facts

Property values in Philadelphia are booming. As arguably the most dynamic and up-and-coming big city on the East Coast, the City of Brotherly Love enjoys a certain, undeniable cache that makes people want to live there, especially in hot neighborhoods like Old City, Strawberry Mansion, Bella Vista, and Avenue of the Arts. If you happen to be lucky enough to […]