Moving to Pittsburgh or Philly (Philadelphia, Erie: renting, insurance, hotels)

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Philly and its suburbs are part of the northeast corridor and the vibe there is much different from Pittsburgh, which is Midwest.

Not to people from Wisconsin and Illinois, it's not.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Philly and its suburbs are part of the northeast corridor and the vibe there is much different from Pittsburgh, which is Midwest.

Ugh, this is cringey, especially when Pennsylvanians say it. Western PA is part of the Northeast and feels VERY distinctly different from the Midwest.

It's obviously not "East Coast" like Eastern PA, but it's definitely not Wisconsin, either.

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Huff1998

I guess the big question with Philly is the crime / drugs.

Crime rates in Philadelphia are very comparable to Chicago, and similarly concentrated in specific neighborhoods that are very easily avoidable.

There is, unfortunately, a pocket of "open air" drug use, most notoriously in the Kensington neighborhood, but it's an incredibly concentrated and isolated phenomenon.

The drama that been popularized on YouTube is "suffering porn" meant for shock value. It's grotesque, and the new Mayor is very motivated to get a handle on it. But it's no way, shape or form, anything you find beyond those few blocks in Kensington.

[Wells5]

Originally Posted by Duderino

It's obviously not "East Coast" like Eastern PA, but it's definitely not Wisconsin, either.

Wisconsin is one of a handful of states that I've never visited. So I can't compare western PA to Wisconsin. But I've been to Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo and IMO, Pittsburgh has more in common with those cities than it does with Philly. The vibe in Philly is more like Baltimore and Wilmington.



Since you claim to live near Boston, what are your thoughts on New Hampshire?

[Duderino]

Originally Posted by Wells5

Wisconsin is one of a handful of states that I've never visited. So I can't compare western PA to Wisconsin. But I've been to Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo and IMO, Pittsburgh has more in common with those cities than it does with Philly. The vibe in Philly is more like Baltimore and Wilmington.



Since you claim to live near Boston, what are your thoughts on New Hampshire?

I'm unsure of the nature of the question. New Hampshire is a New England state, part of the upper Northeast.

And just like Pennsylvania isn't exactly like New York or New Jersey (nor is each part of those states exactly like other parts), they are still all classified as geographically (lower) Northeastern.

What about cities like Buffalo, Rochester, or even Burlington, VT? None are "East Coast" per se, but like Pittsburgh, they're in the Northeastern section of the US. Plain and simple.

[Wells5]

Upper or lower northeastern. Those are terms that I'm not familiar with. But coming from Philly, you are familiar no doubt with the term of "upper" and "lower" as in Upper Gwynedd and Lower Gwynedd.


Actually, PA is now classified as a mid Atlantic state along with New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. The northeastern states are now just New England and New York.


The OP likes cold and snow and MA and ME, so New Hampshire came to mind.

[pman]

Originally Posted by Duderino

I'm unsure of the nature of the question. New Hampshire is a New England state, part of the upper Northeast.

And just like Pennsylvania isn't exactly like New York or New Jersey (nor is each part of those states exactly like other parts), they are still all classified as geographically (lower) Northeastern.

What about cities like Buffalo, Rochester, or even Burlington, VT? None are "East Coast" per se, but like Pittsburgh, they're in the Northeastern section of the US. Plain and simple.

right, eastern us is broader than east coast. perhaps you could argue buffalo and pittsburgh are part of the mid-east but it's definitely not IN or IL

[AshbyQuin]

I would suggest checking out Chestnut Hill if you're adamant about being in the city or the Plymouth Meeting area if you're on a budget. The areas are filled with beautiful valleys, public parks, trails, and some farmland.

[YorktownGal]

Originally Posted by Huff1998

We have a beautiful apartment, but that’s all. No yard, no dog park, fitness center, etc. there’s also not much to do here other than go to the few stores & restaurants. We don’t really have any friends that we hangout with. Just our softball family during season.

I’m wanting to move to the NorthEast & for some reason am wanting Pennsylvania. I would love Maine, or Massachusetts but don’t think we’d be able to afford.

My question for this super long thread is: Pittsburgh or Philly?

We are extremely athletic & both love sports. Sporting events, games, tours, recreation sports, playing slow pitch softball, kickball, literally anything sports related we love.

We both don’t drink or smoke, but not opposed to going to a bar for an event (just won’t go to get drunk)

We love being outdoors. We love the water, laying on the sand, swimming, letting our dog play in the water, and all that. She loves hiking, I only enjoy it if there’s a nice view or nice end goal lol. I am a new photographer so I do love getting good views to capture on camera, we both love the cold & snow so any snow activity, we are in.

We love traveling & seeing new things & doing pretty much anything out of the house we can.

We do have a 2 year old lab, & plan on getting a golden retriever hopefully soon & also have a cat.

Hope this OP comes back with an update!

A baby will change your life. All this current emphasis on sports activities will go away. In five years or so, you'll be more concern about little league and other kids' sports than your own.

Originally Posted by AshbyQuin

I would suggest checking out Chestnut Hill if you're adamant about being in the city or the Plymouth Meeting area if you're on a budget. The areas are filled with beautiful valleys, public parks, trails, and some farmland.

FWIW, in cold weather, your outdoor time with a baby is limited. I would agree with Chestnut Hill or Plymouth Meeting. OTOH, Pittsburgh has many museums and indoor activities for children too. Buffalo and upper NY is miserable with small kids.

[villageidiot1]

I have lived in Pittsburgh and around Western PA almost my entire life. I have also spent time in the Philly area. My son went to college in Center City and lives in West Chester. I don't agree with some of the responses on here. Regarding crime and traffic, it depends where you live in a metropolitan area. The Philly area is bigger than Pittsburgh. Traffic can be bad in both towns especially if you have to drive the Parkways in Pittsburgh or the Schuylkill Expressway in Philly. Pittsburgh has issues with traffic because of the hills, tunnels, and rivers.

The economy is the Greater Philly area is much better than Pittsburgh. Southeastern PA is growing. The population in all of Western PA is declining.

Regarding real estate, Pittsburgh's housing prices are comparatively low compared to many areas. The area where my son lives in Chester County is very expensive and houses don't seem to stay on the market long. I can't comment on other areas around Philly.

Regarding weather, Philly is slightly warmer and more sunny than Pittsburgh.

From what you describe, you're looking for a suburban area with larger lot sizes. I would be looking at areas at least 50 miles outside of Center City Philly. The Main Line corridor will be one of the most expensive areas because of the top school districts and the commuter rail lines.