What do you like about Philadelphia?

[Double L]

What do you like about Philadelphia?

[SkyscraperGuru]

Absolutely everything, it's a growing city with a lot of culture, it's got a heavy Italian influence and at some parts it feels European, some parts it feels heavily like New York.

I'd never live anywhere else in America, having seen 47 (Sorry, ND, SD and WY) states and every city with over 200,000 population in America (and many with 100,000+), it's safe to say that I have a very informed decision on my love of Philadelphia.

[phillyskyline]

It's European flair and Tastycakes!

[volguus zildrohar]

Yards Brewery.

Sheena Parveen.

WIP.

Forbidden Drive.

Walnut Street on a warm night.

SEPTA during a snowstorm.

The intersection of 9th & Market.

The Mayfair Diner.

Wawa.

The accent.

Occasionally nothing.

Living in this city is like married life. It can be contentious, disappointing and frustrating. However, if you really love it, you'd feel weird waking up in a bed somewhere else every morning.

[hammersklavier]

It's really hard to explain. In South Philly, especially around Queen Village, Bella Vista, and Passyunk Avenue, I feel like I'm in an exclave of somewhere in Europe--and the same is true in Fishtown, too--yet I only have to walk a mile and then I'm in New York. Another mile and I'm in Savannah, in sedate, baroque University City. A bus ride up Germantown Avenue and I find myself, in Chestnut Hill, in small-town America, and in Mt. Airy, a realm of gorgeous estates. Manayunk feels like a whole other city entirely--it's even got a completely different architectural vernacular--and near the river's got a mill town feel. Traditional Main Streets abound: in Chestnut Hill, in Mt. Airy, in Manayunk, Mayfair, West Oak Lane, and so on.

In short, what I'm trying to say is that in New York, wherever you go you're still in New York. In Philadelphia, you almost feel you could travel the world in a single day.

[Phil_North]

I'm biased since I grew up here and still live here.

University City
Northern Liberties
Driving on Lincoln Drive
The challenge of making that next light on the Roosevelt Blvd without speeding and without getting caught by a red light camera.
Grabbing a Philly pretzel (appetizer), a cheesesteak (main course) and Tastykake (dessert)
Being entertained by the ridiculousness of 15th street between Market and Chestnut
Watching visitors and first timers figure out the track numbering system at 30th street station
Riding the 'el' train alongside I-95
The fine cuisine of Center City
The Art Museum (Rocky) steps
The Delaware River Waterfront. I just like to sit and stare at it.

[PHL10]

Rowhomes. I think it’s the single biggest thing that makes Philadelphia the way it is.

[relnahe]

Whats NOT to like!

If I though have to pick one its the cultural/culinary destinations. When you factor the history, the public art, restuarnants, museums, the oldest instutions, parks. Not many cities on planet earth can compete on that level.

[SSBMEXPERT]

It's just that nice big (but not too big), European-like, symbolic, new and modern balance the city has. It has a little bit of everything that I like, tall unique looking buildings, beautiful historic structures, large bodies of water nearby, lots of murals, long awesome looking suspension bridges, elegant architecture and street orientation (giving it that European-feeling I mentioned).

Ugh, I could make this all sound really sappy. ...So I will. It's just that sorta urban spiritual feeling that this city has (to me at least). Or that sense of wonder, whenever I see a photo of the city, especially with shots that include the Ben Franklin Bridge at night.

To maybe better put it into perspective, imagine of some movie shots of the city with a song like Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia" in the background, or in my case "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve. Yea, maybe none of that makes any sense to yinz guys. But for me it's just the feeling the city gives me that makes me love it.

...That urban spirity thing feeling. Yeah...

[bucks native]

It was the first city to practice tolerance. That's something.

I love the architecture and the fact that I can attend the same church that Franklin and Washington attended.

local writers join in here: http://www.phillymag.com/articles/lo...lly-philly-76/

[bucks native]

Financial Times of London favors Philadelphia's "history and humility" here: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f89d4048-3...#ixzz2FJZSkVcq

[ithacat]

The history.
The Phillies.
The Union.
Wawa.
The cheesesteak.
The squares.

[Muji]

In no particular order and definitely not exhaustive... the Schuykill River Trail, roast pork sandwiches, the PSFS building, the skyscrapers on Market West, Manayunk, Germantown Avenue and the Northwest, 30th St Station, old Main Line towns, the many independent cafes, many of Erdy-McHenry's buildings, Reading Terminal Market, Rittenhouse Square, the El. I can't think of any major city I've been to outside of Europe where you can comfortably walk to as many destinations on foot. Also, who could forget the world class bar, restaurant, and brewing scene?

[Wayne Junction]

I was born and raised here (Gwynedd Valley) with interim residencies in Pittsburgh, New York City and Vienna. It truly is "the world's biggest small town" as it is almost impossible to go to a cultural event without seeing a familiar face. It has the lowest cost of living along the NE Corridor yet is right in the middle of everything. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. This is home.

[SkyscraperGuru]

Time to give a better review.

In Philadelphia, I can feel a lot of the world in one city, I can honestly feel the passion of the city for its life.
I always say it's the greatest city in America, it's so much better than NYC.

The museums are amazing. Stunning. Vivid. Interactive.
The streets are cultured. Full of life. Energetic.
The food is perfect. It's literally the best city in the world to go to for food.
The clubs / casinos are amazing, they pretty much remind me there's always somewhere for everyone to go.
The suburbs are out of this world. From West Grove and Newark to Manayunk and Conshohocken, from Wilmington to Trenton, they all have so much differences. Never have I seen so much nature incorporated into such a major metropolitan area.
The architecture isn't at all like other cities, even new buildings honor the Philadelphia "Italy-meets-England-meets-America" style.

Who couldn't love this city? Not to mention our local Wawa's, Giant Food Stores, Plato's Closet's, Ski shops, bike shops and whatnot.

Transportation may get some bad credit, but it's pretty great in-city. The subway system is great, at least for me. The radio stations in the city have a lot of pride in the city, the legendary WMMR, the newer Wired 96.5, and our WIP/WPEN talk stations. They all pulsate this feel we express for our city.

Boathouse Row, is an amazing sight to see. It's literally inside the city and it's... that?

Time for my area - "University City"

This area has seem some pretty large growth in the last few years. From the expansion of the university to just plain people moving in. There's a picture on the other thread that well summarizes this area. ( http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8...693ae4f8_c.jpg - thanks to volguus!)

One would think this is a shot from The U.K. or Italy.

It perfectly blends the old, and the new.

[EastSideHBG]

For me, my take is a little different in spots since I did not grow up here and prior to moving here, while I did spend time in Philly occasionally, I spent WAY more time in other cities (e.g. DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh). To be frank, I never saw myself living in the Philly area and was a little apprehensive on settling on Philly when a few opportunities presented themselves at the same time years ago but alas, life seems to have guided me right where I needed to be...

Okay, so enough rambling and onto the good stuff! In no particular order:

• As others have said, one can feel like they are in a completely different city just by traveling a few blocks...some spots I feel like I am in NYC, others Europe, others LA or Atlanta...
• Center City and all of the history here
• The Convention Center
• Being a member of the Megalopolis corridor.
• SEPTA - for all of its faults and the changes it needs to make, it has always gotten me to where I need to be.
• The landscape - the rivers, creeks and streams, rolling hills...the natural beauty and scenery is amazing!
• The neighborhoods - so much character!
• The metro area - some amazing places to visit and live in all around the area, each with its own character and flair...yet you still feel as if you are part of the whole.
• Kelly Dr. on a warm day (and thank you so much, inventors of short shots and yoga pants )
• The sports teams and the passionate fans (for better or worse lol).
• The international culture - this is a BIG one for me and I never, ever take for granted all of the people I have met from around the world and the friendships I have been able to maintain after some traveled back home.
• The weird ass people - I have traveled from coast to coast and I STILL stand by my feelings that you will meet no folks like Philly Pholks.
• The in your face, tell it like it is attitude.
• THE CRAFT BEER SCENE
• The food
• The skyline
• The Art Museum and the immediate area around it
• The Parkway concerts and events

I can go on and on, but those are some of the highlights for me. I know some of the Philly forumers don't like how hard I can be on the city at times but trust me, it comes from a good place, and we are always most critical of the ones we love...

[looper121]

I'll put another vote in for Sheena Parveen.

Can NBC just go ahead and ditch the Hurricane already?

[summersm343]

I love a lot about Philadelphia.

-For one, it is easily one of the most urban cities in the country. The walk-ability in this city is downright astounding, and it seems to be a rare thing in this country.

-The nightlife is pretty amazing. There is always something going on. Most people think Philadelphia shuts down at 2am, but that is not true.... there are a slew of "after hours" bars open until 4am

-History. What else can I say? There is so much history here. From walking around the Colonial streets of Society Hill to walking the historic campus of UPenn and all the other quaint historic streets scattered around the city, you get a feeling here that possibly only Boston can compare to.

-The people. Mostly everyone thinks Philadelphian's are rude and arrogant, I see them as quite the opposite. Their easily the most honest, loyal and straightforward people I have come across. People can often mistake it for rudeness, but they are just being honest and telling you how feel or if the dislike something or not, rather than lying to you and talking behind your back.

-The food. Holy god, so many good eats.

-The sports. Philadelphia is easily one of the best sports teams, whether we win or lose, I love the sports in Philadelphia. Go Phils!

-Amenities. There is so much to do here. From world class museums to great theaters and parks and awesome newly constructed riverfront paths. I even love shopping on Walnut.

-The neighborhoods. SO many fantastic neighborhoods, it makes it almost impossible to chose which one you want to live in.

Philadelphia is great. Most of the people are down to Earth, and it is one of the most real cities in this country.

[rack776]

I wish I could consider myself a resident but I visit Philly alot, NYC aint got nothin on philly, I grew up and live up in Allentown but I Love Philly.
I envy you guys who live there full time, I wish I could.

Favorite things & memories-
- As a little kid driving through Philly was the best part of the trip to the Jersey shore each summer I rember the big deal when Liberty 1 was built,
its still one of my top 3 favorite skyscrapers.

-The family trips to the Franklin Institute had me hooked on Philly being a cool place to go. Seeing Boat House Row at night is still friggin awesome,
I miss the old school incendesant light bulbs, to me the LEDs have no "soul"
The drive in and out of the city is amazing no matter which way you come or go.

-The trips with my Wife when we were first married doing all the "touristy" things, Betsy Ross house, Tour the Mint, see Independance Hall, etc.

-The trips with friends & family just hanging out & enjoying the city, "like a local" Thanks & Props to B. Love at Phillyskyline.com for giving me the inspiration to explore the city and get out and shoot photos and live it.

-Seeing the Phillies have a good run at Citizens Bank Park in person and then having the "Full Philly Sports Fan Experiance" by having the team crash your hopes & dreams and go back to stinking again....At least the Cubs fans dont have to deal with the emotional ups & downs like we do. The Phanatic Kicks Ass. Look out Tommy Lasorda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNKdLLFbHk0

-Visits to the Seaport Museum, Penns Landing & the "Camden waterfront annex" Lots of cool stuff to do on a summer day.

-The small clubs & bars, I saw a few killer bands in the city & Camden and there is nothing better than seeing an awesome show in a cool venu and having the philly skyline near by to remind you where you are.

-The Trolley lines & trains, too bad there is no direct link with Allentown to SEPTA, I'd visit even more often.

-The History, where else can you see where Ben Franklins house "was" and see the bottom of his privy....The Bell and other stuff is good too.

-Rocky

-Yards Beer

-#1 Favorite Thing EVER was/is the full on City Hall tour, the incredible view, the amazing building, the Mayor in the hallway even stopped to say hi.


If they could fix the whole traffic on the Schylkill Expressway thing it would be the perfect city.

-Jason

[slow-v6]

I was born and raised 7 miles east of Philly in SNJ.. I joined the Navy our of HS back in 99 and saw the world and pretty much every major city on the east and west coast. After I got out of the Navy in 08 I moved back home, even though I loved living in Virginia Beach. Now my Wife ( who is from Utah) and daughter live in pretty much my home town that I grew up.

Things I love about this area..

Center City.. Its amazing. Easy to walk and find your way around. The history with old city on one side and Market street canyon on the other. City Tavern, all the mueseums, all the places to eat, China town.. Amazing. My wife, Daughter, and I love to take the speedline over to 16th and Locust and walk down to Rittenhouse Square and just spend the day in the park while having a picnic.

Watching the 4th of July fireworks is amazing as well. We love to park in old city and walk down all the old streets and colonial homes on our way to Penns Landing.

King of Prussia mall and Franklyn Mills mall are both great places to shop!!

Chickies and Petes, and Sweet Lucy's BBQ.. Shanks Pier 40, and Tony Lukes. Reading Terminal. Terminey Bros bakery..

Piere Robert on WMMR ( The best radio station in the nation and best DJ by far)

The sports Complex! South street, The Mummers, Boathouse row, The Zoo..

The battlefields and Old Forts!!

Ben Franklin Bridge.

Those are just some of what we love about Philadelphia!!

Things I hate..

Interstate 76. Worst freaking Hgwy.

PHL International airport!! So small for the amount of flights per day. Your always waiting in line to take off and always waiting for a gate to park at..