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

October 9, 2015

Philadelphia Bathrooms Go Gender Neutral

In a move meant to affirm transgender rights, the Philadelphia City Council passed a bill yesterday requiring certain city restrooms to drop the “men” or “women” signs and become gender-neutral. The Council unanimously approved the measure, which applies to single-stall public restrooms throughout the city. Mayor Michael Nutter’s Office of LGBT Affairs drafted the bill and it was introduced to […]

October 8, 2015

More Cash Home Sales in Philly Lately

Paying cash for a home purchase is a wonderful thing – if you can afford it. It is just a matter of common sense that many consumers cannot pony up that much bank when it comes time to purchase real estate. Survey data shows that, across America, reality is living up to that expectation: cash home sales have been steadily […]

October 7, 2015

Pros: Businesses Should “Brag” About Philly

So, the weekend of the pope’s visit was a success in many ways – people connected with one another in car-free streets, babies were kissed, pilgrims got up close and personal with His Holiness – but something of a bummer from a business standpoint. Leading up to the papal weekend, city officials filled the ears of local business owners with […]

October 5, 2015

Plans for Dalai Lama’s Visit Shaping Up

Hot on the heels of the Popepalooza 2015 comes the imminent visit of another important spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama will return to Philadelphia later this month for the first time in seven years. He is coming to Philly to receive the Liberty Medal, awarded by the National Constitution Center each year to individuals who embody “the ideals of tolerance, […]

October 2, 2015

Big Changes Coming for Philadelphia Schools?

The coming years could bring big changes to the Philadelphia School District. On Thursday, the District unveiled a far-reaching set of proposals that have the power to impact up to fifteen schools and 5,000 students. The plans include school openings and closings, as well as conversions between district and charter schools. Summing up the proposed changes, Superintendent William Hite said […]

September 30, 2015

Encouraged By Support, Knotted Grotto Will Remain a While Longer

The so-called Knotted Grotto started life as an art installation. Announced back over the summer, the project drew its inspiration from a very old religious icon called Mary, Undoer of Knots. It depicts the Virgin Mary undoing a knotted ribbon into a long strip, as she is surrounded by angels. It is said to be one of the pope’s favorite […]

September 29, 2015

Mayor Nutter Dubs Papal Visit a Success

Michael Nutter, the mayor of Philadelphia, held a “post-game” press conference discussing the monumental event that was the pope’s visit over the weekend. In the mayor’s eyes, the visit was a complete success. He spoke emotionally about how much the event meant to him and his family, as well as the thousands of faithful who thronged the city to get […]

September 28, 2015

Pope Leaves Philadelphia, Life Returns (Almost) to Normal

It was a phenomenal weekend in Philadelphia. After months of hype and preparation, the pope showed up in the city. He visited nuns and prisoners, he kissed babies, he held two masses, and he inspired countless thousands who came out to hear his messages of love and acceptance. The crowds lit up when he passed in his open car, and […]

September 25, 2015

Pope Week 2015: Travel Restrictions In Place For the Weekend

The time is upon us, Philadelphia. The pope arrives tomorrow, and all around Center City and its surrounding areas you are seeing proof that things are different. Travel restrictions have begun to be implemented all throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Visitors and residents alike will now have to cope with closed roads, metal detectors, and limited train service. Getting from […]