Moving to a new city can be very exciting, but can also be scary at times. When you don’t know a city, learning about neighborhoods on your own remotely is just not the same as walking around. Finding where you want to live can seem taxing. What will my commute look like? Where is the closest coffee shop? Is it good coffee? Luckily, you have Philly Home Girls to answer these questions and help navigate you to your new home. Over the years, our agents have helped many clients from around the globe purchase a home in the Philadelphia area. There are some new to the East Coast, including clients moving to Philly from L.A., Portland, and Austin. And some from our coastal cities, like Brooklyn, Boston, and D.C.
Regardless of where you are coming from, one thing is certain: It’s not the same as your old city. Each city is unique, and after living somewhere for a while, you start to attach your identity to it. Fortunately, we have some experience with people moving here and they let us know how to find comfort in the adjustment.
Affordability: Moving from Manhattan or Brooklyn to Philly
Affordability is usually the first topic that comes up for people moving from New York to Philly. For example, renters that are in the $3,600 range in NYC could find a comparable apartment in Center City, Philadelphia for $1,650 (numbeo.com.) Philadelphians also spend less of their disposable income on their mortgage, 29% in Philly, compared to 76% in New York. Our marketing manager, Bonnie, purchased her home in Philly in 2017. After living in NY for 22 years, she was shocked that you can actually own a home for LESS than renting here! And save money!
Some clients relocate and rent upon arrival for a year or two, and other renters get the itch to start purchasing a home 6 months into their lease. We’ve had many clients buy a home before the boxes in their old apartments have been packed! Philly real estate is surprisingly affordable, and properties continue to appreciate. Philly also offers a number of homebuying programs that can help you own your own home. If you plan to be here for 5 years, it may be a smart move to check out the cost difference between renting and buying before you decide which is right for you.
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
Philly is obviously a less dense city than the five boroughs, but it still takes clients by surprise how Philly can seem like a small town in comparison when you are coming from New York. After living here for about a year, Christian Fegel’s client from Astoria says “it is not what you expect when you see such a prominent skyline. But it really is a working downtown and then just ... neighborhoods. All of which have very different feels to them.” Philadelphians are full of pride not only for their city but also for the distinct neighborhood they call home. You know your neighbors and you are able to be part of your community. One thing that may feel familiar to old-time New Yorkers is the number of small neighborhood businesses that are all throughout Philadelphia. Restaurants, bars, retail, and business have roots in the community. This really plays into the Philly magic of knowing your neighborhood and the folks that live there.
Agent Dayna Hillis’s client Janet found the perfect condo (complete with a courtyard and indoor pool!) in West Philly for her and her husband. She was surprised at just how convenient public transportation is and how huge the Philadelphia arts community is. “We lived in Brooklyn for 25 years and a small midwestern town for ten,” Janet shares. “Philly is both friendly and urban.”
Where can you find places that might feel like your former home…
South Philly nods to Little Italy with the flavors of the Italian Market. Park Slope can also be comparable as it is a lovely family-friendly neighborhood.
Williamsburg and Bushwick have a similar feel to Northern Liberties, Fishtown, East Kensington, and the growing popularity of Brewerytown. A little grit, art, and cool kid scene.
Mount Airy may remind you of Park Slope or Cobble Hill, Brooklyn with cobblestone streets and quaint shops.
Port Richmond has the residential feel of Queens or Brooklyn. Greenpointers will feel at home with the Polish markets, restaurants, and bars.
Center City, Rittenhouse and Washington Square West will remind you of being in the East Village and Upper West Side all at the same time. One client shares that the green spaces in this area remind them of being in a Manhattan park (think Union Sq, Madison Sq Park, or even Gramercy).
Fairmount/Art Museum has that Upper East Side feel. Young professionals that take advantage of the breathtaking outdoor park along the Skyukill River.
Old City has a flavor of Soho with coffee shops, high-end boutiques, and lofts.
Northeast Philly and West Philly can feel like quieter parts of Queens and Brooklyn.
The Main Line will hug you in luxury just like Westchester and parts of the Connecticut coast.
As much of our team has also come from other cities, including New York, Chicago, Seattle, Baltimore, and Los Angeles, we can give you our best advice... No matter where you are coming from, we are here for you!
Fishtown is a tight-knit neighborhood, known for its mix of generational Philadelphians, artists, families, and young adults that enjoy the nightlife. Stroll the streets and you will instantly make new friends with newcomers and oldtimers crowding their stoops.