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

November 19, 2019
wedding cake

Philadelphia Weddings: The Top Spots for Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes: on a scale of 1-10, how important are they? I’d say about “8,” behind the venue and the bride’s dress, but tied with photography, flowers, and music. Every wedding of every faith shares in common a wedding cake tradition. It can be a towering confection taller than the bride or a simple sheet cake, but everyone knows that […]
November 18, 2019
harrisburg

Is Mayor Jim Kenney Considering a Gubernatorial Run?

Jim Kenney, Philadelphia’s progressive and left-leaning Democratic governor, Jim Kenney, could be considering a run for Governor in 2020. With current governor, Tom Wolf, set to hit his term limit next year, sources privy to Kenney’s confidence say that the mayor, who has successfully implemented the soda tax and raised funds for Philly schools, may be looking to take the […]
November 14, 2019

The Top Center City Wedding Venues (That Aren’t a Hotel)

Hill-Physick House (Society Hill) Built in 1786, the Hill-Physick House was first constructed to house Dr. Phillip Syng Physick, known today as “the father of American surgery.” It’s a historical landmark house museum, clad handsomely in brick. Its sprawling city garden is a popular venue for both ceremonies and receptions – green, idyllic, and ultra-classic with its tall privacy hedges, […]
November 12, 2019
kitchen

Island vs. Kitchen Table: In Philly, There’s an Unlikely Winner

Go, right now, and look at just about any high-end condo listing on this site. Check out Rittenhouse Square penthouses, remodeled Victorians in Wash Square West, or hipster-chic walkups in NoLibs. The hottest properties will all have (at least) one thing in common: a spacious kitchen island with either a deep, large sink or an inset range, with trendy barstools […]
November 7, 2019
traffic jam

New Traffic Signal Near City Hall Gives SEPTA Buses a Head Start

It’s a problem seen in big cities all across America – buses pull over to the curb to collect or disgorge passengers, and then are blocked by traffic on the street that will not allow them back in. It’s by no means an exclusively Center City problem, but downtown’s outrageous traffic issues, paired with a consequential aggression on the part […]
November 7, 2019
mosaic

The Magic Gardens and Philadelphia’s Mosaic History

Philly has a tough exterior, but its actual insides are as sweet and soft as chocolate nougat. The City of Brotherly Love has a thriving art scene, with works as highbrow as the masterpieces in the Museum of Art, and as relatable as the Instagram-perfect street art scrawled on building walls by budding virtuosos. One of Philadelphia’s greatest artistic traditions, […]
November 4, 2019
skates

Ice Skating and Winter Fun Kick Off in Dilworth Park

Halloween may be still a vivid memory, but winter will officially begin in Center City with the start of one of our best-beloved cold-weather traditions. The ice skating rink at Dilworth Park will open this coming weekend! This eagerly-anticipated event is just one of several seasonal treats planned for city residents at the park, which was formerly Dilworth Plaza. The […]
October 31, 2019
hands

Get Spooky With These Philly Haunted Attractions!

HAPPY BEST DAY OF THE YEAR, YOU GUYS! I’ll challenge any comer to dispute that Halloween is not the highlight of the year. I mean, October 31st has it all: free candy, cute kids dressed up in costumes, a great excuse to watch horror movies, and parties galore. Halloween in Philadelphia is no exception. We have history on our side, […]
October 30, 2019
white house

Hamilton in Philadelphia – Part Two: The Musical and the Myth

Yesterday, I gave you step-by-step directions for a self-guided tour of Alexander Hamilton’s Philadelphia. This lines up with the current production of Hamilton: An American Musical being staged by one of two touring companies currently at the Forrest Theater of the Kimmel Center.  Now, most American-born adults know at least a few facts about Hamilton, one of the liveliest Founding […]